EP8 Drive Unit
EP8 E-MTB DU-EP800
As of September 2020 the EP8 series is Shimano's new flagship E-bike system. This Drive Unit (DU-EP800) provides a maximum torque of 85Nm and weighs only 2.6Kg - that is 300g less than its predecessor.
It uses the same frame mount pattern as DU-E8000 and DU-7000, meaning bike manufacturers can use the same frame design between multiple Shimano drive unit models. Also, you should be able to upgrade your DU-7000 / DU-E8000 bikes relatively easily.
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The unit uses its own dedicated cranks (160mm / 165mm / 170mm / 175mm) and has a Q-factor of 177mm. It is compatible with mechanical shifting (9/10/11/12 speed systems), Di2 (11 speed) and Internal Hub Gear systems. This includes Shimano's latest NEXUS Inter-5 groupset.
It features two E-Tube ports (SD300 type) and one dedicated speed sensor port. The speed sensor cable has a fin and therefore will not fit regular E-Tube ports. It will only work in its own port.
The batteries used with this drive unit are the 630Wh batteries BT-E8016 (downtube) and BT-E8036 (internal). Another option is the smaller but lighter and faster charging 504Wh internal battery BT-E8035-L.
Riding characteristics and support levels
BOOST provides a maximum torque of 85Nm just like TRAIL. The difference between these levels is the amount of required rider input torque. The boost mode will always provide a good amount of support torque at low rider input while trail acts a bit more responsive - it'll provide more support as the rider input torque increases.
The ECO mode tops out at 30Nm, providing support and extended range.
Each of these support levels can be customised using Shimano's E-Tube Project apps for Android and iOS. The video below provides a quick glance at the customisation screen.
Specifications
- Model code: DU-EP800
- Series: EP8 E-MTB (EP800)
- Weight: 2600g
- SD50 ports: 0
- SD300 ports: 2
- Satellite Shifter ports: 1
Manuals & other documents
Firmware updates
Below is an overview of all known firmware updates for this component. The changelog texts are Shimano's, and quite often they're a bit cryptic - sorry!
4.2.0
The issue where the system does not start properly when the power is turned ON with the satellite system ON/OFF switch (EW-SW100/EW-SW300) in a low-temperature environment has been fixed.
4.1.11
General bug fixes.
4.1.10
■ Changes- System operations at low battery level have been improved.
4.1.9
General bug fixes.
4.1.8
・Bug fixes for the error detection function.・Improved the display accuracy for the assist traveling range.
4.1.7
The error detection logic has been corrected.
4.1.6
Optimized the process when turning off the power.
4.1.5
The firmware has been updated to accommodate changes to internal parts.
4.1.4
・Bug fixes the adjustment values settings of RD/MU, when the power is turned off after 10 minutes without confirming the settings.After updating the firmware, even if the power is turned off after 10 minutes without changing the adjustment value, the adjustment value before the change will be kept.
4.1.2
By updating to this firmware, the following events will be resolved.Bug fixes the issue when trying to change the settings with E-TUBE PROJECT for Windows V4 on some drive units.- Max torque, assist character, and assist start settings cannot be changed.- Max torque is displayed as 255Nm (correct range is 20 to 85Nm)※Assist function will operate normally, even if the firmware has not been updated.
4.1.1
・E-TUBE PROJECT supports the built-in battery charging function of EW-SW100, EW-SW300, and SC-E6100.Please make sure that you have installed “E-TUBE PROJECT for Windows V4 (Ver.4.0.2)” in your computer and updated the DU.