Shimano has introduced two new electric bike batteries that increase capacity by 25 per cent, extending the potential range of ebikes using the groupset manufacturer's STEPS systems.
The BT-8036 integrated battery has 630Wh of power, an increase over the current largest power pack by 126Wh from 504Wh.
- Shimano launches 12-speed Deore groupset
- Shimano's budget Alivio groupset treated to trickle-down tech
- What are watt hours (Wh)? And more electric bike FAQs answered
The new high-capacity battery has two options that can be integrated into a down tube, as well as an externally-mounted option, dubbed BT-E8016, that requires a brand-new fitment port to accommodate the change in its physical size.
Manufacturers using Shimano's current 504Wh battery, such as Canyon on the recently launched Spectral:ON, claim that in eco mode a 100km mountain bike ride can be eked out of a single charge.
The battery capacity has increased by 25 per cent, so riders on a bike equipped with a BT-8036 or BT-E8016 should reasonably expect to travel roughly 25 per cent or 25km further than a BT-E8035-equipped bike.
The new external BT-E8016 weighs 3,500g, 900g more than the previous largest capacity battery at 504Wh (BT-E8010), an increase of 34 per cent and considerably more than the projected increase in range.
Shimano claims the new integrated BT-E8036 battery weighs 3,700g, an increase of 650g over its BT-E8020 integrated 504wh battery. Unlike the externally-mounted battery, this 21.3 per cent increase in weight is actually less than the projected increase in range.
Meanwhile, a new integrated 504Wh battery – the BT-E8035-L – has also been launched. It has the same dimensions as the new BT-8036 but, despite its lower capacity to volume, Shimano claims it can now be charged to full capacity in four hours, or up to 80 per cent charge in two and a half hours.
The fast-charging BT-E8035-L weighs 3,150g.
Shimano also states its batteries have a long lifespan. Although they do suffer from capacity degradation, like all modern lithium-ion batteries, Shimano claims it takes 1,000 full charge cycles to reduce the battery's usable charge to 60 per cent of its original capacity.
Shimano has had the calculators out and estimates that's the equivalent of 19 years of charging the battery from empty to full once a week.
With the inclusion of the 630Wh battery, Shimano now offers manufacturers a choice of ten different battery types.
Increased chainline options for STEPS motors
What else is new from Shimano? A new 157mm Super Boost-compatible chainring increases the scope of Shimano's STEPS motors.
It's available in 34- or 36-tooth options and could pave the way for an increase in electric mountain bikes running the Super Boost rear axle standard.
Cleaner cockpit integration
Designed specifically for urban electric bikes, the new SC-E5000 display has integrated switches for changing the assist level, plus there are additional buttons that can be configured to control integrated lights or change the display's output.
The new SC-E5000 is backwards compatible with all current STEPS systems, opening up the potential for consumers to upgrade.
