Shimano today announced two new 11- and 12-speed Deore XT Di2 group sets specifically for e-MTBs, as well as the Cues Di2 component line for e-bikes. They also introduced an all-new EP6 drive unit and an updated version of their existing EP8 drive unit, the EP801.

Topping off Shimano's latest component releases for e-MTB are two group sets: the first is the Deore XT Di2 Link Glide (LG), based on the tough and durable 11-speed Link Glide gearbox. It is a 1x11 groupset with the new LG700 11-50t cassette and is said to be 200 g lighter than the previous LG600.

A new M8150-11 Di2 rear derailleur and M8150-R/IR right shifter operate smooth shifting through the drive unit, and centralized battery and charging simplifies design and maintenance.

The Deore XT Di2 Hyperglide (HG+) combines sophisticated 12-speed Hyperglide+ shifting with Di2 control. Focused on weight savings and performance, this new e-MTB groupset uses the proven HG+ cassette and chain design with the addition of new Di2 features and speeds. The rear derailleur is dedicated to M8150-12 Di2 and is operated by the M8150-R/IR right shifter.

Cues is Shimano's new e-bike specific groupset. It is designed to provide trouble-free drivetrain life and performance and is based on the durable Link Glide (LG) transmission. It features Shimano's new drive unit with centralized integration and innovative electronic shifting modes that simplify the riding experience.

Cues Di2 consists of two new rear derailleurs, both with medium-length cages and operating with a single chainring; the U6070 Di2 is designed for 11-speed LG transmissions, with the lowest sprocket up to 50t, and the U6050 Di2 upper sprocket limit of up to 43 tons and is designed for 10-speed LG transmissions.

At the heart of the new drivetrain are two new and upgraded e-bike drive units. The new EP6 series drive units will offer the same performance and natural ride feel as the existing high-end EP8 units, but at a mid-level price. Meanwhile, the existing EP8 drive unit will add a new CAN accessory port and new features; it will be known as the EP801.

The EP6 (also called EP600 by Shimano) produces a maximum torque of 85 Nm and is rated at 250 W continuous; it weighs 3 kg and can assist up to 28 mph on US Class 3 e-bikes and is available with the three new Di2 drivetrains mentioned above, as well as Di2 operation s internal hub gears and mechanical drivetrains are compatible.

The EP801 drive unit has exactly the same maximum torque of 85Nm, continuous power rating of 250W, and US Class 3 e-bike assist capabilities, but weighs 300g less at 2.7 kg. compatible with mechanical drivetrains.

A new fine-tuning mode in the E-Tube project app also allows users to customize the power profiles of both EP6 and EP801 units.

All three new Di2 e-bike transmissions feature two innovative integrated shifting modes: "freeshift" and "autoshift with manual override."

Free-shift allows riders to change gears while moving without pedaling. For example, in situations such as straddling berms, falling into compressions, or pedaling through tough technical sections, the rider can select the appropriate gear for his or her speed and expected escape speed, even when it would normally be impossible to pedal. Riders can also benefit from free shifting when stopping at traffic lights.

Auto Shift With Manual Override is an automatic gear shift system that can be enabled by the rider. Utilizing sensors built into the drive unit and the capabilities of Di2, this system is intended to smooth the riding experience by automatically performing predictive shifting based on the rider's speed and cadence. Combined with the free-shift function, it can be operated whenever the rider is moving, whether or not the rider is pedaling.

Free shift operates when the rider is not pedaling, but alone requires rider input to manually change gears. Auto shift with manual override, on the other hand, operates completely independent of rider input, whether the rider is pedaling or not; pressing the Di2 shift button activates the rear derailleur as usual, and since the cranks are not rotating, the EP drive unit The chainring and chain are sufficiently advanced to make the perfect gear change. This can be done independently of the crank by mechanically decoupling the two elements and using the drive unit's motor to rotate the chainring.

The drive unit settings are controlled by double switches on the left and right, and three dedicated computers record settings, speed, distance, and battery life.

Shimano plans to release new XT Di2 and CUES Di2 components, as well as EP6 and EP801 drive units in late spring or early summer 2023. Because these components are designed to function as a system, Shimano will only offer these components for complete bikes.

The first bikes with the new drivetrains and power units will be on display at Eurobike starting July 11, but we will not have the opportunity to test and fully review the new gear until the product hits the market in 2023. Rest assured, we will bring you a full review of everything as soon as possible.