Shimano’s new EP801 motor has been getting a lot of hype. Featuring FreeShift, AutoShift, and higher peak power, it sounds like a big leap. But, it also needs some qualifiers. Are you an extreme mountain biker? You’re going to love it. For city cargo riding? Not so much.
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It’s cool. Question is: do you need it?
Many of our customers assume the cargo bike market is bigger than it is, and that these motors were designed for cargo bikes. But Shimano’s main focus is the e-mountain bike market. The same is true for Bosch. The EP801’s features make sense in that context.
Torque & Peak Power
While the systems both have the same 85Nm of torque, the EP801’s slightly higher peak power supports short bursts of extreme effort. That could mean sprinting uphill or bombing down technical trails. Torque, after all, is what moves a loaded bike and climbs hills; it’s the force you feel under your feet.
Where the EP801 pulls ahead is in power. With about 100 watts more peak output, it can hold strong torque higher into your cadence range. For mountain bikers, that means explosive sprints. For cargo riders, it means the motor won’t fade as quickly under sustained effort – like hauling heavy loads up a long hill or keeping pace in traffic. It’s not a night-and-day change, but it does give the EP801 more headroom.
Mind Reader
That said, the EP8 still delivers everything a cargo bike rider actually need. Every EP8 comes standard with Di2, Shimano’s electronic shifting system. That means no cables to freeze or gum up in winter, no maintenance headaches, just precise, reliable gear changes every time. What makes Shimano a favourite is is how their motors seamlessly integrate with their drivetrains – after all, they make both. So, even if the EP8 isn’t quite as “mind-reading” as the new EP801, it’s already steps ahead of Bosch in delivering intuitive, responsive power-assist.
As for the battery? Battery life is the same. Both the Bullitt EP801 and the EP8 use a massive 630Wh battery. Perfect for long range rides or longer intervals between charges.
Big Power, Low Price!
The bottom line is that the EP8 gives cargo bikers all the torque, range, reliability, and flexibility they could ever want. You don’t need FreeShift or AutoShift, and right now, with our EP8s on sale, you don’t need to pay for them either. At the time of writing, we have one EP8 in a XT external derailleur and another with a Nexus-5 internal gear hub (with belt drive). For those who want massive battery range and a gear for every pedal-stroke, no matter what power level, go for the XT. For those who value low maintenance and know the battery still has more than enough juice, even on higher motor settings (about 50km if you keep it on Boost), you know which bike to get.
