Mahle launches 3.2 kg motor and battery e-bike system

Mahle has launched what it’s calling, “the lightest e-bike drive system on the market” with the X20 coming in at a combined motor and battery weight of 3.2Kg.

The X20 unit also sets a new benchmark for power-to-weight ratio with, “the hub motor deliver(ing) 23Nm directly to the wheel—a power output comparable with that of a mid-drive motor with 55Nm of torque.”

Mahle are keen to emphasise the drive system has an absolutely natural pedal feel.

With such a compact package, “The X20’s motor weighs just 1.4 kilograms (and) is perfectly tailored to the design of gravel bikes and urban e-bikes.” Importantly, the motor “can be disconnected from the system with just one click.”

The system comes with “two available batteries, iX250 and iX350 (which) can be quickly charged – using the MAHLE Active Charger – easily reaching 80 percent charge within one hour.”

An optional water bottle shaped range extender can be added, weighing just one kilogram, which almost doubling the range.

By means of a docking station, this additional battery can also be used as a power bank to charge a laptop or mobile phones while on the go

Also highlighted is the aesthetic advantage the X20 has, because the compact nature of the package means it is easily concealed within the bike’s frame and hub.

“In addition, the X20 has a sophisticated sensor package that measures acceleration, speed, torque, temperature, and pedalling rate. It also uses artificial intelligence to continuously adapt the drive to the person in the saddle. The X20 thus offers a perfectly tailored cycling experience—even when riders or training conditions change.”

“Communication between cyclist and vehicle takes place via a modern HMI with haptic feedback.”

“With the X20, we are starting a completely new chapter by combining weight advantage, aesthetics, and customization in an unprecedented drive solution,” said Jochen Sommer, head of MAHLE Smartbike Systems.

Bike Rumour have already ridden an x20 equipped bike, the Wilier Filante Hybrid aero road e-bike. From the images there is no denying it is extremely hard to tell the bike has a motor and battery onboard.

When reviewing the impact of e-bike sales, Manuel Marsilio, CONEBI General Manager points out, “e-Bikes are fast becoming consumers’ preferred choice,” with “e-Bikes enjoying a staggering 52% increase in sales. E-Bike sales leapt to EUR 10.6 billion in 2020.”

Of the 4.6 million electric bikes sold in Europe, as much as 80% (3.6 million) were assembled on the continent, emphasising a trend of reshoring and localised manufacturing that has been gathering pace.

This, says CONEBI, has boosted employment by 30% across the e-Bike, parts and accessories segments.