MAHLE has targeted the eMTB segment with the launch of its latest M40 mid-drive motor, offering an impressive torque of 105 Newton meters (Nm) with a peak power of 850W that weighs in at just 2.5kg.
“Our M40 one of the most powerful systems on the market. Newly developed batteries, controller, display and other accessories complement the M40 drive system, which is also fully compatible with all accessories anddigital tools of the established MAHLE ecosystem. The M40 is the first drive system in the new M series, which will be further expanded in the coming years to complement the existing X series with the X20, X30 and XS hub drives,” boasts MAHLE.
“Thanks to state-of-the-art technologies, precision engineering and intelligent connectivity, the M40 sets new standards in the category of full-power mid-motors,” said Jochen Sommer, Managing Director of MAHLE SmartBike Systems. “With the M40 system, MAHLE SmartBike Systems is reaffirming its claim to continue driving the development of the eBike industry in the mountain bike segment.”
The M40 was developed especially for electrified mountain bikes and trekking bikes, offering off-road eBikers a powerful but natural riding experience with controlled support that adapts to every riding situation. Thanks to its strengths, M40 is also a very well-balanced system for urban use and can therefore be used in a variety of ways.
As mentioned, the M40 tips the scales at just 2.5 kg, offering one of the best power-to-weight ratios on the market at 340 W/kg. Moreover, the drive system delivers a support ratio of up to 400%, while an optimized aluminum shaft with a Q-factor of 179 mm offers exceptional versatility combined with top performance.
Additionally, the drive system is compatible with the ETOR crank standard, ensuring simple integration into a wide range of cranksets available on the market. Also, the motor is decoupled from the frame via the MAHLE Decoupling Mounting System (DMS), thus reducing the transmission of vibrations into the frame.
System control and behavior
The M40 system offers a powerful yet natural riding experience with strong controlled support that adapts seamlessly to every riding situation. It ensures smooth power delivery even at high cadence and enables rider-controlled performance, especially on technical trails and when climbing, as well as being equipped with the most advanced sensors on the market.
The integrated software uses an ultra-precise speed sensor to ensure a smooth, progressive motor response without jerky movements or abrupt power peaks. The system collects riding data and adjusts the assistance dynamically and precisely. With the ability to recognize changes in speed over a distance of less than three centimeters, the system offers greater accuracy than comparable offerings on the market.
The M40 system also includes advanced driving control functions such as Motor Dynamic Overrun that reduces the braking effect of the motor and enables a smooth overrun after pedaling, making it easy to overcome obstacles. In addition, thanks to a highly sensitive sensor, the system adapts independently to the riding speed and ensures a more natural riding experience that is customized to the riding requirements.
Another feature is Hill Brake, which prevents rolling back when stopping on steep inclines thanks to the engine”s “Auto Hold” function for a controlled safe start.
Batteries, range and efficiency
Another outstanding feature of the M40 drive is its optimized energy consumption, particularly at high support levels. This enables the use of smaller, lighter batteries without any loss of performance and offers manufacturers more design freedom for agile and easy-to-handle bikes thanks to its new, powerful 48V batteries from MAHLE that were developed and manufactured in Europe.
For instance, the iM5 battery provides 534wh, which together with M40 drive unit weighs around 5 kg, making it one of the lightest combinations on the market, while the iM8 800wh battery increases the travel range up to 150km in autonomy mode, or 2,500m of altitude.
Also, both batteries are identical in shape and have the same connections, so they can be used and exchanged as required.
Individualization
The M40’s motor settings are defined together with the manufacturer and saved at the end of a bike”s production process. This means that every brand that uses the M40 system can offer bikes with unique riding characteristic, while certain components from other manufacturers can also be integrated into the MAHLE ecosystem via the MAHLE Gateway.
Accessories
MAHLE presents new accessories with the M40 system:
Existing MAHLE accessories such as Duo remote, eShifters or the ANT+ bike computer Pulsar One can also be used for M40 with full compatibility.
Connectivity
Lastly, users can connect to the digital ecosystem of MAHLE SmartBike Systems via their eBike, laptop, smartphone or Apple Watch and access its numerous functionalities.
MAHLE
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