In recent years the global demand for e-Bikes has expanded dramatically as bike manufacturers have fully embraced the latest drive unit technology and introduced stylish new models offering increased range and performance. Yamaha’s new PW-XM is the lightest drive unit in the range, check out the tech…

Yamaha's new PW-XM is the lightest drive unit in the range, check out the tech...

Yamaha’s new PW-XM is the lightest drive unit in the range, check out the tech…

Yamaha Motor pioneered the first e-Bike back in 1993. It mounted the first iteration of the company’s signature Power Assist System (PAS), in which an electric motor is used to provide an assistive force to the pedalling power of the rider in a manner that feels natural and in tune with human perceptions. Simply named the “PAS” after its headline feature, the bicycle was hailed as the first of its kind in the world and enjoyed a successful market debut.

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The new PW-XM is the lightest drive unit in the range, and its launch 30 years after Yamaha invented the e-Bike underlines just how far this zero-emission technology has progressed. Aimed at the high-end e-MTB market, the PW-XM features a specifically-designed magnesium housing that keeps its overall weight down to just 2.6 kg. With the reduced weight and the improved heat dissipation, this flagship motor is able to produce consistently strong torque even when under high loads for long periods.

The new PW-XM is the lightest drive unit in the range, and its launch 30 years after Yamaha invented the e-Bike underlines just how far this zero-emission technology has progressed.

The new PW-XM is the lightest drive unit in the range, and its launch 30 years after Yamaha invented the e-Bike underlines just how far this zero-emission technology has progressed.

As well as standing for ‘Magnesium’, the ‘M’ in PW-XM is also a reference to the motor’s assembly place in Morimachi, Japan – a bike-centric city famous for its mountain biking and cycling tourism, making it the perfect place for the birth of this new flagship e-MTB drive unit.

With a maximum torque figure of 85Nm and weight of just 2.6 kg, the PW-XM has the highest torque-to-weight ratio in the Yamaha range, making it an ideal drive unit for e-MTB applications. It is also fully compatible with Yamaha’s existing PW-X3 and PW S2 units, enabling manufacturers to create three different e-Bikes using the same chassis design.

With a maximum torque figure of 85Nm and weight of just 2.6 kg, the PW-XM has the highest torque-to-weight ratio in the Yamaha range, making it an ideal drive unit for e-MTB applications.

With a maximum torque figure of 85Nm and weight of just 2.6 kg, the PW-XM has the highest torque-to-weight ratio in the Yamaha range, making it an ideal drive unit for e-MTB applications.

With its minimal external dimensions combined with Yamaha’s highest torque-to-weight ratio, the PW-XM is designed specifically for the premium e-MTB market. Its compact layout offers greater freedom to bike manufacturers in their next generation chassis designs – and the powerful torque ensures strong performance on alpine tracks, steep hills or sandy trails.

Using state-of-the-art sensing electronics including Automatic Assist Mode, tuning detection algorithms and Zero Cadence Technology, customers will experience strong, seamless and natural feeling power at all times. 

"Using state-of-the-art sensing electronics including Automatic Assist Mode, tuning detection algorithms and Zero Cadence Technology, customers will experience strong, seamless and natural feeling power at all times."

“Using state-of-the-art sensing electronics including Automatic Assist Mode, tuning detection algorithms and Zero Cadence Technology, customers will experience strong, seamless and natural feeling power at all times.”

The new PW-XM can be paired with any of the company’s displays and batteries, best in conjunction with the minimalistic and highly technical Interface X.

PW-XM Product Highlights:

  • All new premium e-MTB drive unit, designed for extreme off-road challenges as well as sporty trail rides.
  • Best in class riding experience: 85 Nm and 2.6 kg – Yamaha’s most powerful and lightest design, with the highest torque-to-weight ratio.
  • Magnesium housing, manufactured in house using Yamaha Motor’s motorcycle technology, ensures highest quality look and feel.
  • Improved heat management.
  • Equipped with Yamaha’s advanced sensing technologies – Zero Cadence Technology and Automatic Support Mode – for a powerful, responsive and seamless Yamaha Pure Ride experience.
  • Walk-assist feature.
  • Compatible with PW-X3 and PWseries S2 motor brackets – one frame design can accommodate three different Yamaha motors.
  • Compatible with all Yamaha displays and batteries.

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