MAHLE X30 eBike engine versions power performance autonomy characteristics problems and defects everything you need to know
Mahle has introduced the X30, a new rear hub drive unit for electric bicycles suitable for road, gravel, urban and children's bikes. According to Mahle, the X30 is "the perfect system for every type of cyclist" thanks to its versatility, robustness and technological advancement.
The X30 motor represents a new industry standard for lightweight electric bikes, building on the experiences Mahle gained with its previous models, the X35 and X20. This unit will form the basis for the future of Mahle propulsion systems, transforming electric bicycles into smart bikes through a digital ecosystem that adapts the motor performance to the user's needs.
Gonzalo García, product manager at Mahle Smartbike Systems, compares the X20 to Grand Tour cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, while the X30 is considered to be multi-disciplinary champion Mathieu van der Poel. The X30's ability to fit almost any type of bike, except electric mountain bikes, supports Mahle's claim that this will be the industry standard for lightweight electric bikes. Furthermore, compatibility with existing components, accessories and the digital ecosystem is another plus.
The X Drive units in the Mahle range, including the X30, all deliver 250W of power. However, with 45 Nm of torque, the X30 sits between the X35 and the more powerful power, but we often forget the efficiency of the system. Efficiency helps to go further with the energy capacity of the system, allowing a smaller battery for the same autonomy.”
Mahle says the X30 rear hub motor's engineering reduces energy loss and increases energy efficiency by 15% compared to similar systems, extending your journey in an environmentally friendly way. The smaller battery also helps reduce the weight of the system.
Three batteries are available for the system with different autonomy:
iX3: autonomy of 130 km
iX2: 90 km autonomy
eX1: bottle-shaped range extender with 55 km of autonomy
The X30 offers more power up to 12 km/h than the X20 and X35, with a top speed of 25 km/h. Tuning engine performance via mapping plays a crucial role in the versatility of the X30:
Road: Smoother response to rider torque and smooth acceleration at low and high speeds
Gravel: More responsive response to rider torque with greater acceleration at low speeds
Urban: Very responsive response to rider torque with increased acceleration
Kids: Response to rider torque with smooth acceleration at all speeds
García adds that this knowledge of end users will help Mahle “power their business.” The performance of the X30 can be customized and the system can autonomously adapt to the driving style.
Mahle's HMI head unit, located in the bike's top tube, allows you to turn the ebike on or off and select three levels of assistance. “This is the heart of the system. All the intelligence and decision making is contained in this device,” says García.
The X30's intelligence also includes a fourth setting called Smart Assist, available on Mahle torque-sensing ebikes. Smart Assist uses torque reading to adapt the bike's response based on power input, conditions and terrain, employing artificial intelligence, machine learning and real-time information processing.