Panasonic E-Bike Systems
Panasonic has been researching, developing, and producing bicycle technology since 1952. This continuous process led to the launch of the first e-bike in 1979, making Panasonic a true pioneer in the e-bike industry. With this dedication, the company aims to make the cycling experience even more comfortable and efficient. Panasonic combines decades of experience with the latest technology to ensure an optimal riding experience. Whether it is the daily commute to work or a weekend trip into the countryside, Panasonic e-bike technology has always set new standards.
GX Ultimate
The powerful Panasonic GX Ultimate motor delivers strong e-power with its impressive 90 Nm of torque, allowing you to conquer even the steepest hills. With an impressive 300% assistance, the GX Ultimate offers boundless freedom off-road as well as pure riding enjoyment. Thanks to its light weight of only around 2.95 kg and compact dimensions, the GX Ultimate is the perfect choice for e-mountain bikes or S-Pedelecs. The motor consistently delivers its power even at low pedalling cadences. The GX Ultimate drive system is one of the most powerful e-bike motors on the market and provides every rider with a sporty riding experience.
GX Power Plus
With the GX Power Plus, every additional kilometre is a pleasure. Weighing only 3.2 kg and delivering a powerful 75 Nm of torque, the GX Power Plus is perfect for those who have an affinity for nature, gravel paths, or long-distance rides. Its smooth yet strong assistance makes this drive system the ideal choice for both e-bike beginners and experienced riders.
GX Power
With the GX Power, Panasonic has designed a drive system for daily rides in the city as well as comfortable trekking trips into the countryside. Thanks to 60 Nm of torque, it delivers optimal power both on challenging forest trails and on asphalt. Weighing only 3.2 kg and offering a power output of 250 W, the GX Power motor unit is suitable for a wide range of uses, whether it is the regular commute to work or an evening ride through nature.
XO & X1 Multispeed
The Panasonic X0 motor offers the right level of support for any situation. Delivering 80 Nm of torque at just 3.7 kg, the X0 ensures high efficiency - whether on a relaxed city ride or a brisk commute to work. This motor allows for comfortable yet powerful travel in urban environments.For those with tighter schedules, the X1 Multi-Speed Assist System has been introduced for S-Pedelecs. Thanks to its 75 Nm two-speed gearbox, this electric drive unit provides an efficient gear ratio with smooth shifting performance.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
Panasonic E-Bike Drive System - Mid-Motor History
It all began in 1996 in Japan, when the manufacturer Panasonic launched a fully developed, in-house electric bicycle. Initially, Panasonic supplied its 26-volt Premium mid-motor e-bike systems in cooperation with the Swiss company Flyer. For many years, the Panasonic e-bike motor was the best-selling drive system in the German-speaking e-bike market.
With the introduction of the 36-volt Deluxe drive system in 2012, the Japanese manufacturer closed the gap with other mid-drive motors. For the first time, this version was also available with a coaster brake. However, in recent years, Panasonic’s e-bike drive system has seen a significant decline in market share. Its reliability, however, has been well proven through millions of kilometres ridden.
In 2014, the Panasonic mid-drive motor was revised once again. The Next Generation mid-motor from Panasonic is smaller and more compact than its predecessor, and significantly quieter. The Panasonic e-bike drive is a comfort-oriented system, offering 3 to 4 support levels (High, Standard, Eco, Auto). It is also optionally available with a coaster brake function. The maximum torque is at least 60 Newton metres.
In 2016, Panasonic returned to the e-bike market with a world first: the Multi Speed Assist motor, specifically designed for sporty trekking bikes and e-mountain bikes. Behind this concept is a two-speed gearbox that can shift automatically or manually. Thanks to this two-speed motor, Panasonic achieved outstanding climbing capability on e-mountain bikes and significantly extended the gear ratio. Gear changes are possible even at full speed. The shifting speed of 0.3 seconds is exceptional. The motor is also designed to require less maintenance and offer greater reliability. As the world's first e-bike motor with a two-speed gearbox, it provides four support levels (Off, Eco, Standard, High). In the 2017 e-bike season, Flyer became the first manufacturer to exclusively adopt the Multi-Speed Assist motor in combination with Flyer Intelligent Technology (FIT).
Panasonic Rear Rack Batteries
With rear rack batteries, the power comes from the same place where luggage and daily shopping are typically stored. The Panasonic rear rack battery was used in older electric bike models, particularly on comfort and trekking bikes. Designed for rear carriers, the 416 Wh lithium-ion battery is scratch-resistant and splash-proof, and usually comes with an integrated rear light.
Panasonic Seat Tube Batteries
For e-bike drive systems with the Panasonic mid-motor, three different seat tube battery variants are available: the 26-volt Premium seat tube battery, the 36-volt Deluxe seat tube battery, and the 36-volt Next Generation seat tube battery. These are offered in various capacity sizes. The batteries for the Panasonic Premium (26 volt) and Panasonic Deluxe (36 volt) systems can only be charged using a separate charger. The batteries of the Next Generation series (36 volt) feature a charging port and can also be charged directly on the e-bike using a charger. Panasonic battery technology ensures high capacity as well as top quality and safety.
Panasonic Frame SIB Batteries
Panasonic frame batteries combine high-quality cell technology with sophisticated design. While older frame batteries were still integrated within the frame triangle, the new SIB batteries are aesthetically and almost invisibly integrated into the down tube. The 20700 cell type was specially developed for a compact battery design and is used in the semi-integrated models. Panasonic SIB batteries guarantee the latest lithium-ion technology without memory effect, as well as long-lasting range performance.
As one of the early pioneers in e-bike technology, Panasonic has naturally offered a variety of displays over the years, depending on the model and production year of the e-bike. The Panasonic LED e-bike display for the 26V Premium system was one of the first of its kind and is easy to operate. It features backlighting, three support modes, and a switch for the lighting system. This display was part of the drive unit for Flyer electric bikes with the 26-volt Panasonic mid-drive motor.
In 2014, the Panasonic control unit was completely redesigned. The result was the Panasonic onboard computer with an LCD display in a smartphone-style design, which can be operated via a remote control on the handlebar. A walk-assist function and a USB port are also integrated into the new onboard computer.
Displays for the 26 Volt Premium System:
- Flyer Panasonic Premium 26-Volt LED Display from 2007 onwards
- Flyer Panasonic Premium 26-Volt LCD Digital-Display ab 2009 (gleicher Link wie beim vorherigen Artikel?)
- Flyer Panasonic Premium 26-Volt LED Display 2010
Displays for the 36 Volt Deluxe System:
- Flyer Panasonic Deluxe 36-Volt LCD Digital-Display 2012
- Flyer Panasonic Deluxe 36-Volt LED/LCD Display with range 2013
- Flyer Panasonic Deluxe 36-Volt LCD Digital-Display with remaining range 2013
Displays for the 36 Volt Next Generation System:
- Flyer Panasonic _next generation LCD Center-Display Kit 2014
- Flyer Panasonic _next generation LCD Seiten-Display 2014 (Link zum einzelnen Center-Display?)
The latest generation of displays is the Panasonic Side Colour Display. This model features an integrated control unit and provides all essential riding data at a glance. Thanks to the Bluetooth 5.0 interface, it can connect to smartphone apps such as “Komoot” or “Strava”. This connection means that the rider no longer needs to look at their smartphone while riding for navigation. Directions are displayed directly on the colour screen