Mahle has launched production of its new X20 traction motor for e-bikes at its site in Slovenia. Around 20 employees are currently producing the new drive on the assembly line commissioned this year and Mahle says the first deliveries to customers have already been made.

The X20 will secure sales growth in the mid-double-digit million range for the site in the coming years, the company says. The system weight is fewer than 3.2 kilograms (approx. 7 lbs.), including the battery and control unit, making the X20 one of the lightest e-bike drives available on the market. The new product was developed by Mahle Smartbike Systems in Palencia/Spain. 

Mahle’s ultralight X20 drive system is tailored to the design of gravel bikes, road bikes and urban e-bikes, the company says. The hub motor delivers 23 newton-meters directly to the wheel. Equipped with a  sensor package that measures acceleration, speed, torque, temperature and pedaling rate, the X20 also uses artificial intelligence to continuously adapt the drive to the person in the saddle, the company says