For the 2015 season, Shimano will really get into the ring with Bosch to have a say in the mid-motor e-bike business. At the moment, the two companies from Germany and Japan are all set for peaceful coexistence:

Shimano is launching an adapter that makes the electronic shifting units of the 11-speed (SG-S705) and 8-speed (SG-S505) Alfine as well as the Nexus 8-speed hub (SG-C6060) compatible with the second-generation Bosch drivetrain.

The Bosch battery supplies the adapter with power and at the same time the gear selected is shown on the drive unit display. The cooperation brings full integration of the Di2 motor for gear adjustment in the gear hub with the Bosch system, resulting in fast and reliable gear changes.

Shimano has indicated that the adapter will be available in November 2014; prices are not yet known. The adapter is compatible with the second generations of Bosch's Active and Performance lines. First-generation Bosch systems and systems for 45 km/h are not compatible with the Di2 adapter.

www.shimano.com
www.bosch-ebike.de