The Core series only got released last year, they only change designs when it's needed/new tech introduced (such as a flight attended version, bigger battery version) not on yearly cycles like other brands. The next thing to come is the new larger batteries, after that will be the light ebike...
Well, nay sayers, doubters and hopefuls. Our Lord and saviour Markus seems to be sporting the new battery at Ard Rock. Current understanding is it fits all past and current gen except for size small. There's been word from YT at their rolling circus these batteries are coming out as replacement...
I spoke to the UK mill about this idea, they advised that Shimano centres do stock their YT battery in Europe. So it may be worth seeing if you can contact some of them near your planned trip to see if they stock any of the custom batteries for hire.
I changed to 220mm MDR-Ps F/R and the pads to aftermarket (uberbike e-matrix) which have made the codes absolutely fantastic now, still have slight modulation of SRAM, but the power is all there and comes on much quicker. Like you said, much cheaper (£100 for me total) and has got me the end...
Before we close this off...I know how you feel, I just got my Core 2 MX and I'm used to SRAM brakes myself but these were atrocious; what sorted it out for me was getting some aftermarket pads (Galfer if you're US or UberBike if you're UK) and now they're absolutely fine. Plus if you want more...
Has anyone had any contact with YT to see what the status is? I'm starting to think that they'll release it as part of an "Uncaged" model of their Decoy in 2022. My guess is it's taking sooooooo long with parts being so sparse at the moment that getting their custom battery built, tested then...