Triumph reveals prototype electric motorcycle, live testing phase to begin in June

Triumph has finally revealed its prototype electric motorcycle. Dubbed the TE-1, this electrified motorbike draws from the knowledge and expertise of some of the industry’s finest, including Williams Advanced Engineering and Integral Powertrain Ltd. as well as WMG, University of Warwick.

“During Phase 3 we have focused on building the physical foundation of Triumph’s first electric prototype motorcycle. I am pleased with the outcome of Triumph and the TE-1 partners’ efforts in creating a demonstrator bike that is not only visually so desirable with clear Triumph DNA, but also packaged with an exhilarating and thrilling brand-new electric powertrain that has such potential for the future,” said Triumph Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent.

The UK-based motorcycle company supplied the final chassis of the TE-1 project prototype such as the frame, rear sub-frame, cockpit, panels and wheels, final drive system including transmission and Gates Carbon belt drive, electronics, Öhlins USD cartridge forks, unique prototype Öhlins RSU, Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, and Triumph motorcycle control software.

“I look forward to continuing the development of this demonstrator vehicle through Phase 4 and using our knowledge and capabilities to bring all of the partners’ cutting-edge technology together into a final result that will guide Triumph’s electric strategy for the future. Our experience tells us that at this stage of a project there is no substitute to genuinely riding a bike when developing driveability, handling, and character, and we have ambitious targets focused on delivering a riding experience that is new and exciting, but ultimately intuitive and familiar. I am really looking forward to my first opportunity to ride the completed prototype,” added
Sargent.

Williams Advanced Engineering, on the other hand, was in charge of the final iteration of the battery pack. They also worked on incorporating the dedicated cell packaging for optimum center of gravity, the vehicle control unit, DCDC converter, integrated cooling, charge port, and the styled carbon covers.

“Following an extended period of testing, we are thrilled to finally see the results of our work on a physical bike. By working with the team at Triumph, we have continued to push the boundaries of battery technology, keeping the rider in mind at all times. Because we have designed the battery from the ground up, design has not been compromised and we have been able to push the boundaries of current technology, offering both performance and all-important, range,” declared Williams Advanced Engineering Head of Strategic Partnerships Dyrr Ardash.

Meanwhile, Integral Powertrain delivered the final prototype powertrain that features a scalable integrated inverter and combined motor with silicon carbide switching technology and integrated cooling.

“The inverter concept, which is also scalable by tuning the number of Silicon-Carbide power stages for different diameter motors, has really delivered on performance. The TE-1 unit is capable of >500kW (over 670hp)! This gives us the opportunity to optimize this platform for production. The integrated motor and inverter unit is now on the bike and is delivering on the target performance and cycle efficiency we engineered, modeled, and simulated to achieve. We’re very much looking forward to the feedback from bike-level testing and the benefits of our high efficiency on range,” added Integral Powertrain Ltd. Chief Technical Officer Andrew Cross.

Now that the TE-1 unit is completely built, Triumph said that the prototype motorcycle is now ready for Phase 4: a Triumph-led live testing program.

In Phase 4, scheduled to begin this summer (from June to September), the prototype unit will be put through its paces within Triumph’s state-of-the-art facilities. Here, it will undergo testing for throttle calibration, powertrain performance mapping, power and torque output, range and battery consumption assessment, rider mode development, software functionality validation, as well as thermal optimization.

During this stage, Triumph will also perform track testing which will assess the TE-1 unit’s handling, acceleration, braking and braking regeneration strategy, traction control, as well as its front wheel lift control.

“It has been truly exciting to see the progress made during phase 3 of Project Triumph TE‑1 with the final prototype motorcycle now going into real-life testing. Everyone involved at Triumph is proud to have been part of this innovative British collaboration. Personally, I am thrilled with the results we have already achieved with our partners, and the exciting preview of the potential electric future to come. We look forward to continuing the ambitious and innovative work on the TE-1 demonstrator prototype through the live testing phase and sharing the outcome with Triumph fans across the world,” said Triumph CEO Nick Bloor.

Photos from Triumph

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