Triumph TE-1 prototype revealed
Triumph Motorcycles has announced that Phase 3 in their development of the ‘TE-1’ electric motorcycle has been completed, marking the occasion with the reveal of the completed prototype on 8 February.
The reveal of the prototype marks the end of the “collaborative” stage of the TE-1 project that saw Triumph draw on the knowledge and experience of partners Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd and WMG at the University of Warwick.
Under this collaboration, Triumph developed the TE-1 frame, subframe, wheels, rider control area and cycle parts, while Williams Advanced Engineering were responsible for the bike’s battery pack, control unit, convertor and related components.
Integral Powertrain developed the electric motor, integrated inverter and cooling system, while WMG conducted “pre-live” simulation to assess the TE-1’s performance and durability.
According to Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, Steve Sargent, the outcomes of Phase 3, which involved building a mule incorporating the battery, motor, inverter and cycle parts for simulation and durability testing, were positive enough for Phase 4 of the TE-1 project – live testing – to now begin.
“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.
“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 which will guide Triumph’s electric strategy for the future.’
Triumph CEO, Nick Bloor, added: “It has been truly exciting to see the progress made during phase 3 of Project Triumph TE‑1. Everyone involved at Triumph are 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.”
Phase 4 of the TE-1 project will consist of six months of live testing, conducted in-house at Triumph.
The programme will include rolling road testing to assess things like throttle calibration, power and torque output, thermal output, powertrain mapping, developing riding modes, assessing range and battery consumption, as well as software functionality.
Following this rolling road testing, the TE-1 will hit the track with test riders on board to assess elements like handling, acceleration, traction control and front wheel lift control – things that would apply when testing any conventional motorcycle. But in the case of the TE-1, this track testing will also include assessing regenerative braking and developing strategies to best incorporate and optimise this.
Phase 4 is expected to be completed by mid-2022 approximately, after which the TE-1 will receive its final bodywork and paint, then be presented to the media and public.
By mid- to late-2022, Triumph says the “full results” of the TE-1 project will be published, including testing outcomes, final bike specifications (including motor performance and battery range) and insights from the Triumph development team.
“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,” Bloor adds.
