News
Triumph electric bike coming?
In a surprise announcement, Britain’s leading bike manufacturer, Triumph, have announced they are embarking on a project to develop electric motorcycle technology in collaboration with UK leaders including F1 experts Williams Advanced Engineering.
Words by: Phil West
Published on 10 June 2019 | 0 min read
The two-year project is entitled ‘TE-1’ and, although no future production electric bike is mentioned, they do say the aim is ‘to develop specialist electric motorcycle technology and innovative integrated solutions’.
Partnering Triumph in the project is Williams Advanced Engineering of F1 fame who will provide ‘industry-leading lightweight battery design and integration capability’, Integral Powertrain Ltd.’s e-drive division, who are specialists in electric motors, the University of Warwick plus government funding via the Innovate UK science and technology agency. Together, Triumph say, the overall aim is to develop and explore battery technology, electric motors and packaging constraints all factors crucial in the development of electric motorcycles. “This new collaboration represents an exciting opportunity for Triumph and its partners to be leaders in the technology that will enable the electrification of motorcycles,” said Triumph CEO, Nick Bloor. “Project Triumph TE-1 is one part of our electric motorcycle strategy, focused on delivering what riders want and expect from their Triumph, which is the perfect balance of handling, performance and usability.” Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, added: “Our future product strategy is focused on delivering the most suitable engine platforms for the changing landscape of customer needs and we see a Triumph electric powertrain as a significant requirement alongside our signature twin and triple cylinder engines. As part of our electric motorcycle initiative, Project Triumph TE-1 represents an exciting collaboration that will provide valuable input into our future line-up.” While Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering said: “The team at Williams Advanced Engineering is looking forward to applying our expertise in the electrification of transport with our partners. Williams has powered a number of world-renowned electric vehicles already and this will be a significant further step in our work by taking that knowledge onto two wheels.”
Partnering Triumph in the project is Williams Advanced Engineering of F1 fame who will provide ‘industry-leading lightweight battery design and integration capability’, Integral Powertrain Ltd.’s e-drive division, who are specialists in electric motors, the University of Warwick plus government funding via the Innovate UK science and technology agency. Together, Triumph say, the overall aim is to develop and explore battery technology, electric motors and packaging constraints all factors crucial in the development of electric motorcycles. “This new collaboration represents an exciting opportunity for Triumph and its partners to be leaders in the technology that will enable the electrification of motorcycles,” said Triumph CEO, Nick Bloor. “Project Triumph TE-1 is one part of our electric motorcycle strategy, focused on delivering what riders want and expect from their Triumph, which is the perfect balance of handling, performance and usability.” Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, added: “Our future product strategy is focused on delivering the most suitable engine platforms for the changing landscape of customer needs and we see a Triumph electric powertrain as a significant requirement alongside our signature twin and triple cylinder engines. As part of our electric motorcycle initiative, Project Triumph TE-1 represents an exciting collaboration that will provide valuable input into our future line-up.” While Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering said: “The team at Williams Advanced Engineering is looking forward to applying our expertise in the electrification of transport with our partners. Williams has powered a number of world-renowned electric vehicles already and this will be a significant further step in our work by taking that knowledge onto two wheels.”