Triumph’s electric prototype debuts

And, although still at an early stage of development, with the bike’s design done in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering (of F1 fame), a chassis reminiscent of Triumph’s class-leading Speed Triple super naked and cycle parts including top-spec Ohlins suspension and Brembo M50 brakes, the TE-1 already looks set to redefine what we thought of electric bike performance.
The pictures have been released by Triumph to mark the completion of what the Hinckley, Leicestershire firm call ‘Phase 3’ of the TE-1 Project, first begun in May 2019. ‘Project TE-1’ is a collaboration between Triumph, Williams Advanced Engineering, e-drive specialists Integral Powertrain and the University of Warwick to explore potential future electric motorcycles.

Phase 1 saw the gathering of market research, the establishment of project goals and the exploration of design concepts and parameters; Phase 2, completed in March last year, saw the creation of battery and powertrain prototypes and the first styling sketches for the proposed machine. While Phase 3 now sees the completion of the first prototype demonstrator machine ready for the next stage of the project – live testing.
The bike itself is a true collaboration between the four organisations. Triumph themselves have been responsible for the TE-1’s chassis including frame, sub-frame, cockpit, body panels, wheels, belt final drive system, system software and the Ohlins and Brembo cycle parts. Williams have created the advanced battery pack which incorporates dedicated cell packaging for an optimum centre of gravity as well as its vehicle control unit, DCDC converter, integrated cooling, charge port, and styled carbon covers.

Integral Powertrain came up with the prototype powertrain with scalable integrated inverter and combined motor with silicon carbide switching technology and integrated cooling. While the University of Warwick conducted the final pre-live trial simulation.
Meanwhile, Triumph now says that the imminent testing programme – Phase 4 – will take place over the next six months and will first involve extensive use of a rolling road to assess throttle calibration, powertrain performance mapping, power and torque output, range and battery consumption assessment, rider mode development, software functionality and thermal optimization. While a track testing programme will also then get underway to assess handling, acceleration, braking and braking regeneration strategy, traction control and front wheel lift control. It will be at the completion of this testing period – Phase 4 (which is estimated to be Summer 2022) – that the prototype will then be updated with its final body panels and paint scheme in preparation for public unveiling and a media presentation. This is also when the full results of the project, including final specifications and testing outcomes, will be published, as well as insights and key facts as to how the TE-1 delivers on its targets, including performance and range. This will be supported by an opportunity for the media to talk to the team, see the prototype in action on track and hear from the development test riders. “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,” said Nick Bloor, Triumph CEO. “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.”