With the exciting reveal of the innovative advanced electric powertrain and battery and the first styling sketches for the final Project TE-1 Prototype, Phase 2 of this landmark four-phase collaboration in British design and engineering reaches a successful conclusion.
Delivering on the objectives announced at the start of the TE-1 project in May 2019, focused on developing specialist electric motorcycle technology and innovative integrated solutions, this unique collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd, and WMG at the University of Warwick funded by the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles, has already achieved significant results.
Including innovation in battery and powertrain design, initial test performance results far exceed the current benchmarks and industry targets. Developments in performance, efficiency and range is enabling Project TE-1 to fully deliver the partnership’s objectives to enhance the credibility and profile of the British industry providing substantial input into future electric motorcycle strategy from Triumph.
• Announcing the completion of Phase 2 – with the reveal of the battery and powertrain prototype, initial high-level performance results, and the first design concept drawings for the Project TE-1 Prototype motorcycle that will be created at the end of the next phase.
• Key project achievements to date include test results that show significant innovation in mass, battery technology, and powertrain performance that exceeds the target set by the UK Automotive Council for 2025, meeting the project’s ambitious objectives to deliver genuine innovation for a new standard in fully usable electric motorcycle performance.
• Project TE-1 is a unique collaboration between four major UK industry and academic leaders –Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral PowertrainLtd.’s
e-Drive Division, and WMG, at the University of Warwick
• The objective of this two-year project is focused on developing electric motorcycle capabilities– providing an input into Triumph’s future electric motorcycle offer, driving innovation, capability and new intellectual property, enhancing the credibility and profile of British industry and design.
• Project TE-1 is funded by the UK Government’s Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV), and delivered through innovate UK
Based on the agreed specification, we identified appropriate cell technology and battery architecture to deliver the performance objectives. Using this as a framework, we then optimised the battery module layout to balance mass and positioning within the prototype chassis taking into consideration centre of gravity, space and relationship with the powertrain and charging approach.
In addition to the module layout, we have also developed a new and unique vehicle control unit which is integrated into the battery pack to minimise weight and packaging. In parallel, WAE has also created innovative battery management software to ensure power is delivered in relation to battery performance. The outcome of Phase 2 for WAE includes a fully bench-tested battery with performance results that exceeds anything else on the market in terms of Power and Energy Density.
INTEGRAL POWERTRAIN LTD.’S E-DRIVE DIVISION
Our experience in cutting edge motor and inverter design and manufacture has helped us to push this technology on to the next level for the TE-1 project. In Phase 1 we worked to integrate the normally separate motor and inverter into one single, compact, package. Integration reduces the mass and volume of the drivetrain by reducing additional boxes on the vehicle, mounting features, coolant pipework and heavy high voltage connections.
The innovative integration concept is also a fully scalable one, whereby the number of power stages can increase for larger diameter, higher torque motors for example. Combined with our state-of-the-art motor technology, we have seen very exciting results already, with the motor achieving a power density twice that of the target set by the UK Automotive Council for 2025. We have also implemented advanced silicon carbide switch technology in the inverter, this reduces losses in the inverter and results in greater drivetrain efficiency, power delivery and range. At the end of Phase 2, we are proud to have built a fully operational, new, prototype motor that has been bench tested and is delivering on all aspects of performance.
WMG, AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
The TE-1 partners during Phase 1 and 2 to develop representative models to simulate the systems of the bike including battery, motor and vehicle control. Initially, this allowed us to validate the specification against the intended component selection by assessing performance criteria such as range and top speed with initial models. This has enabled Triumph to carry out software development at an early stage prior to the hardware being built with thorough testing programmes to ensure that real-life testing can deliver on refinement. Most recently we have been conducting powertrain rig testing using the prototype IPT powertrain to ensure our simulations are accurate and to confirm that the motor functions within the system as intended. We have also been providing guidance to Triumph relating to future legislation, charging infrastructure and recycling strategies that will need to be implemented across future electric motorcycle platforms.
Throughout phase 2 Triumph have developed an all-new advanced vehicle control software that incorporates all of the electrical systems to ensure intuitive throttle response, regen braking, traction control and all of the dimensions that a customer would expect from a high-performance Triumph motorcycle. Additionally, we have integrated leading functional safety strategies into this software, plus supported WMG in rig testing and have also fully developed the new prototype instrument display. Alongside this electrical and control system work, we have designed a brand-new prototype chassis including mainframe and rear frame which have been optimised alongside the battery and motor packages which will be further evolved in Phase 3 into the TE-1 Prototype which will be used as a mule test platform in Phase 4. During this chassis development, we have taken into account both the transmission design and the final styling of the TE-1 Prototype, the drawings of which we are pleased to reveal for the first time today.
PROJECT TE-1 OVERVIEW
Project TE-1 collaboration – Triumph Motorcycles, industry experts, academic leaders and UK Government
Project Triumph TE-1 is a ground-breaking collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles and the UK’s electrification experts, each of whom is focussed on creating innovations in their own areas:
• Triumph Motorcycles leading the project, providing advanced motorcycle chassis design and engineering expertise, manufacturing excellence and pioneering functional safety systems, as well as defining electric drivetrain power delivery characteristics.
• Williams Advanced Engineering is providing industry-leading lightweight battery design and integration capability, using its test and development facilities to deliver an innovative battery management system combined with the vehicle control unit.
• Integral PowertrainLtd.’s e-Drive Division is leading the development of bespoke power-dense electric motors and a silicon carbide inverter, integrating both into a singular motor housing.
• WMG, at the University of Warwickisprovidingelectrification expertise, and the critical vision to drive innovation from R&D to commercial impact, through modelling and simulation based on future market needs.
• The Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV) is a team working across the government to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles, as well as funding to support ChargePoint infrastructure across the UK. This will contribute to economic growth and will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution on UK roads. OZEV is part of the Department for Transport and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
• Innovate UK is the government’s research and innovation agency that supports business-led R&D funding and UK business growth.
A two-year project focused on developing technical innovation and advanced electric motorcycle capabilities
The project is organised into four main phases, with one of its key aims being increased systems integration. By developing individual components of automotive-based electric drivetrains and optimising them into innovative-combined units, the project aims to deliver sophisticated electric motorcycle systems which reduce mass, complexity and package requirements.
Triumph Motorcycles is working alongside the partner organisations to accelerate joint expertise in the packaging and safety of batteries, optimum electric motor sizing and packaging, the integration of braking systems including regenerative braking, and advanced safety systems. The innovation and capabilities developed in these areas will input into Triumph’s future electric motorcycle strategy.
The Project Triumph TE-1 partnership, with the support of the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles and Innovate UK, is focused on facilitating the creation of:
• Electric motorcycle capability that meets the needs of customers seeking lower environmental impact transportation, delivering against the UK’s focus on reducing emissions
• Strong, commercially viable and sustainable partnerships with UK industry manufacturers
and supply chains
• Expertise and capability within the UK workforce, creating jobs and a talent base that both ensures sustainable employment and drives the UK’s reputation and influence on the world stage.
