The unique collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd, and WMG, University of Warwick, funded by the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles through Innovate UK, was set up to create ground-breaking developments in specialist electric motorcycle engineering and innovative integrated technology design.
The extensive live testing programme, which involved numerous assessments of the bike’s performance on the rolling road, as well as on track, provided vital direction into the final set-up and calibration of the TE-1 prototype demonstrator, which has now delivered on all of its targets and objectives. Now officially complete, the live testing phase of the Triumph TE-1 project has seen the prototype demonstrator exceed expectations and achieve some incredible outcomes, delivering on all project objectives of accelerating electric motorcycle development and innovation, setting new standards for the sector overall, including final battery and range performance. The expertise and capabilities developed throughout the project now pave the way for the exciting electric future to come from Triumph Motorcycles.
Exceeding the real-world range of the equivalent electric motorcycles available today, the Triumph TE-1 prototype has achieved all project targets with regards to the energy capacity of the Williams TE-1 project developed battery, with an incredible 161km / 100mile range, based on official testing and projections.
Regenerative braking has been successfully implemented for TE-1, with scope for further optimisation, as well as greater efficiencies in the motor generator unit and transmission, which could improve the range further for the future of Triumph electric motorcycles.
With a level of performance similar to the current Speed Triple 1200, the TE-1 prototype delivers an impressive 130kW (177PS / 175bhp) peak power, as well as peak torque of 109Nm (80 lb-ft), for instant responsiveness, smooth controlled power all the way up through the rev range, and a completely exhilarating ride.
The TE-1 has also achieved an incredible standing start acceleration official test result of 3.6 seconds 0-60mph and 6.2 seconds 0-100mph. With further refinement of the electronics, including the traction control system and front wheel lift control, the team responsible for delivering the TE-1 project anticipate that performance could be enhanced further, harnessing the full torque potential to enable even quicker standing start acceleration.
Daytona 200 champion racer Brandon Paasch participated in the final testing phase, both in engine performance evaluation and also with the final set-up of the prototype through track testing.
Advances in battery and charging technologies that have been developed as part of the Triumph TE-1 project, in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), have resulted in a game-changing 20-minute charge time (0-80%), successfully delivering against the ambitious targets laid out by Innovate UK, the government’s research and innovation agency that supports business led R&D funding and UK business growth.
With an overall weight of 220kg (485 lb), the TE-1 prototype is lighter than the equivalent electric bikes available currently, by up to 25%, giving it an incredible power-to-weight ratio. Having a physical size and scale comparable to a Street Triple, but with the ergonomics, geometry and weight distribution of a Speed Triple, the TE-1 delivers a completely thrilling ride, while being confidence-inspiring, nimble and compact.
With a throttle action and torque delivery map directly engineered from a Speed Triple 1200 RS, the track testing and dynamic rider assessments on the TE-1 prototype demonstrator deliver a level of handling that matches Triumph’s current triple cylinder internal combustion sports performance motorcycles.
The TE-1’s exhilarating level of performance and acceleration, combined with its engaging and dynamic riding package, result in a bike that delivers all of Triumph’s signature feel, and world-renowned neutral handling – a smooth, predictable ride, that is agile and nimble, great in the corners, with a controllable power that incites confidence and guarantees fun. A pure, unique and characterful new electric-Triumph soundtrack that builds to a hair-raising crescendo
Distinctive and thrilling soundtrack, building to the most spine-tingling crescendo – the Triumph TE-1 prototype’s pure, characterful sound is considered to be more appealing and exciting than any of the equivalent electric motorcycles currently available, thanks to its unique helical gear pair primary transmission.
With noise levels tested at Mira’s external noise measurement facility, the TE-1 successfully achieved all noise standards set by the R41 homologation tests for wide open throttle, cruising and urban.
Instantly recognisable as a Triumph, the TE-1 prototype’s muscular presence utilises signature design cues from the brand’s iconic modern history of performance motorcycles, while clearly being a bike of the future. Now updated with its final body panels and paint scheme, the prototype demonstrator brings a style and presence that is 100% Triumph, with all of the brand’s signature design DNA, from its aluminium frame to its distinctive twin headlights and head-down focused stance and poise.
Overall, the key objective of the TE-1 project has always been focused on developing electric motorcycle capability, in order to provide an input into Triumph’s future electric motorcycle offering, driving innovation, capability, and new intellectual property, and enhancing the credibility and profile of British industry and design.
The achievements in the live testing phase, exceeding current benchmarks and targets, provide a platform with great potential for future development in electric motorcycle performance.