TRIUMPH Motorcycles have announced the completion of Phase Two of their electric prototype bike known as TE-1, revealing the battery, powertrain, first design concepts for the joint venture project.
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, the unique collaboration has already achieved significant results.
Triumph Motorcycles joined forces with Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd, and WMG at the University of Warwick (funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) to enhance the credibility and profile of British industry.
Focused on innovation in battery and powertrain design, initial test performance results far exceed the current benchmarks and industry targets, with significant developments in performance, efficiency and range.
“Without doubt the outcome of this project will play a significant part in our future efforts to meet our customer’s ambition and desire to reduce their environmental impact and for more sustainable transportation,” Triumph Motorcycles CEO Nick Bloor said.
“This important project will provide one of the foundations for our future electric motorcycle strategy, which is ultimately focused on delivering what riders want from their Triumph, the perfect balance of performance, handling and real world usability, with genuine Triumph character.”
Triumph Motorcycles is 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 vehicle control unit.
Integral Powertrain Ltd’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 Warwick, is providing electrification expertise, and the critical vision to drive innovation from R&D to commercial impact, through modelling and simulation based on future market needs.
Also supporting the four phase project is the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and Innovate UK, the government’s research and innovation agency. One of the key aims of the project is to increase systems integration.
By developing individual components of automotive-based electric drivetrains and optimising them into innovative combined units, the aim is to deliver sophisticated electric motorcycle systems which reduce mass, complexity and package requirements.
The partnership aims 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.
As part of Phase Two, Triumph developed a new advanced vehicle control software package, which incorporates all of the electrical systems, to ensure intuitive throttle response, regenerative braking and traction control.
Alongside electrical and control system work, the team have designed a brand-new prototype chassis, including a main frame and rear frame, which have been optimised alongside the battery and motor packages.
These will be further evolved in Phase Three, ahead of the TE-1 Prototype being used as a test mule in Phase Four.
“The starting point for us in the TE-1 project was to gather important customer feedback about what riders really want from their motorcycles and how an electric motorcycle can provide the experience that riders desire,” Triumph’s chief product officer Steve Sargent said.
Feedback considered the type of riding, range, feel and nature of power and torque delivery, together with the ergonomics and bike controls. Chassis design focused on bringing everything together to provide an exciting riding experience that felt familiar.
“We have begun to define the powertrain and battery interaction through the use of software refinement to deliver an exhilarating power delivery and throttle response, which provides great control and feels intuitive to the rider,” he said.
“Overall, with the styling we wanted to create something that is fresh and exciting, but a natural evolution of the Triumph brand. Something desirable in its own right, with distinctive Triumph DNA.”
