Born out of a plan to create an electric motorcycle, Project Triumph TE-1 has now completed its development process, with the unique collaboration exceeding its objectives in final testing.
Developed in conjunction with Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain, and the Innovate UK-funded WMG at the University of Warwick, it was set up to create ground-breaking developments in specialist electric motorcycle engineering.
The extensive final live testing programme (Phase 4) involved numerous assessments of the bike’s performance on rolling road, as well as on track, and provided vital direction into the final set-up and calibration of the TE-1 prototype demonstrator.
The results achieved new standards for the sector overall, including final battery and range performance., with the expertise and capabilities developed throughout the project now paving the way for an electric future for Triumph Motorcycles.
Exceeding the real-world range of the equivalent electric motorcycles available today, the Triumph TE-1 prototype achieved all of its project targets with regards to the energy capacity of the Williams developed battery, with a 161km range.
Regenerative braking has also been successfully implemented, with scope for further optimisation, as well as greater efficiencies in the motor generator unit and transmission, which could improve the range further for future motorcycles.
With a level of performance similar to the current Speed Triple 1200, the TE-1 prototype delivers an impressive 130kW peak power, as well as peak torque of 109Nm, for instant responsiveness, smooth, controlled power and a completely exhilarating ride.
The TE-1 has also achieved an incredible standing start acceleration official test result of 0-100km/h in just over 3.6 seconds.
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 of the bike.
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.
“The throttle response on the TE-1 is kind of incredible, it’s very torquey and when you first touch the throttle it’s instant power, which is obviously what I love as a motorcycle racer – I love when it’s super-torquey and picks up right away, so for me it was a really great experience,” he said.
“I got to peg this thing all the way from zero to 100 per cent throttle and it’s unbelievably quick. It pulls like crazy.”
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 to 80 per cent.
With an overall weight of 220kg, the bike is also lighter than the equivalent electric bikes available currently, by up to 25 per cent, giving it an incredible power-to-weight ratio. It delivers a completely thrilling ride, while being confidence-inspiring, nimble and compact.
“I wish I’d had this at Daytona, that acceleration in this chassis, and how it corners – wow!” Paasch said. “I think this would be a really nice motorcycle to ride on the street, just based on how nimble and agile it is, and how light it feels.”
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 delivers a level of handling that matches Triumph’s current 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.
It also features a distinctive and thrilling soundtrack, building to the most spine-tingling crescendo – a pure, characterful sound that is considered to be more appealing and exciting than any of the equivalent electric motorcycles currently available.
That noise is thanks to its unique helical gear pair primary transmission (and it passed R41 homologation testing). Design wise, it’s instantly recognisable as a Triumph too, with the TE-1 prototype’s muscular presence utilises signature design cues from the brand.
Now updated with its final body panels and paint scheme, the prototype demonstrator brings a style and presence that is 100 per cent Triumph, from its aluminium frame to its distinctive twin headlights and head-down focused stance and poise.
The Triumph TE-1 is not expected to go into production, with the technology developed as part of its creation to be used in future projects.
