After two years of cooperation between Win Together with UK electrification experts and a six-month development period, Triumph unveiled the TE-1 electric motorcycle prototype and presented the final prototype test results, which company officials considered to have exceeded the project target.
When the TE-1 was announced via a press conference video press conference, it demonstrated the aggressive stance of semi-nude sports cars in Triumph’s lineup such as Triple speed 1200 RS. Standout features include a twin headlight with what looks like an angry, furrowed brow and a strong cast aluminum frame.
Up front is a 17-inch front wheel wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires, a pair of superbike-sized brakes, Brembo brake calipers and reverse forks. Behind is a sturdy single-sided swingarm suspended by an Öhlins shock.
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Behind the front wheel is a large radiator and a clear view of the TE-1’s battery pack, much of which is hidden behind some luxurious body panels. From the hunched “tank” shell to the slender, blade-like tail, this bike looks like a full-fledged sportbike – except for the lack of clutch lever and final transmission. of the belt.
According to a press release accompanying the press conference, the partnership between Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), Integral Powertrain Ltd, and WMG-University of Warwick is funded by the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles through Innovate UK. It was founded to make “breakthrough developments in specialized electric motorcycle engineering and innovative integrated technology design”.
An extensive live testing program, including evaluations of the bike’s performance on both dynos and the track, provides direction for the setup and final calibration of the TE-1 prototype, now available was reported to have fulfilled all of its goals and objectives, setting new standards for the field of electric motorcycles, including battery performance and range.
During the press conference, Miles Perkins, Triumph’s head of brand management, said the TE-1 “signs very clearly about the future.”
And with the following specs and features, the future of Triumph is bright indeed.
Triumph TE-1 offers real-world 100-mile range
The Triumph TE-1 prototype achieved all the project goals related to the battery power capabilities developed by the WAE TE-1 project, with a range of 100 miles (161 km), based on official test and prediction.
The regenerative braking system has been implemented for the TE-1, with further optimized range, as well as greater efficiency in the engine and transmission units, which can further improve the range of operation for the TE-1. the future of electric motorcycle Triumph.
Dyrr Ardash, WAE’s head of strategic partnerships, said the company is “delighted” to be part of the program.
Ardash said: “It was a pleasure to hear rave reviews from riders confirming that the vehicle’s dynamics match the Triumph DNA. “This core WAE technology has enabled us to exceed the performance and battery charging goals we look forward to seeing in future powertrains.”
Triumph TE-1 offers performance that meets or exceeds Speed Triple 1200
During the press conference, Perkins said the team wanted to make sure the TE-1 “handled like a Triumph,” and the manufacturer’s current Speed Triple 1200 was cited a few times. Along these lines, the TE-1 prototype delivers 175 hp and 80 lb-ft of torque – very close to the Speed Triple numbers (177 hp, 92 lb-ft).
The TE-1 also reported acceleration that started standing 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and 0-100 mph in 6.2 seconds, the latter surpassing the Speed Triple 1200.
The team responsible for the TE-1 project says it anticipates that performance can be further enhanced with improved electronics, including traction control and wheel lift control. before.
Daytona 200 champion Brandon Paasch took part in the final stages of testing, both in the engine performance evaluation and the prototype’s final setup via track testing.. Paasch calls the TE-1’s throttle response “kind of unbelievable.”
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“It has a lot of torque and when you first touch the throttle, it’s instant power, which is obviously what I love as a motocross racer,” he said. “I like when it’s super torquey and picks up instantly, so for me it was a really cool experience. I had to fix this from 0 to 100% throttle and it was unbelievably fast, it pulled like crazy. ”
Triumph says the TE-1’s level of performance and acceleration, combined with its driver assistance package, creates a bike that delivers all of the brand’s signature feel and handling. neutral: a smooth, predictable ride, nimble and nimble, great in corners, and delivers controllable power.
Professor David Greenwood, Executive Director of the WMG Center High Value Manufacturing Catapult at the University of Warwick, said motorcycles like the TE-1 “have an important role to play in the transportation revolution as a zero-emissions option.” emissions”.
“In our partnership with Triumph, WMG has used our research experience in the field of electrification to demonstrate that manufacturers can offer products with a lower emissions burden. as well as delivering exceptional performance to customers with an EV that is fun to ride,” said Greenwood.
Triumph TE-1 has a charging time of 20 minutes
Advances in battery and charging technology developed as part of the Triumph TE-1 project in collaboration with WAE have resulted in a charge time of 0-80% in 20 minutes, successfully achieving the targets. set by Innovate UK, the government research and innovation agency that supports funding for UK business-led R&D and business growth.
John Bray, Office of Zero Emissions Vehicle Research and Development Lead, said: “We are pleased to see that our funding is helping Triumph Motorcycles drive innovation and competence in the automotive industry. electric motorcycle sector, while fostering collaboration among some of the UK’s pioneering companies. “Investing in Research and Development is key to our mission to put the UK at the forefront of the design, manufacture and use of zero-emission vehicles.”
Triumph TE-1 weighs less than other electric sports cars
With an overall weight of 485 lb, the prototype TE-1 is up to 25% lighter than existing equivalent e-bikes, providing an attractive power-to-weight ratio. Triumph says the bike is about the same size and physical scale as the Street Triple but with the ergonomics, geometry and weight distribution of the Speed Triple, while remaining agile and compact.
“I wish I had this in Daytona,” says Paasch. “That acceleration in this chassis, and the way it gets into corners – wow! I think this is going to be a really great bike to ride on the street, just based on how agile and agile it is and how light it feels.”
A new electric track makes a masterpiece
Described in the press release as “exceptional and thrilling soundtrack, built to the most macabre climax”, the sound of the Triumph TE-1 prototype was described by company officials as engaging and enjoyable. better than any comparable electric motorcycle available. thanks to the unique helical gear pair primary transmission.
At the press conference, Perkins said it was “much more like a jet turbine sound”.
What’s next?
During the press conference, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, Steve Sargent, called the prototype a “technical exercise” and offered no timeline or potential price for when the average consumer might overlook TE. -1 of their own.
However, in the press release, Sargent said it has seen an “extremely positive response” to the TE-1 prototype from motorcyclists around the world. ”
“Many people tell us that the first time they see an electric motorcycle is desirable and something they really want to own,” says Sargent. “As the first step in the evolution of our futuristic approach to electric powertrain technology, the TE-1 prototype and the incredible results it achieved in our dedicated testing program insights have provided important insights and capabilities that will ultimately guide our future growth.”
According to the press release, the main goal of the TE-1 project has always been to focus on developing electric motorcycle capacity, providing input for Triumph’s future supply of electric motorcycles, improving dynamics, new capabilities and intellectual property, while enhancing its reputation. and British design and industry profiles.
The achievements achieved during the live test phase, surpassing current standards and norms, give Triumph a great potential platform for future growth in electric motorcycle performance.
“We are extremely proud to be able to share such positive results from the completion of the Triumph TE1 Project,” said Triumph CEO Nick Bloor. “Everyone on the team is delighted with the results we have achieved with our partners and how the outcome of the project will impact Triumph’s electric future.”
