Triumph have announced the completion of its sleeking-looking TE-1 electric motorcycle. In doing so, the company have released the final prototype test results, which are impressive.
The TE-1 is the result of a unique collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), Integral Powertrain Ltd, and WMG at the University of Warwick, funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles through Innovate UK. The project was set up to create ground-breaking developments in specialist electric motorcycle engineering and innovative integrated technology design.
During rolling road and track trials, the TE-1’s electric powertrain delivered 130kW (177PS/175bhp) peak power, with a 0-60mph (0-97kph) time of 3.6 seconds and 0-100mph (0-161kph) in 6.2 seconds. It also achieved a 100-mile (161km) range, based on live testing and official projections.
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.
Brandon Paasch, Daytona 200 champion racer, said: “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. I got to peg this thing all the way from zero to 100% 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 charge time (0-80 percent) of just 20 minutes.
With an overall weight of 220kg (485lb), the TE-1 prototype is lighter than the equivalent electric bikes available currently, by up to 25 percent, 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.
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 delivers a smooth, predictable ride, that is agile and nimble, great in the corners, with a controllable power that incites confidence and guarantees fun.
The overall look of the TE-1 is instantly recognisable as a Triumph. The prototype has a muscular presence utilising 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 percent Triumph. It has all the brand’s signature design DNA, from its aluminium frame to its distinctive twin headlights and head-down focused stance and poise.
Steve Sargent, Triumph Motorcycles chief product officer, said: “We have already seen an incredibly positive reaction to the TE-1 prototype from motorcyclists all around the world, where many people are telling us that for the first time, they are seeing an electric motorcycle as desirable, and something that they would genuinely want to own.
“Being the first step in our journey towards developing our future approach to electric powertrain technology, the TE-1 prototype and the incredible results it has achieved in its intensive testing programme has provided crucial insights and capabilities that will ultimately guide our future development.
“Of course, the final production motorcycle will not be exactly what you see here today, but rest assured, the models we do develop will encompass all of its learnings and its exciting dynamic spirit.”
Nick Bloor, Triumph Motorcycles CEO, said: “We are incredibly proud to be able to share such positive outcomes from the completion of Project Triumph TE1, where the prototype demonstrator has exceeded many of our initial targets and expectations.
“Everyone on the team is thrilled with the results we have achieved with our partners, and how the outcomes of the project will feed into the electric future to come from Triumph.”
