Triumph Motorcycles To Start Testing Phase For TE-1 Electric Prototype

Triumph Motorcycle’s Phase 3 of the TE-1 electric bike project is now considered completed with the final build of the prototype demonstrator. As such, the TE-1 project is set to start the prototype testing phase which is expected to span about 6 months. The prototype integrates for the first time, all of the latest and final innovations from the project partner workstreams.

Working with Triumph on this project are parties such as Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain, and the University of Warwick. Williams Advanced Engineering developed the WAE battery pack incorporating dedicated cell packaging for optimum centre of gravity, vehicle control unit, DCDC converter, integrated cooling, charge port, and styled carbon covers. The bike’s prototype powertrain came from Integral e-Drive, the electric drive division of Integral Powertrain. It features a scalable integrated inverter and combined motor with silicon carbide switching technology and integrated cooling.

Meanwhile, Triumph is responsible for the final chassis including the frame, rear sub-frame, cockpit, panels and wheels, as well as the final drive system including transmission and Gates Carbon belt drive, electronics. It also fitted Öhlins USD cartridge forks, unique prototype Öhlins RSU, Brembo M50 monobloc calipers to the bike as well as its own motorcycle control software. Additionally, the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), an academic department of the University of Warwick, completed the final pre-live trial simulation, with all results indicating that the project is on course to deliver the intended performance and durability outcomes.

Key project achievements during Phase 3 include test results that exceed current benchmarks and targets set by the UK Automotive Council for 2025. These positive results provide a platform with great potential for future development in electric motorcycle performance.

The overall objective of the TE-1 project has 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.

Phase 4 involves extensive live testing within Triumph’s state-of-the-art facilities which will encompass:

• Rolling road testing – core functional assessment to include:
  • Throttle calibration
  • Powertrain performance mapping
  • Power and torque output
  • Range and battery consumption assessment
  • Rider mode development
  • Software functionality validation
  • Thermal optimisation
• Track testing – encompassing dynamic rider assessment to include:
  • Handling
  • Acceleration
  • Braking and braking regeneration strategy
  • Traction control
  • Front wheel lift control

The testing programme has been designed to provide direction into the final set up and calibration of the prototype demonstrator.

Live testing is expected to end in the summer of 2022 where the prototype demonstrator will be updated with its final body panels and paint scheme, in preparation for active track demonstration, and media engagement.

At this time, the full results of the project including the final specifications and testing outcomes will be published, as well as insights and key facts on how the TE-1 delivers on the project targets for innovation and sets new standards for the motorcycle sector overall, including final battery and range performance.

“It has been truly exciting to see the progress made during phase 3 of Project Triumph TE1 with the final prototype motorcycle now going into real life testing. Everyone involved at Triumph are proud to have been part of this innovative British collaboration. Personally, I am thrilled with the results we have already achieved with our partners, and the exciting preview of the potential electric future to come.” said Nick Bloor, Triumph CEO. “We look forward to continuing the ambitious and innovative work on the TE-1 demonstrator prototype through the live testing phase and sharing the outcome with Triumph fans across the world.”