Triumph’s First Electric Motorcycle Passes Testing
Triumph Motorcycles’ first all-electric two-wheeler has completed initial testing of a prototype the bike make is lauding as a success.
Its TE-1 electric development prototype is said to have exceeded objectives and claiming a category-leading 100mile range between charges. It also claims a power output equivalent of 175bhp and achieving a 0-60mph sprint time of 3.6 seconds 0-60mph.
While this may seem impressive in car terms, it falls far short of the power and performance of many of the current sports ICE powered motorcycles boasting more than 200bhp and sprint times in the two second bracket. Also, at 220kg, while light for the current crop of electric bikes, it’s pretty porky against existing sub 180kg sportsters.
The bike is a collaboration between Triumph, Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain, and WMG, University of Warwick, funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles through Innovate UK. The extensive live testing program, which involved numerous assessments of the bike’s performance on the rolling road, as well as on track, provided vital direction into the final set-up and calibration of the TE-1 prototype demonstrator.
Nick Bloor, CEO, Triumph Motorcycles, said: “We are incredibly proud to be able to share such positive outcomes from the completion of Project Triumph TE‑1, 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.”
Dyrr Ardash, head of strategic partnerships, Williams Advanced Engineering, added: “WAE are delighted to have been involved in this exciting program to deliver the TE-1 prototype. Since its conception in 2018, all the partners have worked with collaboration, innovation and passion to bring the boundary breaking prototype to life. It is pleasing to hear positive rider comments which confirms that the dynamics of the bike are aligned with Triumph’s DNA. This has been underpinned by the class-leading Battery and Control System that WAE has produced within a lightweight and integrated package. This core WAE technology has allowed us to exceed performance and charging targets for the battery which we look forward to seeing in future powertrains.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
