Triumph electric motorbike prototype completes tests

Project Triumph TE-1 final prototype testing has been completed.

The TE-1 prototype has 161km range, gets to 96.5km/h (60mph) in 3.6 seconds and can recharge from zero to 80% in 20 minutes, says Triumph.

It produces 130kW peak power, 109Nm torque, weighs 220kg

The extensive live testing programme, 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, which has now delivered on all of its targets and objectives, the company says.

Now officially complete, the live testing phase of the Triumph TE-1 project has seen the prototype demonstrator exceed expectations and achieve some incredible outcomes,

Regenerative braking has been successfully implemented for TE-1, with scope for further optimisation, as well as greater efficiencies in the motor generator unit and transmission, which could improve the range further for the future of Triumph electric motorcycles, the brand adds.

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 to enable even quicker standing start acceleration.

Daytona 200 champion racer Brandon Paasch participated in the final testing phase.

“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 wish I’d had this at Daytona, that acceleration in this chassis, and how it corners – wow!” says Paasch.

“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.”

Advances in battery and charging technologies have been developed as part of the Triumph TE-1 project, in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE).

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 demonstrator deliver a level of handling that matches Triumph’s current triple cylinder internal combustion sports performance motorcycles.

A distinctive soundtrack is included in the Triumph TE-1 prototype, thanksto its unique helical gear pair primary transmission.

The TE-1 successfully achieved all noise standards set by the R41 homologation tests for wide open throttle, cruising and urban.

The prototype has been updated with its final body panels and paint scheme. from its aluminium frame to its distinctive twin headlights and head-down focused stance.