A Closer Look at The Triumph TE-1 Electric Motorcycle Prototype

Triumph TE-1 Electric Motorcycle Prototype

Riding a sports motorbike is undeniably a thrilling and exciting experience. If you are a bike enthusiast and an environmentalist who is constantly worrying about the carbon footprint convection gas-powered motorcycles are leaving on this planet, then you should consider an e-bike. Electrically rechargeable motorbikes are the next big thing that has the potential to minimize air pollution. Triumph recently unveiled the prototype version of their first all-electric motorbike dubbed TE-1. The TE-1 electric project began in mid-2019, and now, with a final build of the demonstrator bike, the premium two-wheeler maker announced that the third development phase is complete. Looking closer at the Triumph TE-1 Electric Motorcycle Prototype, it is evident that this is not the normal sportbike you often see. Tag along.

Triumph Project TE-1 phase 3

Phase three of this project was a collaborative stage that has seen Triumph work with experts like Integral Powertrain, Williams Advanced Engineering, and WMG. The outcome of this partnership is a demonstrator bike that is not only visually appealing with explicit Triumph DNA. Triumph motorbikes are popular for their heritage design and retro style, blended with modern technologies. The Triumph TE-1 Electric demonstration bike is exceptional, stylish, gorgeous, and the bodywork is out of this world. It comes with a breathtaking brand-new electric powertrain that has substantial potential for developing electric motorbike performance in the future. According to Triump motorcycles, the general objective of the TE-1 project was to develop electric motorcycle capability and create a platform for the company’s future bike offering, expertise, new intellectual property, driving innovation, and enhance the credibility and profile British design and industry.

Design features

On the outside, the Triumph TE-1 Electric Motorcycle Prototype draws design cues from the famous electric Speed Triple. It has a general street sports roadster design which comprises clip-on handlebars, no windshield, and traditional cockpit fairing. Also, the Triumph TE-1 has a twin-pod front headlight that resembles that of the Triple RS. The demonstration motorcycle is built around a bolted subframe and has a single-sided swing-arm giving it a premium appeal.

Engine

The engine is one of the most significant parts of a motorbike. Instead of an inline-triple engine, the Triumph TE-1 has a liquid-cooled integrated inverter and combined motor. Integrating the motor and inverter means that no busbars, large cables, or separate cooling circuits are required. All these are built into a single unit. The revolutionary inverter concept is scalable by adjusting the number of silicon-carbide (SiC) power levels based on the diameter of the motor. The powertrain is a product of collaboration with Integral Powertrain.

Battery

The inverter on theTriumph TE-1 Electric sporty motorcycle demonstrator has a capacity of 15kWh. Its powertrain can produce up to 670 hp (500kW). Additionally, the TE-1 prototype’s 360-volt system makes it possible to fast-charge the battery pack from empty to 80% in less than twenty minutes. It has bespoke cell packaging, allowing it to be positioned at the bottom of the frame to help the weight distribution. However, the Triumph TE-1’s battery limits its power output to 174hp (130kW).

Technology

The Triumph TE-1 is based on several new technologies. It combines a high-efficiency power supply gleaned from the new SiC switching technology and an ultra-modern liquid-cooled electric motor. Additionally, its novel battery concept claims to allow a 37% rise in energy density for a target power density. Triumph’s partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering has resulted in avant-garde developments in specialist electric bikes. The collaboration also includes creating next-generation lightweight batteries. According to CleanTechnica, WAE claims that this will raise the bar for electric motorcycle efficiency, performance, and range.

Chassis

The Triumph TE-1 Electric Motorcycle Prototype’s chassis is unique. It has to accommodate a different fuel and motor concept, after all. Triumph Motorcycles developed the final chassis, which comprises the frame, cockpit, rear subframe, wheels, electronics, and panels. It also provided the ultimate drive system like transmission and Carbon drive belt, Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, unique prototype Öhlins RSU, Öhlins USD cartridge forks, and Triumph motorcycle control software.

Ride gear

Interestingly, electric bikes have several things similar to internal combustion engine motorcycles. Apart from the chassis and motor, various parts may be customized and have a crucial impact on ride quality. These include the handlebars, wheels, brakes, tires, and suspension. The wheels of the Triumph TE-1 Electric Motorcycle prototype are much similar to those of the RS. Its rear and front suspension is by Öhlins, and the front brakes are Brembo M50 calipers.

The drive train

Although using a belt drive on sports bikes is uncommon, Triumph Motorcycles has opted for a belt drive for their first electric motorbike. The Triumph TE-1 demonstration bike uses a Gates Carbon Drive belt. Gates produces premium-quality belts for cyclists.

WMG’s contribution to the Triumph TE-1 project

WMG from the University of Warwick was involved in the final evaluation. Their modeling work was to ensure that everything works well before it is built. It also allows for advanced simulations, which include creating many real-world scenarios that have been experienced. According to Ride Apart, this would ensure that the bike functions well once it hits the road. WMG also claims to have been weighing the potential for a dedicated motorbike charging network, with the studies sponsored by the government to help in supporting electric bike adoption. Triumph has created a stunning, sleek, and aggressive streetfighter motorcycle. The Triumph TE-1 Electric Motorcycle Prototype tips the scales at about 220kg. This electric sports bike prototype version has integrated lights and does not have an exhaust pipe, exposing the rear wheel with ease.

Takeaway

The Triumph TE-1 Electric Motorcycle Prototype is now complete and ready for phase four of the project development. This will involve road track, testing, and final styling by Triumph. The company will be looking for results that surpass the current targets and benchmarks set by the Automotive Council in the UK for 2025. It will also provide a platform with a significant prospect for developing high-performance motorbikes. If you are a motorbike fanatic who loves that incredible experience of the adrenaline rush, the Triumph TE-1 might be the bike you have been dreaming of. This will certainly be the hottest e-bike o the market.

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