It is just a prototype, but it doesn't half look good. Triumph have revealed their electric motorcycle prototype and the surge of interest it caused swamped the website making it unavailable for a while. Yes, there is a lot of interest in this which could set a new benchmark in electric motorcycle concepts.
This is the result of three years of hard work to determine the future of motorcycle production at Triumph. We've seen various stages before but this is the first time we've seen the complete prototype with styling. The next stage (phase 4) will last 6 months and will test the performance.
If the noise on the soundtrack is accurate, this could be a game-changer. It's a very futuristic but aggressive sound which should appeal to everyone. The looks are very reminiscent of the Speed Triple. They have gone for belt-drive (Gates Carbon) to the rear wheel (rather than chain or direct drive) otherwise it's fairly recognisable technology (Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension).
The Triumph TE-1 team began phase 3 by successfully building an initial mule bike which incorporated the battery, inverter, motor, and chassis into one machine for the first time. Using this platform, all of the project partners worked collaboratively to optimize software integration across the complex systems, involving hundreds of hours of detailed testing to ensure the functionality of all the features and software aspects behave accurately and intuitively, as a customer would expect. This was validated in real life simulation work carried out at WMG, involving detailed powertrain rig testing and simulations to assess safety critical items relating to motor function and vehicle control. Durability testing on the primary transmission was also conducted to ensure a full understanding of the fundamental differences in electric motor load application for vehicle use cases, efficiency, and consequences to gear life. Alongside this work, the Triumph-led design of the bespoke chassis focused on delivering the phase 2 styling intent as closely as possible. Phase 3 of the project is now complete with the fully assembled TE-1 demonstrator prototype, the photographs of which are revealed for the first time today.
Steve Sargent, Triumph's Chief Product Officer said "During phase 3 we have focused on building the physical foundation of Triumph's first electric prototype motorcycle. I am pleased with the outcome of Triumph and the TE-1 partners' efforts in creating a demonstrator bike that is not only visually so desirable with clear Triumph DNA, but also packaged with an exhilarating and thrilling brand-new electric powertrain that has such potential for the future. I look forward to continuing the development of this demonstrator vehicle through phase 4 and using our knowledge and capabilities to bring all of the partners' cutting-edge technology together into a final result which will guide Triumph's electric strategy for the future. Our experience tells us that at this stage of a project there is no substitute to genuinely riding a bike when developing driveability, handling and character, and we have ambitious targets focused on delivering a riding experience that is new and exciting, but ultimately intuitive and familiar. I am really looking forward to my first opportunity to ride the completed prototype."
The partners in the project are Williams Advanced Engineering (battery technology), Integral Powertrain (motor/inverter), and the Warwick Manufacturing Group (simulation design technology).
For more details, click on the link.
