The collaboration stage of the TE-1 project has officially ended with the completion of the prototype demonstrator, which is now fully ready for the next Triumph-led stage of the project to begin: the live testing program. 

The unique collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd. and WMG at the University of Warwick, funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles through Innovate UK, was set up to create groundbreaking developments in specialist electric motorcycle engineering and innovative integrated technology design. 

Project Phase 3 Complete

Phase 3 of the TE-1 project has now reached its completion, with the final build of the prototype demonstrator. Integrating for the first time all of the latest and final innovations from the project partner workstreams, the prototype demonstrator features: 

• Triumph: final chassis (including frame, rear sub-frame, cockpit, panels and wheels), final drive system (including transmission and Gates Carbon belt drive), electronics, Öhlins USD cartridge forks, unique prototype Öhlins RSU, Brembo M50 monobloc calipers and Triumph motorcycle control software
• Williams Advanced Engineering: final iteration of prototype WAE battery pack incorporating dedicated cell packaging for optimum center of gravity, vehicle control unit, DCDC converter, integrated cooling, charge port and styled carbon covers 
• Integral Powertrain: final prototype powertrain with scalable integrated inverter and combined motor with silicon carbide switching technology and integrated cooling 
• WMG, University of Warwick: final pre-live trial simulation completed, with all results indicating that the project is on course to deliver the intended performance and durability outcomes.

Key project achievements during this phase include test results that exceed current benchmarks and targets set by the U.K. Automotive Council for 2025, providing 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 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. 

Project Phase 4 to Commence

With the completion of the prototype demonstrator, the full live testing phase of the TE-1 project can now begin (phase four). Over the next six months the prototype demonstrator will undertake an extensive live testing program 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 optimization. 

• Track testing. Encompassing dynamic rider assessment to include: 
  • Handling 
  • Acceleration 
  • Braking and braking regeneration strategy 
  • Traction control 
  • Front wheel lift control.

The testing program has been designed to provide direction into the final setup and calibration of the prototype demonstrator.

Phase 4 Completion: Summer 2022 

At the completion of the live testing phase, estimated to be Summer 2022, 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, along with 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. This will be supported by an opportunity for the media to talk to the team, see the prototype in action on track and hear from the development test riders. 

“It has been truly exciting to see the progress made during phase 3 of Project Triumph TE-1 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.”