Fresh from winning an award at the GQ Car Awards, Triumph’s TE-1 EV prototype shows that it could be an industry leader, however the company are adamant that this is only a test bike…but the future looks rosy…if you can wait for the future.
After the phase 4 testing was complete the company release the following figures:
“Significantly exceeding the real-world range of the equivalent electric motorcycles available today, with a category-leading 161km / 100mile range, based on live testing and official projections”
130 kW (177PS / 175bhp) PEAK POWER
The TE-1 prototype delivers an incredible standard of acceleration, achieving 3.6 seconds 0-60mph, and an outstanding 6.2 seconds 0-100mph
20-MINUTE CHARGE TIME (0-80%)
A game-changing outcome, faster than today’s equivalent electric motorcycles
220kg, AN INCREDIBLE POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO
Up to 25% lighter than comparable electric motorcycles currently available.
With such impressive test results one would think the company would be very enthusiastic about bringing the TE-1 to market…but that is not the case, albeit the company might be benched but the technology will live on in future models.
This appears to be the trend with mainstream manufacturers entering the EV world in that they are more concerned with the technology and how it might be incorporated into future bikes, both ICE and EV.
This appears to be the case with Triumph as they are looking to build upon this now proven technology and look to produce EV bikes in the future but also incorporate technology such as with batteries in future projects…but for now with the power output, range and charge times down to 20mins…these could be critical mass moments in the EV world and the future of motorcycling itself.
The TE-1 results in more detail:
“Exceeding the real-world range of the equivalent electric motorcycles available today, the Triumph TE-1 prototype has achieved all project targets with regards to the energy capacity of the Williams TE-1 project developed battery, with an incredible 161km / 100mile range, based on official testing and projections.
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”
PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES THE SPEED TRIPLE 1200, WITH AN EVEN FASTER 0-100MPH
With a level of performance similar to the current Speed Triple 1200, the TE-1 prototype delivers an impressive 130kW (177PS / 175bhp) peak power, as well as peak torque of 109Nm (80 lb-ft), for instant responsiveness, smooth controlled power all the way up through the rev range, and a completely exhilarating ride.
The TE-1 has also achieved an incredible standing start acceleration official test result of 3.6 seconds 0-60mph and 6.2 seconds 0-100mph.
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, both in engine performance evaluation and also with the final set-up of the prototype through track testing.
“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” said Brandon. “I got to peg this thing all the way from zero to 100% throttle and it’s unbelievably quick, it pulls like crazy.”
GAME-CHANGING 20-MINUTE CHARGE TIME
Advances in battery and charging technologies that have been developed as part of the Triumph TE-1 project, in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), have resulted in a game-changing 20-minute charge time (0-80%), successfully delivering against the ambitious targets laid out by Innovate UK, the government’s research and innovation agency that supports business led R&D funding and UK business growth.
220KG OVERALL WEIGHT
With an overall weight of 220kg (485 lb), the TE-1 prototype is lighter than the equivalent electric bikes available currently, by up to 25%, giving it an incredible power-to-weight ratio. Having a physical size and scale comparable to a Street Triple, but with the ergonomics, geometry and weight distribution of a Speed Triple, the TE-1 delivers a completely thrilling ride, while being confidence-inspiring, nimble and compact.
“I wish I’d had this at Daytona, that acceleration in this chassis, and how it corners – wow!” said Brandon 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.”
