If you're into motorbikes then there's a good chance that a Triumph triple will captivate you in the way that a flat-six, V8 or V12 car does. But just as there's a need to accept things are changing in the world of four wheels, the world of two wheels is in a state of flux, too. There are electric motorbikes already, of course - some of them from emerging manufacturers and some from the old guard, like the Harley Davidson Livewire. And then there's the forthcoming Triumph TE-1, which is now a completed prototype.
Triumph claims the TE-1 will set new standards for electric bike performance, with class-leading power, efficiency, charging time and range. This is thanks to the assistance of Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) on the design of the battery, software and high-voltage electrics. WAE skills are well known in the field of battery technology - we recently reported on WAE's sale to Fortescue Metals Group, which is looking to develop EVs for heavy-industry products. The TE-1 project also involved Integral Powertrain Ltd and the University of Warwick.
The concept uses WAE's cutting-edge battery module technology. This is centred around 21,700 cylindrical cells with a storage capacity of 15kWh. It's liquid cooled with a DC/DC converter and gives the TE-1 peak motor power of 177hp, as well as a continuous motor output of 109hp, regardless of the state of charge of the battery.
The design is also said to reduce the overall weight of the bike, which at 220kg represents a significant reduction on the 251kg Livewire. The 120-miles WMTC range also beats the Harley's by 20 miles, and with 360-volt charging, the TE-1 can go from 0-80% charged in just 20 minutes. That is significantly quicker than any of its main rivals.
The gains come mostly from integrating the high-voltage systems with appropriate materials and WAE's latest technology. The battery pack is semi-structural and includes a lot more componentry compared with a typical motorcycle battery pack. For example, its bespoke control unit has been integrated into the battery pack to minimise weight. It's part of a 'holistic, integrated approach to the problems associated with an EV motorcycle.' Apparently the biggest challenge was delivering the targeted electrical storage, power and packaging while keeping the centre of gravity low enough to achieve Triumph's dynamic targets.
Now the prototype demonstrator is complete, full live testing of the TE-1 is set to run over the next six months. This will be at Triumph's state-of-the-art facilities and will include rolling road and track assessments to produce the final setup and calibration for the production models. And if they can sell it for around £15,000 in the UK, there is bound to be considerable interest in - not just because of the performance claims, but also because it looks sensational.
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