Triumph TE-1 project: Start testing

Project TRIUMPH TE-1: Testing under operating conditions begins with the unveiling of the prototype

The TE-1 project of TRIUMPH Motorcycles and other partners is progressing according to plan. With the completion of the demonstration prototype, Phase 3 is now officially coming to an end, marking the end of the broad-based collaboration of all partners on the TE-1 project. Phase 4 of the project – the testing of the prototype under operational conditions led by TRIUMPH – is scheduled to start.

The unique collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd. and WMG at the University of Warwick was funded and launched through Innovate UK through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles to promote pioneering developments in electric motorcycles and holistic, innovative technical design.

Phase 3 of the TE-1 project has now been completed with the construction of the demonstration prototype. For the first time, this includes all current and final innovations from the working groups of the project partners. Their contributions to the project include:

- TRIUMPH: final chassis, including frame and rear frame, cockpit, fairing parts and wheels, final drive system including gearbox and gates carbon belt drive, electronics, Öhlins USD cartridge fork, prototype of the unique Öhlins rear suspension, Brembo M50 monobloc calipers and TRIUMPH motorcycle control software

Williams Advanced Engineering: Final execution of the prototype WAE battery pack with special cell packaging for an optimal center of gravity, vehicle control unit, DC/DC converter, integrated cooling, charging port and specially designed carbon covers

- Integral Powertrain: Final prototype of the powertrain with scalable integrated inverter and combined motor with silicon carbide switching technology and integrated cooling

- WMG, University of Warwick: final test simulation before commissioning,
all results indicate that the project is on track and the targeted results in terms of performance and durability will be achieved.


Unobtrusively integrated: the drive and battery module in the TRIUMPH TE-1 project

One of the most important project deliverables at this stage is the test results. They go beyond the current benchmarks and the targets set by the UK Automotive Council for 2025 and confirm that the TE-1 platform has great potential for the future performance development of electric motorcycles.

 
The overall objective of the TE-1 project was to develop the performance of electric motorcycles in order to contribute to TRIUMPH's future offering in this market segment. In addition, innovation, know-how and new intellectual property should be encouraged and the credibility and profile of British industry and design improved.

With the completion of the demo prototype, the full live test phase of the TE-1 project can now begin (phase 4). Over the next six months, the prototype will undergo an extensive live testing programme at Triumph's state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• Chassis dynamometer testing with the evaluation of key functions, including:
• Throttle calibration
• Powertrain performance mapping
• Power and torque output
• Evaluation of range and battery consumption
• Development of driving modes
• Validation of software functions
• Thermal optimization

• Test track driving and comprehensive dynamic evaluation, including:
•Handling
•Acceleration
• Braking behavior and strategy for regenerative braking
• Traction control
• Wheelie Control

 
The test program is intended to set the direction for the final tuning and calibration of the demonstration prototype.

After completion of the live test phase, expected in summer 2022, the demonstration prototype will be provided with the final bodywork and livery to prepare it for driving on closed tracks and for use in the media. At that time, the full results of the project will be published. This includes the final specifications and test results, and will provide insight into how the TE-1 achieves the project's innovation goals, setting new standards for the motorcycle sector as a whole – including the final battery performance and range of the motorcycle. Accompanying this, the media will have the opportunity to talk to the team, see the prototype in action on track and hear the opinions of the test drivers involved in the development.

 
"It was really exciting to see the progress made in Phase 3 of the Triumph TE 1 project, with the final prototype bike now entering field testing. Everyone involved at TRIUMPH is proud to have been involved in this innovative UK collaboration. Personally, I am thrilled with the results we have already achieved with our partners and the exciting preview of the potential electric future ahead," said Nick Bloor, CEO of TRIUMPH. "We look forward to continuing the ambitious and innovative work on the TE-1 demonstrator prototype in the live test phase and sharing the results with TRIUMPH fans around the world."
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