Project Triumph TE-1 announced for future electric bikes

The Triumph TE-1 Project aims to develop specialist electric motorcycle technology and integrated solutions for Triumph's future electric model offerings.

Last month, Triumph launched its highly-anticipated Modern Classic, the Speed Twin, in India. At the beginning of May, we brought you news about Triumph's second TFC (Triumph Factory Customs) model - the Rocket III TFC. Now though, the British bike maker has formally announced its entry into the electric motorcycle space with 'Project Triumph TE-1'. It was only a matter of time when Triumph took this step, as some leading international bike manufacturers have already made significant progress in this space (Harley-Davidson with the LiveWire electric bike, UM with the Renegade Thor and Zero's SR/F, to name a few).    

With a projected span of about two years, Project TE-1 has been announced as a collaboration between leading UK industry experts like Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd's e-drive division and WMG at the University of Warwick. Further, the project is also supported and co-funded by the UK Government's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), via Innovate UK.

In this project, predictably, Triumph will look after the design, supply of chassis and final manufacturing. Williams, on the other hand, will work on the battery design and its integration into the powertrain, along with the Vehicle Control Unit. Meanwhile, Integral Powertrain will apply its expertise on the electric motors and a silicon-carbide inverter. The final contributor, WMG, will help with the overall R&D, simulation modelling and study of the commercial impact.

Sharing his thoughts on the new development, Steve Sargent, Triumph's Chief Product Officer said, 'Our future product strategy is focused on delivering the most suitable engine platforms for the changing landscape of customer needs, and we see a Triumph electric powertrain as a significant requirement alongside our signature twin and triple cylinder engines. As part of our electric motorcycle initiative, Project Triumph TE-1 represents an exciting collaboration that will provide valuable input into our future line-up.'