Now that it has been completely built, the bike will undergo a live-testing phase
Triumph Motorcycle’s TE-1 electric motorcycle is one step closer to becoming a reality as the company officially announced that it has successfully completed Phase 3 of the project. We also get to see the actual prototype for the first time since it was first announced back in May 2019.
Phase 3, which commenced about a year ago, was the collaboration stage that involved the integration of the frame, battery pack and powertrain developed by members of the project. Triumph constructed the final chassis, final drive system (which includes transmission and Gates Carbon belt drive), electronics and control software. It also fitted the Öhlins USD cartridge forks and rear suspension unit and Brembo M50 monobloc calipers to the bike.
Meanwhile, Williams Advanced Engineering took care of the battery pack, which incorporates dedicated cell packaging for optimum center of gravity, vehicle control unit, DCDC converter, integrated cooling, charge port, and styled carbon covers.
Another member of the project, Integral Powertrain took charge of the powertrain with scalable integrated inverter and combined motor with silicon carbide switching technology and integrated cooling system.
Finally, Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) of University of Warwick provided the last piece of the puzzle by conducting final, pre-live trial simulation. The test showed that the project is on track to deliver the intended performance and durability outcomes.
With the completion of Phase 3, the TE-1 project proceeds to Phase 4 in which it will undertake a 6-month live testing program that encompasses rolling road testing and track testing. The former includes a multitude of aspects such as throttle calibration, powertrain mapping, power and torque output, range and battery consumption assessment, rider mode development, software functionality validation and thermal optimisation.
As for the latter, it focuses on acceleration, braking and braking regeneration strategy, traction control and front wheel lift control.
Triumph aims to complete Phase 4 sometime in summer, after which the TE-1 will be updated with its final body panels and paint scheme in preparation for track demonstration and media engagement. Final specifications, testing outcomes, insights and key facts will be published subsequently.
When it does get launched onto the market, the TE-1 will compete with the Harley-Davidson LiveWire.
