Daytona 200 champion Brandon Paasch and the Triumph TE-1


Development of Triumph’s electric TE-1 motorbike is now complete, the British marque confirming also that a projected, “category-leading 161 km” range will be possible following extensive live testing.

Daytona 200 champion Brandon Paasch and the Triump TE-1

Daytona 200 champion Brandon Paasch and the Triump TE-1

The TE-1 project, a collaboration between Williams Advanced Engineering, Triumph Motorcyles and the University of Warwick in the UK (among other partners), was announced last year, Triumph stating that the goal of the project was to develop electric motorbike capability. Live testing of the TE-1, now complete, marked ‘Phase 4’ of the project, with the prototype said to have “exceed[ed] expectations,” “achieve[d] some incredible outcomes,” and it has been “setting new standards for the sector overall.”

“We have already seen an incredibly positive reaction to the TE-1 prototype from motorcyclists all around the world, where many people are telling us that, for the first time, they are seeing an electric motorcycle as desirable, and something that they would genuinely want to own,” Triumph CEO Steve Sargent explained.

Daytona 200 champion Brandon Paasch and the Triump TE-1

Daytona 200 champion Brandon Paasch and the Triump TE-1

“Being the first step in our journey towards developing our future approach to electric powertrain technology, the TE-1 prototype and the incredible results it has achieved in its intensive testing programme has provided crucial insights and capabilities that will ultimately guide our future development.

“Of course, the final production motorcycle will not be exactly what you see here today, but rest assured, the models we do develop will encompass all of its learnings and its exciting dynamic spirit.”

Triumph TE-1

Triumph TE-1

Said new standards include a 161-kilometre theoretical range, greater than the equivalent range of real-world electric models already available, and, significantly, up to 175 hp and 80 lb-ft of torque, on par with the brand’s Speed Triple 1200. Alongside the electric range, the TE-1 was able to hit 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and 0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) in 6.2 seconds, the bike’s overall weight of just 220 kg – up to 25 per cent lighter than other electric models of its kind – proving a major contributing factor.

Performance testing was conducted with two-time Daytona 200 winner, Brandon Paasch.

With “further refinement” to the electronics, traction control and front wheel lift, Triumph states that performance, particularly standing start acceleration, could be improved yet further before the TE-1 eventually goes on sale.

Daytona 200 champion Brandon Paasch and the Triumph TE-1

Daytona 200 champion Brandon Paasch and the Triumph TE-1

Charging the TE-1’s bespoke, lightweight battery pack meanwhile, development of which was overseen by Williams Advanced Engineering as a core element of the project’s Phase 1, mean topping up from 0 to 80 per cent will take just 20 minutes. Regenerative braking, “with scope for further optimization,” also aids the bike’s electric range.

“[Williams Advanced Engineering] are delighted to have been involved in this exciting programme to deliver the TE-1 prototype,” WAE Head of Strategic Partnerships Dyrr Ardash continues. “Since its conception in 2018, all the partners have worked with collaboration, innovation and passion to bring the boundary breaking prototype to life. It is pleasing to hear positive rider comments which confirms that the dynamics of the bike are aligned with Triumph’s DNA. This has been underpinned by the class leading Battery and Control System that WAE has produced within a lightweight and integrated package. This core WAE technology has allowed us to exceed performance and charging targets for the battery which we look forward to seeing in future powertrains.”

Though no launch details for an eventual production model have been announced, Triumph is confident that lessons learned during the TE-1 will aid development of the brand’s future range of electric motorbikes moving forward.

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