TE-1 won't be produced but will guide Triumph's EVs
The Triumph TE-1 is the Brit bike maker's vision into the future of electrified motorcycles. While the buzz about this project has been around for the while, the TE-1 has been in development for two and half years. What you see here is the final prototype, and though it looks production-ready it won't enter production. In fact, only two TE-1 prototypes exist in the real world.
The TE-1, with its very Speed Triple-like form, shows that Triumph can make its electric vehicles look like a natural evolution of its signature design language. While the stubby race-bike-inspired tail looks good, a production derivate of this idea is likely to be more -focused with space for a pillion. It's not just the design but also the performance that is comparable to the Speed Triple 1200, with the electric motor developing 130kW/177PS and 109Nm of peak power and torque. The TE-1 manages a 0-100kmph sprint in 3.7s and a 0-160kmph in 6.2s. The top speed is restricted to around 216kmph. While the characteristic sound of the triple will not make it to the EV era, Triumph's electric motorcycles will have their characteristic sound emitted by the helical gear in the motor. The will come with four riding modes - Rain, , Track and Unlimited which vary the degree of power delivery to these riding environments. The features regenerative braking and riding modes also alter the level of regeneration. And yes, the TE-1 can wheelie too!
Triumph has managed to restrict the weight of the TE-1 to a mere 220kg - which promises to make the easy going on the as well as the track. Williams Engineering who is one of the collaborators on the project has worked on making the battery pack compact and lightweight. The battery pack stacks 900 cells into eight differently sized modules - an arrangement that has helped achieve the size and shape that would fit into the standard frame and seating that Triumph was targeting with the TE-1. The batteries can charge from 0-80% in 20mins using a conventional 50kW fast charger. The drivetrain also features Reverse and Walk modes and the latter will limit the speed to a bare minimum to facilitate walking with the bike in the case of a puncture/breakdown etc (I'm guessing!).
Triumph says that most riders they spoke to "wanted a 100-mile range" before breaking for and recharging the bike. Therefore, the TE-1 achieves the targeted 161km range while assuring Speed Triple level of performance.
With the TE-1, Triumph says that their ambition is much bigger than just one . While the TE-1 won't make it to production, the tech and learnings from the project will soon be seen on production-spec EVs from the brand. An electrified Triple or the return of the Daytona maybe? Your guess is as good as mine.
