2022 Triumph TE-1 Phase 3 Prototype: EXCITING ELECTRIC FUTURE TO COME.
Introducing the 2022 Triumph TE-1 Phase 3 Prototype…
PROTOTYPE REVEAL LIVE TESTING PHASE TO COMMENCE
Today marks the official end of the collaboration stage of the TE-1 project, with the completion of the prototype demonstrator, which is now fully ready for the next Triumph-led stage of the project to begin – the live testing programme.
The unique collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd, and WMG at the University of Warwick funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles through Innovate UK, was set up to create ground-breaking developments in specialist electric motorcycle engineering and innovative integrated technology design.
2022 Triumph TE-1 Phase 3 Prototype Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
PROJECT PHASE 3 COMPLETE
Phase 3 of the TE-1 project has now reached its completion, with the final build of the prototype demonstrator. Integrating for the first time all of the latest and final innovations from the project partner workstreams, the prototype demonstrator features:
- Triumph: final chassis, including frame, rear sub-frame, cockpit, panels and wheels, final drive system including transmission and Gates Carbon belt drive, electronics, Öhlins USD cartridge forks, unique prototype Öhlins RSU, Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, and Triumph motorcycle control software
- Williams Advanced Engineering: final iteration of prototype WAE battery pack incorporating dedicated cell packaging for optimum centre of gravity, vehicle control unit, DCDC converter, integrated cooling, charge port, and styled carbon covers
- Integral Powertrain: final prototype powertrain with scalable integrated inverter and combined motor with silicon carbide switching technology and integrated cooling
- WMG, University of Warwick: final pre-live trial simulation completed, with all results indicating that the project is on course to deliver the intended performance and durability outcomes
Key project achievements during this phase include test results that exceed current benchmarks and targets set by the UK Automotive Council for 2025, providing a platform with great potential for future development in electric motorcycle performance.
The overall objective of the TE-1 project has been focused on developing electric motorcycle capability, in order to provide an input into Triumph’s future electric motorcycle offering, driving innovation, capability, and new intellectual property, and enhancing the credibility and profile of British industry and design.
2022 Triumph TE-1 Phase 3 Prototype Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
PROJECT PHASE 4 TO COMMENCE
With the completion of the prototype demonstrator, the full live testing phase of the TE-1 project can now begin (phase 4). Over the next 6 months the prototype demonstrator will undertake an extensive live testing programme within Triumph’s state-of-the-art facilities, which will encompass:
- Rolling road testing – core functional assessment to include:
- Throttle calibration
- Powertrain performance mapping
- Power and torque output
- Range and battery consumption assessment
- Rider mode development
- Software functionality validation
- Thermal optimisation
- Track testing – encompassing dynamic rider assessment to include:
- Handling
- Acceleration
- Braking and braking regeneration strategy
- Traction control
- Front wheel lift control
The testing programme has been designed to provide direction into the final set up and calibration of the prototype demonstrator.
PHASE 4 COMPLETION: Summer 2022
At the completion of the live testing phase, estimated to be Summer 2022, the prototype demonstrator will be updated with its final body panels and paint scheme, in preparation for active track demonstration, and media engagement. At this time, the full results of the project including the final specifications and testing outcomes will be published, as well as insights and key facts on how the TE-1 delivers on the project targets for innovation and sets new standards for the motorcycle sector overall, including final battery and range performance. This will be supported by an opportunity for the media to talk to the team, see the prototype in action on track and hear from the development test riders.
“It has been truly exciting to see the progress made during phase 3 of Project Triumph TE‑1 with the final prototype motorcycle now going into real life testing. Everyone involved at Triumph are proud to have been part of this innovative British collaboration. Personally, I am thrilled with the results we have already achieved with our partners, and the exciting preview of the potential electric future to come.” said Nick Bloor, Triumph CEO. “We look forward to continuing the ambitious and innovative work on the TE-1 demonstrator prototype through the live testing phase and sharing the outcome with Triumph fans across the world.”
PROJECT TE-1 – PHASE 3 OUTCOMES
Demonstrator Prototype
Triumph Motorcycles
The Triumph TE-1 team began phase 3 by successfully building an initial mule bike which incorporated the battery, inverter, motor, and chassis into one machine for the first time. Using this platform, all of the project partners worked collaboratively to optimise software integration across the complex systems, involving hundreds of hours of detailed testing to ensure the functionality of all the features and software aspects behave accurately and intuitively, as a customer would expect. This was validated in real life simulation work carried out at WMG, involving detailed powertrain rig testing and simulations to assess safety critical items relating to motor function and vehicle control. Durability testing on the primary transmission has also been conducted to ensure a full understanding of the fundamental differences in electric motor load application for vehicle use cases, efficiency, and consequences to gear life. Alongside this work, the Triumph-led design of the bespoke chassis has focused on delivering the phase 2 styling intent as closely as possible. Phase 3 of the project is now complete with the fully assembled TE-1 demonstrator prototype, the photographs of which are revealed for the first time today.
Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer said “During phase 3 we have focused on building the physical foundation of Triumph’s first electric prototype motorcycle. I am pleased with the outcome of Triumph and the TE-1 partners’ efforts in creating a demonstrator bike that is not only visually so desirable with clear Triumph DNA, but also packaged with an exhilarating and thrilling brand-new electric powertrain that has such potential for the future. I look forward to continuing the development of this demonstrator vehicle through phase 4 and using our knowledge and capabilities to bring all of the partners’ cutting-edge technology together into a final result which will guide Triumph’s electric strategy for the future. Our experience tells us that at this stage of a project there is no substitute to genuinely riding a bike when developing driveability, handling and character, and we have ambitious targets focused on delivering a riding experience that is new and exciting, but ultimately intuitive and familiar. I am really looking forward to my first opportunity to ride the completed prototype.”
Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE)
Following completion of Phase 2 of the programme in March 2021, which delivered a fully bench tested battery, Williams Advanced Engineering have now concluded work on Phase 3 which contained some critical gateways for the project.
In addition to supporting a number of hardware and software solutions; specifically integrating Triumph’s motorcycle control software to work in harmony with WAE’s controller and battery management system, the team have enhanced the integration of the mechanical and electrical solutions; optimising battery layout to balance mass and positioning within the chassis.
The demonstrator bike is now undergoing final battery level validation and calibration to ensure the performance results meet best-in-class power and energy density targets and for the rider, ensuring there is no compromise in performance at low levels of charge.
“Following an extended period of testing, we are thrilled to finally see the results of our work on a physical bike. By working with the team at Triumph, we have continued to push the boundaries of battery technology, keeping the rider in mind at all times” said Dyrr Ardash, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Williams Advanced Engineering “Because we have designed the battery from the ground-up, design has not been compromised and we have been able to push the boundaries of current technology, offering both performance and all important, range”.
Integral Powertrain Ltd.’s e-Drive Division
“We are absolutely delighted to complete our part in this project and deliver what we set out to achieve which is a scalable, ultra-highly integrated motor and inverter, with no phase cables, busbars, or separate cooling circuits. For the TE-1 application, the motor achieves peak and continuous power densities of 13 kW/kg and 9 kW/kg respectively which is 60% higher than new APC technology roadmap targets for 2025. All of this has been achieved using materials and processes compatible with volume automotive production and importantly using a length scalable motor platform.
“The inverter concept, which is also scalable by tuning the number of Silicon-Carbide power stages for different diameter motors, has really delivered on performance. The TE-1 unit is capable of >500kW! This gives us the opportunity to optimise this platform for production.
“The integrated motor and inverter unit is now on the bike and is delivering on the target performance and cycle efficiency we engineered, modelled and simulated to achieve. We’re very much looking forward the feedback from bike-level testing and the benefits of our high efficiency on range.
“We’re really proud to have been a key part of this exciting project which has been a landmark for electric motorcycles and British industry.” Andrew Cross, Chief Technical Officer at Integral Powertrain Ltd.
WMG, University of Warwick
“WMG have been working closely with Triumph to support the development of the motorcycle control unit via a comprehensive real-time evaluation process using two bespoke physical rigs. A 3D physical motorcycle model has been created and integrated with the first rig to allow the evaluation and refinement of the control unit under real-world driving scenarios, ensuring it behaves well before the integration into the initial prototype bike. The second rig has been utilised to support Triumph in evaluating the power and energy performance of the whole drivetrain as well as confirming its durability. We have also focused on control research and development at other levels, including advanced traction control and optimal brake blending strategies. The findings in energy system modelling, simulation and control, especially real-world case studies with electric motorcycles, gained through this TE-1 project have been utilised to develop teaching materials on energy systems, hybridisation and electrification technologies across education programmes at WMG.” Truong Quang Dinh, Associate Professor of Energy System Management and Control at WMG, University of Warwick.
“WMG have also been helping Triumph understand the opportunities and wider implications of electrification towards their business. This has included investigating the opportunities for electric two-wheeler charging networks, the need for domestic electric motorcycle recycling, the necessity to develop local battery supply chains and the direction that Triumph will need to take to ensure that they can design, develop, manufacture and distribute electric two-wheeled vehicles in the future. The findings from these studies are also providing direction to national and local governments, specifically around areas where policy intervention can support electric motorcycle adoption.
“In many studies undertaken by WMG, bespoke computer-based models developed at the university (such as the university’s own UniWarp software), have been instrumental in understanding the best possible direction or action required for different scenarios. This approach has enabled WMG to quantify the environmental impact of electric motorcycles and has defined methods by which this can be further improved through new vehicle features, vehicle system sizing or new external collaborations.” Jim Hooper, Principal Engineer of Electric Vehicle Projects at WMG, University of Warwick.
PROJECT TE-1 OVERVIEW
Project TE-1 collaboration – Triumph Motorcycles, industry experts, academic leaders and UK Government
Project Triumph TE-1 is a ground-breaking two-year collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles and the UK’s electrification experts, followed by a six-month Triumph led development period of testing, focused on developing technical innovation and advanced electric motorcycle capabilities. Each of the partners focussed on creating innovations in their own areas:
- Triumph Motorcycles led the collaboration stages of the project, providing advanced motorcycle chassis design and engineering expertise, manufacturing excellence, and pioneering functional safety systems, as well as defining electric drivetrain power delivery control software and characterisation. Triumph will continue with further calibration, handling and tuning work of the demonstrator vehicle.
- Williams Advanced Engineering provided industry-leading lightweight battery design and integration capability and used its test and development facilities to deliver an innovative battery management system combined with vehicle control unit.
- Integral Powertrain Ltd.’s e-Drive division led the development of a scalable power-dense electric motor and a silicon carbide inverter, integrating both into a singular motor housing.
- WMG, at the University of Warwick provided electrification expertise, and the critical vision to drive innovation from R&D to commercial impact, through modelling and simulation based on future market needs.
- The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) is a team working across government to support the transition to zero emission vehicles, as well as funding to support charge point infrastructure across the UK. This will contribute to economic growth and will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution on UK roads. OZEV is part of the Department for Transport and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
- Innovate UK is the government’s research and innovation agency that supports business led R&D funding and UK business growth.
The project has been organised into four main phases, with one key aim being increased systems integration. By developing individual components of automotive-based electric drivetrains and optimising them into innovative combined units, the project has delivered sophisticated electric motorcycle systems which reduce mass, complexity and package requirements.
Triumph Motorcycles has worked alongside the partner organisations to accelerate joint expertise in the packaging and safety of batteries, optimum electric motor sizing and packaging, the integration of braking systems including regenerative braking, and advanced safety systems. The innovation and capabilities developed in these areas will input into Triumph’s future electric motorcycle strategy.
The Project Triumph TE-1 partnership, with the support of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles and Innovate UK, has focused on facilitating the creation of:
- Electric motorcycle capability that meets the needs of customers seeking lower environmental impact transportation, delivering against the UK’s focus on reducing emissions
- Strong, commercially viable and sustainable partnerships with UK industry manufacturers
and supply chains - Expertise and capability within the UK workforce, creating jobs and a talent base that both ensures sustainable employment and drives the UK’s reputation and influence on the world stage.
Dr Francesca Iudicello CEng MIMechE – Programme Manager – Automotive Zero Emission Vehicles – Innovate UK
“Innovate UK has worked in close partnership with the Office of Zero Emission Office to deliver the integrated delivery programme since 2013. This provides funding to ground-breaking innovation in the automotive sectors for zero emission vehicle technologies from proof of concept to vehicle demonstration.
The TE-1 project is a part of this programme under the IDP15 competition and is aligned with the road to zero policy and marks an important milestone towards zero emission vehicles and the race to net zero.
We are proud to have delivered the funding for this project which is a pioneering project for the zero-emission vehicle motorcycle manufacturing in the UK as it has successfully developed, thanks to a very talented group of innovators, the very first Triumph electric motorcycle in a very quick development time and prepared the groundwork for the future of electric motorcycles.”
Jon Bray – Research & Development (R&D) Lead – Office for Zero Emission Vehicles
“Investment in Research and Development is key to our mission of putting the UK at the forefront of the design, manufacture and use of zero emission vehicles. By supporting these technologies, we are helping to deliver our road transport decarbonisation goals, while anchoring economic activity across the UK, which will support the green recovery in the wake of the pandemic.
This is why the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles continues to design and fund a series of R&D competitions, which support UK innovation in developing zero emission vehicle and charging infrastructure technologies.
Triumph’s TE-1 project is part of our diverse R&D portfolio of ambitious electrification projects, which are addressing challenges in line with our accelerated phase-out ambitions of petrol and diesel cars and vans and electric vehicle commitments in the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan.
We are excited to see that our funding is supporting Triumph Motorcycles in driving forward innovation and capability in the electric motorcycle space, while fostering collaboration between several pioneering UK companies”.
2022 Triumph TE-1 Phase 3 Prototype – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
2022 Triumph TE-1 Phase 3 Prototype – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
2022 Triumph TE-1 Phase 3 Prototype – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
