The Triumph TE-1 project was revealed as a finished prototype. The collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), Integral Powertrain Ltd and WMG of the University of Warwick, funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles through Innovate UK, has been set up to create groundbreaking developments in the specialized engineering of electric motorcycles. and innovative integrated technology design.
Marking the official end of the collaboration phase of the TE-1 project, the completed demonstrator is now fully ready for the next stage of the project led by Triumph, the live test program, incorporating all the latest and final innovations for the first time. project partners’ workflows.
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Triumph: final chassis including frame, rear subframe, cockpit, panels and wheels, final drive system including Gates Carbon transmission and belt drive, electronics, Öhlins USD cartridge forks, Öhlins RSU one-off prototype, Brembo M50 monoblock calipers and Triumph motorcycle control software.
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Williams Advanced Engineering: final iteration of the WAE battery prototype incorporating dedicated cell packaging for optimum center of gravity, vehicle control unit, DCDC converter, integrated cooling, charging port and styled carbon covers.
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Integral powertrain: final prototype powertrain with scalable integrated inverter and combined motor with silicon carbide commutator technology and integrated cooling.
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WMG, University of Warwick: the final pre-live test simulation is complete, with all results indicating that the project is on track to deliver the expected performance and durability results.
Integral Powertrain’s e-Drive division has developed a new highly integrated motor and inverter powertrain as part of the project. A bespoke Integral e-Drive electric motor with very high power density has been paired with a new ultra-low-loss silicon carbide power stage, which, like the Integral e-Drives electric machines, is itself extremely scalable .
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% better than the new APC Technology Roadmap goals for 2025. this was achieved using materials and processes compatible with automotive volume production and, most importantly, utilizing a length-scalable engine platform.
The WAE battery features dedicated cell packaging for optimal center of gravity, vehicle control unit, DCDC converter, integrated cooling, charging port and styled carbon covers.
Fully responsible for the TE-1’s lightweight battery system, WAE used a holistic approach to development that will allow riders to use more electrical power for longer, providing access to exceptional performance regardless of battery charge, as well as fast charging times.
The brand new battery has a peak output of 170 kW and a continuous output of 90 kW, with a capacity of 15 kWh. This allows the bike to deliver 130kW of peak power and 80kW of continuous power. Cutting-edge system cooling combined with the optimal balance of power and energy means the TE-1 can give the rider more electric power for longer and deliver exceptional performance regardless of battery charge. The 360-volt system also allows for a fast charge time of less than 20 minutes (0-80%), which is combined with an industry-leading target range.
WAE optimized the layout of the battery module to balance mass and positioning within the prototype chassis considering center of gravity, space and relationship to powertrain and charging approach. A new bespoke vehicle control unit has been integrated into the battery to minimize weight and packaging.
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 the future development of electric motorcycle performance. .
The overall objective of the TE-1 project has been focused on developing electric motorcycle capabilities, to provide input into Triumph’s future electric motorcycle offering, by driving innovation, capabilities and new intellectual property, and improving the credibility and profile of British industry. and design.
With the completion of the prototype demonstrator, the full live testing phase of the TE-1 project will now begin. Over the next six months, the prototype demonstrator will undertake an extensive program of live testing at Triumph’s facilities, including rolling road and track trials, designed to guide the final configuration and calibration of the prototype demonstrator. demonstrator.
At the end of the live test phase, scheduled for summer 2022, the prototype demonstrator will be updated with its final body panels in preparation for active demonstration on the track. At that time, final specifications and test results will be released, along with key information and facts about how the TE-1 meets project goals, including final battery and battery performance. ‘autonomy.
The demo bike is currently undergoing final battery level validation and calibration to ensure that performance results meet best-in-class power and energy density targets and for the rider, ensuring that it does not There is no compromise on performance at low load levels.