Triumph’s electric collaboration

Triumph has announced a collaboration with leading engineering firms and a university as it prepares to move into the electric motorcycle space.

The two-year project, called TE-1, will see Triumph partner with Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd and the University of Warwick to advance the British company’s electric motorcycle capabilities,

Triumph will lead the government-backed project, focussing on chassis design, Williams will be tasked with battery technology, Integral Powertrain will develop power-dense electric options, and Warwick University will provide “electrification expertise” in terms of R&D and commercial impact.

“This new collaboration represents an exciting opportunity for Triumph and its partners to be leaders in the technology that will enable the electrification of motorcycles, which is driven by customers striving to reduce their environmental impact, combined with the desire for more economical transportation, and changing legislation,” said Nick Bloor, Triumph CEO.

“Project Triumph TE-1 is one part of our electric motorcycle strategy, focused on delivering what riders want and expect from their Triumph, which is the perfect balance of handling, performance and usability.”

The project will be organised into four main phases, with one of its key aims being increased systems integration. By developing individual components of automotive-based electric drivetrains and optimising them into innovative combined units, the project aims to deliver sophisticated electric motorcycle systems which reduce mass, complexity and package requirements.

Triumph will work 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 media release doesn’t go into specific about models – like Harley-Davidson has done with its Livewire – so could we be seeing a new electric platforms(s) make their way into existing models powered by internal combustion engines? Watch this space.

And the final word goes to Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer: “Our future product strategy is focused on delivering the most suitable engine platforms for the changing landscape of customer needs, and we see a Triumph electric powertrain as a significant requirement alongside our signature twin and triple cylinder engines.

“As part of our electric motorcycle initiative, Project Triumph TE-1 represents an exciting collaboration that will provide valuable input into our future line-up. We are incredibly pleased to have the support of OLEV and Innovate UK, and to be working together with the UK’s electrification experts and academic leaders, in an endeavour that ultimately is focused on the future prosperity of British industry, and the future of motorcycling.”