Project Triumph TE-1 will be electric

Triumph recently announced that it will indeed develop electric motorcycle technology, and the plan has been called Project Triumph TE-1. The project will involve collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain, and the University of Warwick. It will also receive funding and support from Innovative UK — as well as the British government via the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy.

Triumph will serve as the project leader and will be in charge of developing the chassis and riding experience. Williams Advanced Engineering and Integral Powertrain will develop the battery and motor, respectively. The University of Warwick will assist with modeling, simulation, and research and development through its own Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG). The cooperation across different industry experts, academics, experienced engineers, government bodies, and various stakeholders is expected to result in advantageous innovation — especially considering the current challenges of electrifying motorcycles, such as power-to-weight ratio and charging infrastructure.

Triumph announces plans to collaborate on electric motorcycles image

This move is no surprise as most of the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturers are investing resources into the future of electrified mobility. For the past half-decade, Triumph’s existing customers have been reporting receiving email surveys from the brand, asking for their opinions on electric vehicles. The questions included whether they had ridden an electric motorbike, what may prevent them from purchasing one, and if they believe Triumph should build electrified vehicles. The survey also asked respondents about electric scooters and bicycles.

“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. 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,” said Nick Bloor, CEO of Triumph Motorcycles.