Triumph and Williams Advanced Engineering have unveiled the first sketches of their Project TE-1 prototype. Designed to be the ultimate electric motorcycle, the TE-1 has a sporty and rather conventional design. However, when viewed from the side, it’s clear the engine has been replaced by a battery and an electric motor.
Speaking of them, Williams said the battery is specially balanced and has been incorporated into the chassis taking the center of gravity and space into consideration. Furthermore, a unique vehicle control unit is integrated into the battery pack and this helps to optimize packaging as well as reduce weight.
The companies aren’t ready to go into
specifics, but the prototype has a 360 volt electrical system that will allow
for a “market leading target range” as well as a fast-charging capability. In
regards to the latter, the bike will be able to go from a 0-80% charge in less
than 20 minutes. The battery powers a specially developed electric motor from
Integral Powertrain, which is “significantly more compact and lighter than
anything currently available on the market.” Despite only weighing 10
kg, it produces 174 hp.
The motor isn’t the only thing unique about the bike as it uses a prototype chassis, which has a main and rear frame that have been optimized for the electric powertrain. While it will continue to be refined as the project progresses, Triumph said they’re working to ensure the bike has an intuitive throttle response as well as natural feeling regenerative braking.
