Triumph has begun collaborating with multiple industry players to develop electric motorcycle technology and related integrated systems. The two-year project is a joint effort by Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd. and WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group) from the University of Warwick, to develop electric motorcycles for Triumph. The project, titled TE-1, is supported and co-funded by the UK government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) that operate via Innovate UK, the country's innovation agency.
The all-British effort will see Triumph provide its motorcycle chassis designs and manufacturing technology apart from defining the required characteristics of the electric drivetrain. Meanwhile, Williams – with its Formula 1 expertise – will contribute to a lightweight battery design and use its development facilities to improve the battery management system and vehicle control unit. The development of the electric motor, on the other hand, will be lead by Integral Powertrain. WMG will oversee the development process and also aid the course of design based on projected future market needs.
Steve Sargent, Triumph's Chief Product Officer said "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.”