Triumph at work on an electric bike prototype
next stage is constructing running model
TRIUMPH is working on a prototype electric bike as part of its plans to launch a carbon neutral vehicle.
The Hinckley bike builder said it had successfully built a prototype motor and powertrain following a year of research and development.
It is working on the plans – Project TE-1 – with three partners and said results so far had shown excellent potential.
Its aim is to create an electric bike with low carbon emissions – but without compromising on the riding experience.
The next stage will be building a running model “based on a sports roadster, with a stripped-back, aggressive look” inspired by Triumph’s Speed and Street Triple bikes. It will be revealed later this year.
Triumph chief product officer Steve Sargent said the bike builder had been leading the project, bringing together technology from four partners to “deliver an electric motorcycle that feels and performs like a Triumph without any compromise”.
He said: “In essence, the project is all about creating a platform for Triumph’s future electric motorcycles, hand-inhand with the creation of the powertrain, battery and the infrastructure that makes this possible.
“This is a ground-breaking collaboration between our four major UK industry and academic leaders to generate technological innovation future electric motorcycles.”
The project has had funding and support from Innovate UK and the government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.
Triumph chief executive Nick Bloor said: “Without doubt the outcome of this project will play a significant part in our future efforts to meet our customers’ ambition and desire to reduce their environmental impact and for more sustainable transportation.
“This important project will provide one of the foundations for our future electric motorcycle strategy, which is ultimately focused on delivering what riders want from their Triumph – the perfect balance of performance, handling and real world usability, with genuine Triumph character.”
Mr Sargent said the starting point for the project had been to hear what riders would want from a green bike.
He said: “This includes considering the type of riding, range, feel and nature of power and torque delivery, together with the ergonomics and bike controls.
“Overall, with the styling, we wanted to create something fresh and exciting but a natural evolution of the brand.” for