Triumph announces completion of 172hp Helix SIMI-powered TE-1 electric motorcycle

Triumph has announced the completion of the Helix Scalable Integrated Modular Inverter (SIMI)-powered TE-1 electric motorcycle. According to Triumph, the TE-1 prototype was able to exceed expectations and achieve some incredible outcomes during its live testing phase.

The high power density that characterizes Helix electric powertrains contributed to making the TE-1 prototype as much as 25 percent lighter than comparable electric motorcycles and allowed Triumph’s all-electric motorbike to achieve its outstanding power-to-weight ratio.

On its rolling road and track trials, the TE-1’s electric powertrain delivered a level of performance similar to the current Speed Triple 1200 with an impressive 172hp peak power and 109Nm.

“We’re delighted to see the final TE-1 motorcycle testing phase completed and further validation of the performance and efficiency of our Scalable Integrated Modular Inverter. In its TE-1 application, the motor achieved peak and continuous power densities of 13kW/kg and 9kW/kg respectively; 60 percent higher than Advanced Propulsion Centre technology roadmap targets for 2025. All this was achieved using materials and processes compatible with volume automotive production and using a motor scalability concept that provided a springboard to our Scalable Core Technology, providing similar performance levels at a much greater manufacturing scale than previously possible. We’re really proud to have been a key part of this exciting project, which is a landmark for electric motorcycles and the British industry,” said Helix Chief Technology Officer Andrew Cross.

The data shared by Triumph reveals that the TE-1 electric motorcycle achieved a zero-to-60mph time of 3.6 seconds and a zero-to-100mph time of 6.2 seconds.

“We have already seen an incredibly positive reaction to the TE-1 prototype from motorcyclists all around the world, where many people are telling us that for the first time, they are seeing an electric motorcycle as desirable, and something that they would genuinely want to own. Being the first step in our journey towards developing our future approach to electric powertrain technology, the TE-1 prototype and the incredible results it has achieved in its intensive testing program has provided crucial insights and capabilities that will ultimately guide our future development,” said Triumph Motorcycles Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent.

Range, thanks to the Williams TE-1 project developed battery, is at 161km/100miles based on official testing and projections. The said battery can be charged from zero to 80 percent in just 20 minutes.

“Since its conception in 2018, all the partners have worked with collaboration, innovation, and passion to bring the boundary-breaking prototype to life. It is pleasing to hear positive rider comments which confirms that the dynamics of the bike are aligned with Triumph’s DNA. This has been underpinned by the class-leading Battery and Control System that WAE has produced within a lightweight and integrated package. This core WAE technology has allowed us to exceed performance and charging targets for the battery which we look forward to seeing in future powertrains,” said Williams Advanced Engineering Head of Strategic Partnerships Dyrr Ardash.

Daytona 200 champion racer Brandon Paasch participated in the final testing phase, both in engine performance evaluation and also with the final setup of the prototype through track testing.

“The throttle response on the TE-1 is kind of incredible, it’s very torquey and when you first touch the throttle it’s instant power, which is obviously what I love as a motorcycle racer — I love when it’s super-torquey and picks up right away, so for me, it was a really great experience. I got to peg this thing all the way from zero to 100 percent throttle and it’s unbelievably quick, it pulls like crazy,” Paasch said.

Photos from Triumph

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