Triumph has upped its ante in the electric motorcycle segment.  According to British outlet MCN, the UK based motorcycle manufacturer has commenced a project to develop an electric motorcycle powertrain to enter the electric motorcycle market.

Triumph has dubbed its electric motorcycle powertrain project the TE-1 program.  Technology developed during the two-year project may be used in future Triumph motorcycles.

Several partners will assist with the TE-1 project.  Williams Advanced Engineering will perform the lightweight battery design and integration.  Williams’ has vast experience with battery technology.  That technology is used in Formula 1 race cars and in its Hyperbat Ltd. program aimed at becoming the UK’s largest independent vehicle battery manufacturer.  Such a partnership could be groundbreaking for electric motorcycle development.

William Advanced Engineering develops world-class battery tech. Photo credit: Williams Advanced Engineering.

Triumph plans to collaborate with several other partners including electric motor and inverter experts, Integral Powertrain as well as a team of electrical specialists from the University of Warwick.

Triumph’s CEO Nick Bloor had this to say:

“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.”

The plan to reach out to advanced engineering facilities before leaping into an electric motorcycle production seems to be a good choice.  With no previous electronic powertrain experience, Triumph will significantly benefit from its partner’s broad range of electrical expertise.  Working together, the partners can develop the powertrain while Triumph provides its motorcycle building expertise.

Triumph hopes that the partnership will allow them to “rapidly” do what they know best.  Build motorcycles.  It will be interesting to see what the results of project TE-1 will bring.

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