Triumph Motorcycles has released images showing how its first electric motorbike could look.
A prototype has been developed as part of its two year Project TE-1 initiative, working with partners including Williams Advanced Engineering, the battery and technology arm of the Williams Formula One racing team.
The partnership – which also includes Integral Powertrain’s e-Drive division and researchers from WMG at the University of Warwick – has come up with an electric motor which Triumph says has a strong power-to-weight ratio, potentially giving it better range than its competitors.
The bike is a big step on the way to the Leicestershire-based manufacturer developing its first range of electric bikes and Triumph says the running model has already achieved initial test results ahead of UK industry targets.
The next stage of development will see six months of full live testing of elements such as the ride, handling, safety and performance – and the bike’s detailed range and power.
When that is completed in the summer the final body parts and paint finish will be added in readiness for an official track unveiling.
Triumph hopes the eventual figures for battery power and range performance will set the standard for the motorcycle sector overall.
Chief executive Nick Bloor said: “It has been truly exciting to see the progress made during phase 3 of Project Triumph TE‑1 with the final prototype motorcycle now going into real life testing.
“Everyone involved at Triumph are proud to have been part of this innovative British collaboration.
“Personally, I am thrilled with the results we have already achieved with our partners, and the exciting preview of the potential electric future to come.
“We look forward to continuing the ambitious and innovative work on the TE-1 demonstrator prototype through the live testing phase and sharing the outcome with Triumph fans across the world.”
Triumph’s R&D facilities are based in Hinckley, in west Leicestershire, and funding for the project has come from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles through Innovate UK.
The project has seen Triumph provide elements for the new bike such as the frame and wheel designs and used its engineering expertise in areas such as the safety systems and software.
Williams Advanced Engineering provided things such as the lightweight battery design and the use of its test and development facilities.
Integral Powertrain led the development of the electric motor while WMG gave its electrification expertise and analysis of the future commercial impact.
Steve Sargent, Triumph’s chief product officer, said: “During phase three we have focused on building the physical foundation of Triumph’s first electric prototype motorcycle.
“I am pleased with the outcome of Triumph and the TE-1 partners’ efforts in creating a demonstrator bike that is not only visually so desirable with clear Triumph DNA, but also packaged with an exhilarating and thrilling brand-new electric powertrain that has such potential for the future.
“I look forward to continuing the development of this demonstrator vehicle through phase four and using our knowledge and capabilities to bring all of the partners’ cutting-edge technology together into a final result which will guide Triumph’s electric strategy for the future.
“Our experience tells us that at this stage of a project there is no substitute to genuinely riding a bike when developing driveability, handling and character, and we have ambitious targets focused on delivering a riding experience that is new and exciting, but ultimately intuitive and familiar.
“I am really looking forward to my first opportunity to ride the completed prototype.”
Dyrr Ardash, head of strategic partnerships at Williams Advanced Engineering said they were thrilled to finally see the results of their work on a physical bike.
He said: “By working with the team at Triumph, we have continued to push the boundaries of battery technology, keeping the rider in mind at all times.
“Because we have designed the battery from the ground-up, design has not been compromised and we have been able to push the boundaries of current technology, offering both performance and all-important range.”
