Not more than six months ago, we reported that Triumph would begin intensive testing on its upcoming TE-1 prototype motorcycle. Strictly adhering to that timeline, the performance figures of the all-electric bike have come out and boy are we in for something.
Serving as a base for all of Triumph’s upcoming EV projects, the TE-1 boasts of some disruptive figures which have the potential to blow both your mind and hair. Starting with the heart of the matter, the British bikemaker has confirmed that the prototype has a claimed range of 161km.
While that may seem to be on the lower side, considering some of the EVs we have on offer today, it is really the charging and performance aspect that has got us excited. Starting with the former, Triumph claims that the 15kWh battery pack comprising 900 cells in 8 modules can be charged from 0-80 per cent in just 20 minutes, with a 50 kW supply.
Coming to the performance, the company claims that the TE-1’s electric motor puts out 177PS of power and 109Nm of torque. This helps the bike in accelerating from zero to 100kmph in 3.7 seconds, while the 160kmph mark comes up in just over 6 seconds.
Engineers at Triumph have also made sure to keep the weight in check, with the TE-1 tipping the scale at 220kg, which it says is 25 per cent lighter than another performance-focused electric motorcycles on the market. Triumph also claims that the throttle and torque delivery is in the same range as the Speed Triple 1200 RS.
Developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering, the TE-1 has the design to turn around a lot of heads (for good reasons). Based on the silhouette of its naked bikes, the prototype features an aggressive look, with flowy muscular lines all over, and a pair of twin headlamps at the front.
Built around an Aluminium frame, the TE-1 employs top-shelf Ohlins USD forks at the front and a mono-shock unit at the back while braking is taken care of by Brembo M50 monobloc callipers. In terms of features, it comes with re-gen braking along with four riding modes – Rain, Sport, Track and Unlimited along with traction control, wheelie control, reverse mode and a 6-axis IMU.
There’s no word yet on when or if we’ll see the prototype go into production. It is more likely that a more market-friendly product may be spun out of the prototype, rather than the TE-1 going into production. But we’re excited nonetheless.
(Image credits: Triumph Motorcycles)
