The all-new battery powertrain developed by Oxfordshire-based
Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) for Triumph Motorcycles’ TE-1 project will set new standards for electric motorbike performance.
WAE’s ‘lightweight and groundbreaking’ battery system will allow riders to use more electric power for longer, while providing access to ‘outstanding performance’ regardless of battery charge, alongside rapid charging times. This project has now reached the successful completion of ‘Phase 2’ of its four-phase programme.
Beginning in May 2019, TE-1 has been focused on developing specialist electric motorcycle technology and ‘innovative integrated solutions’, thanks to a unique collaboration between four leading British organisations: Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd, and WMG at the University of Warwick. Funding has been provided by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles via
Innovate UK.
Paul McNamara, WAE’s technical director, said: “WAE has a long history in powering a number of world-renowned electric vehicles, both on track and on the road. Alongside our partners, we are delighted to be playing a key role in this innovative project, setting new standards in electric performance on two wheels.”
Nick Bloor, Triumph’s CEO, said: “The completion of Phase 2, and the promising results achieved to date, provide an exciting glimpse of the potential electric future and showcase the talent and innovation of this unique British collaboration.
“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.”
At the start of the project, WAE identified appropriate cell technology and battery architecture to deliver the performance objectives set by the partners, namely the best balance between power and energy. WAE has also created ‘innovative battery management software’ to ensure power is delivered in relationship to battery performance.
The all-new battery has peak power of 170kW and continuous power of 90kW, with a capacity of 15kWh. This enables the motorbike to deliver 130kW of peak power and 80kW of continuous power. Moreover, the 360V system also enables a fast-charging time of under 20min (0-80%), which is combined with a ‘market-leading target range’.