Triumph, known for its high-end and zappy motorcycles, is entering the world of electric vehicles (EVs) with the TE-1 prototype. As a development toward this, the company has now completed the fourth phase of testing the electric bike. Since it was the final testing phase for the EV by Triumph, we now have a clear idea of what it is capable of. As expected, the performance figures of the bike are some of the best ones we have seen for electric two-wheelers till now.
The details are limited yet but from what is known, the Triumph TE-1 prototype does not boast a lot for its range. The all-electric bike can cover just over 160 km on a full charge, equivalent to many electric scooters we see in India. The Triumph bike, however, is in a different league altogether. Why? It promises to go from 0 to 100 kmph in less than 4 seconds. It then reaches speeds of over 160 kmph in just 6.2 seconds.
Making this possible is a 15 kg electric motor that churns out 130 kW (177hp) of peak power and 109Nm of peak torque. Triumph notes that the throttle and torque delivery map on the bike is equivalent to a Speed Triple 1200 RS, one of its premium IC engine offerings in the market today. While the performance matches that of Speed Triple 1200 RS, the “scale and visual impact” are inspired by that of Street Triple.
One look at the TE-1 prototype and this is clear. Triumph’s first-ever electric bike takes a short and agile stance with the signature twin-pod headlamps. The angular finish and the minimal faring further make this obvious, while also giving the rider a head-down stance and poise on the bike. Triumph says that the prototype has been updated with its “final body panels and paint scheme” following the phase-4 completion and we can expect it to look just as what is seen in the images here.
As for its build, Triumph has gone for an all-Aluminium chassis on the TE-1 prototype. This helps keep the kerb weight of the electric bike to just 220 kg. The company claims that this makes it up to 25 per cent lighter than the equivalent electric bikes available currently, thus helping with the power-to-weight ratio.
There is but another highlight on the bike, which is rather important to EVs in general. Triumph says that the TE-1 prototype can charge from 0 to 80 per cent within 20 minutes. Now that is an impressive charge time for a performance EV that will certainly give the competition a run for its money.
No more details are out for Triumph’s electric bike as yet, though the company mentions some room for improvement. It states that refinement of electronics, including “the traction control system and front-wheel lift control,” is expected to enhance the performance of the electric bike further. We can anticipate the same on Triumph’s first-ever electric motorcycle, as and when it makes its way to the international markets as a commercial unit.
