Powering the Future of Electric Mobility
As the world evolves towards a more sustainable future, electric motorcycles have emerged as a promising solution, offering eco-friendly transportation without compromising performance. At the forefront of this electric revolution is a groundbreaking collaboration between industry leaders, government entities, and academic institutions, known as Project TE-1. This innovative partnership is paving the way for a new era of electric motorcycles that seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology, exceptional performance, and a distinctive Triumph DNA.
At the heart of this project lies a relentless pursuit to redefine the boundaries of electric powertrain capabilities. By harnessing the expertise of Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd., and WMG at the University of Warwick, the TE-1 collaboration is driving the development of advanced electric motorcycle technology that far exceeds current industry benchmarks.
Redefining Battery and Powertrain Performance
One of the key innovations emerging from the TE-1 project is the advancement of battery and powertrain design. Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), a renowned expert in the field of electrification, has played a pivotal role in this endeavor. By optimizing the battery module layout and developing a unique vehicle control unit integrated into the battery pack, WAE has been able to achieve unprecedented levels of power and energy density.
“The energy density of this new battery will be a significant step forward from existing technology, giving the rider more power, for longer,” said Dyrr Ardash, Senior Commercial Manager at WAE.
This breakthrough in battery technology translates to enhanced performance and extended range for electric motorcycle riders, a crucial factor in driving widespread adoption of electric mobility.
Complementing the advancements in battery design, Integral Powertrain Ltd.’s e-Drive division has spearheaded the development of an innovative motor and inverter integration. By combining these typically separate components into a single, compact package, Integral Powertrain has been able to reduce the overall mass and volume of the drivetrain, resulting in a significant improvement in power density.
“One of the most influential factors in how well a motorcycle handles and performs is mass, so at Integral Powertrain we have focused heavily on making a step change in motor and inverter design,” explained Andrew Cross, Chief Technical Officer at Integral Powertrain Ltd.
The integration of state-of-the-art motor technology and the implementation of advanced silicon carbide switch technology in the inverter have further enhanced the efficiency, power delivery, and range of the TE-1 powertrain.
Enhancing Rider Experience through Software Integration
Alongside the advancements in hardware, the TE-1 project has also placed a strong emphasis on the integration of sophisticated software and control systems. Triumph Motorcycles has been instrumental in developing an all-new advanced vehicle control software, which seamlessly incorporates electrical systems to deliver an intuitive and responsive riding experience.
This software-driven approach encompasses features such as adaptive throttle response, regenerative braking, and cutting-edge traction control, ensuring that riders can fully harness the power and performance of the TE-1 electric motorcycle.
“We have begun to define the powertrain and battery interaction through the use of software refinement to deliver an exhilarating power delivery and throttle response, which provides great control and feels intuitive to the rider,” said Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer.
The collaboration with WMG at the University of Warwick has been crucial in this endeavor, as the institution has provided invaluable guidance in developing representative models to simulate the bike’s systems, including the battery, motor, and vehicle control. This holistic approach to software development has enabled Triumph to refine the TE-1’s performance and ensure a seamless integration with the physical components.
Towards a Sustainable Future in Electric Mobility
The TE-1 project’s commitment to advancing electric motorcycle technology extends beyond just performance and efficiency. The collaboration also focuses on addressing critical sustainability and environmental concerns, aligning with the broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions.
One of the key focus areas is the optimization of hybrid powertrain technologies to enhance fuel economy and performance, while also exploring improved energy management strategies for hybrid storage systems. By leveraging the expertise of the partnering organizations, the TE-1 project aims to deliver electric motorcycles that not only deliver exhilarating performance but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
“Innovate UK has worked in close partnership with the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles to deliver the integrated delivery program since 2013. This provides funding to ground-breaking innovation in the automotive sectors for zero emission vehicle technologies from proof of concept to vehicle demonstration,” said Dr. Francesca Iudicello, Program Manager – Automotive Zero Emission Vehicles at Innovate UK.
The TE-1 project’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the motorcycle itself, with the team exploring strategies to reduce the platform’s thermal signature and enable silent operating capabilities, allowing for the powering of electronics and sensors while the engine is turned off.
Charting the Course for Future Electric Motorcycles
As the TE-1 project progresses through its four-phase development plan, the insights and innovations generated will have a profound impact on Triumph’s future electric motorcycle strategy. The collaboration’s focus on increasing systems integration, optimizing battery and powertrain performance, and enhancing the overall rider experience will serve as a blueprint for the next generation of electric two-wheelers.
“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,” said Nick Bloor, Triumph CEO.
This groundbreaking partnership between industry leaders, government entities, and academic institutions is poised to redefine the landscape of electric motorcycle technology, paving the way for a future where performance, sustainability, and rider enjoyment coexist seamlessly.
Harnessing the Power of Advanced Powertrain Technologies
The advancements made through the TE-1 project demonstrate the immense potential of leveraging cutting-edge powertrain technologies to optimize the performance and efficiency of electric motorcycles. By integrating adaptive motor control, advanced battery management, and sophisticated software integration, the TE-1 collaboration is setting new benchmarks for the industry.
As the world continues to embrace sustainable transportation solutions, the insights and innovations from the TE-1 project will undoubtedly pave the way for a new era of electric mobility, where riders can experience the thrill of high-performance motorcycles while contributing to a greener future.
To stay informed about the latest developments in electric motorcycle technology and sustainability initiatives, be sure to visit Volt Watt Electric. Our dedicated team of electrical experts is committed to providing valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of electric transportation.
