Triumph Motorcycles will work alongside
the partner organisations to accelerate joint
expertise in the packaging and safety of
batteries, optimum electric motor sizing and
packaging, the integration of braking systems
including regenerative braking, and advanced
safety systems. The innovation and capabilities
developed in these areas will input into
Triumph’s future electric motorcycle strategy.
Electrification of motorcycles was once the
realm of niche manufacturers many of whom
either got into financial difficulty or have been
absorbed by larger manufacturers such as
Harley-Davidson and Polaris Industries.
With the imminent release of Harley’s first
electric model – the LiveWire – it is expected that
the electric motorcycle market will officially be
seen as mainstream and Triumph recognises it
needs to catch up to the developments made in
the United States, which until now has been the
hub of the electric motorcycle movement.
“This new collaboration represents an exciting
opportunity for Triumph and its partners to be
leaders in the technology that will enable the
electrification of motorcycles, which is driven by
customers striving to reduce their environmental
impact, combined with the desire for more
economical transportation, and changing
legislation,” said Nick Bloor, Triumph CEO.
“Project Triumph TE-1 is one part of our electric
motorcycle strategy, focused on delivering what
riders want and expect from their Triumph,
which is the perfect balance of handling,
performance and usability.”
While Triumph has given no indication as to
what form an electric Triumph might take, the
broad spread of markets in which the company
has a presence in means we could see anything
from an electrified modern classic to an electric
superbike.
KIWI RIDER 15