- Morris Commercial JE inches closer to reality
- New pre-production model unveiled
- Slated for initial production in 2027
- Retro-modern electric van with potential 300-mile range
.png)
This the electric Morris Commercial JE - an electric van that’s hoping to revive an iconic name from the past.
The old Morris Commercial brand disappeared in the late 1960s when Morris and Austin vans began to be marketed under the BMC/Leyland umbrella.
With naming and branding rights having now been acquired, the modern Morris Commercial team are leaning heavily on nostalgia when trying to appeal to forward-thinking business users.
The JE is inspired by the classic Morris J-Type van of the 1940s and 1950s.
And having been teased for a number of years now, the Morris Commercial JE could be accelerating closer to reality after the company announced plans to move to pilot production in 2027, with full production to follow in 2028.
What is the Morris Commercial JE?
Morris Commercial is attempting to carve out a niche in the increasingly crowded electric van market by combining distinctive heritage styling with modern EV technology.
Unlike conventional panel vans, the JE has been designed to appeal to businesses that view their vehicles as part of their brand identity, including retailers, hospitality operators, food and drink businesses and creative industries.
.jpg)
Beneath its vintage-inspired exterior, the JE features a lightweight architecture that Morris claims will deliver up to 300 miles of range between charges.
The platform is also expected to offer a payload of up to 1,000kg and as much as 6.0 cubic metres of cargo capacity.
One of the most unusual aspects of the project is its use of recycled carbon fibre. Morris says the JE will become the world's first commercial vehicle to use a recycled carbon-fibre monocoque body structure, helping reduce weight while supporting sustainability goals.
The company has also strengthened its manufacturing plans through the acquisition of capabilities from Prodrive Composites, bringing advanced composite engineering expertise in-house.
Production is expected to begin at a composite manufacturing facility in Milton Keynes before moving to larger-scale operations at St Athan in South Wales.
Dr Qu Li, the founder and CEO, says: “The Morris JE represents everything we believe the future of commercial vehicles should be. It’s not just about capability - it’s also about connection. Not just about transport - but also about identity. We are creating something people don’t just need - but genuinely want.”
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Ineos launches the ultimate Grenadier
- Chery targets UK van market with new Delivan brand
- Chinese van maker Foton is coming to the UK
- Renault launches Trafic Graphite Edition as UK-only special
- Isuzu launches new D-Max diesel and EV pick-ups
Where To Next?
What is van leasing? Read our van leasing explainer.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new van deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great van leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of van special offers.
Read our latest van reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about van leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive van leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest van leasing news.
