Morris J Van returns
The classic Morris J-type van has been reimagined, with a new British startup - carrying the name of Morris Commercial – to introduce a new, fully-electric ‘JE’ version of the classic light commercial vehicle (LCV) in 2021.
“It is a delight to unveil the new Morris JE to the world and for us to show what we have been working so hard to achieve,” said CEO and founder of Morris Commercial, Dr Qu Li.
“From the outset, our vision was to bring a new concept to the LCV market, not just in terms of the battery electric powertrain, but also to introduce a timeless design that takes the aesthetics and appeal of such a vehicle to a whole new level. What we have created is a beautiful, retro design that sits upon a cutting-edge, modular BEV platform, delivering practicality and functionality to compete with the best in its segment.”
The original J-type, a half-ton van produced under the old Morris Commercial brand (and later Morris after the BMC merger of 1952), was a popular sight on UK roads throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, before Ford’s Transit became that country’s favourite delivery van.
Powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a three-speed gearbox, the J-type’s forward control configuration offered maximum cargo space. Offered as an enclosed van from the factory, the J-type was also supplied in chassis form for bodybuilders to produce tray truck, tipper, milk floats and even small buses on the platform.
The modern version – labelled ‘JE’ for ‘J-type Electric’ - follows the forward control layout and same basic style of the original J-type, but runs an electric powertrain fuelled by lithium ion batteries, while a lightweight chassis is fitted with a body made from carbon fibre in a modular design that makes future minibus, camper van and pickup versions possible.
Morris Commercial says the lightweight chassis and body gives the JE an impressive power-to-weight ratio and helps with range – said to be 200 miles.
In the UK, the JE will sit in the 2.5 tonne segment (the lightest sector) of the commercial vehicle market, but its 1,000kg (1 tonne) payload and 5.5 cubic metre cargo volume is more often found in vehicles in the 3.5 tonne sector, according to Morris Commercial.
The load area can take two Euro-sized pallets, with loading via rear barn doors and a nearside sliding door for kerbside access.
While the styling of the JE is obviously inspired by the J-type, Morris Commercial says it is not intended to be a copy, but rather a reimagining of an iconic design. Morris Commercial adds that the deliberately retro looks will make the JE stand out in a sea of increasingly bland LCVs, allowing the vehicle to serve as an effective mobile billboard, especially for boutique and lifestyle companies, while the fully electric drivetrain will make it attractive to ‘green’ businesses, too.
The Morris Commercial JE will go into production in 2021, with a UK retail price of £60,000 (AU$90,000 approx.).
