Morris Commercial JE Review 2024

Morris Commercial, a UK-based automotive engineering and manufacturing start-up has unveiled a new battery electric light commercial vehicle (LCV), the Morris JE. 

With production stated to begin in late 2021, and with a retail price of approximately £60,000, the Morris JE is an all-new approach to a battery electric LCV. With a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery powertrain, and featuring a modular chassis and carbon-fibre body construction, the JE is unique proposition. Its technically advanced engineering and iconic retro styling take the original Morris J-type van as its inspiration. 

The Morris Commercial JE van has a state-of-the-art, fully electric, UK-sourced, lithium-ion battery powertrain. It benefits from a lightweight, modular chassis, making it highly adaptable for future derivatives, such as a pickup, minibus or camper van. The combination of an advanced lightweight chassis and a carbon fibre body makes the Morris JE one of the lightest LCVs. The result is an outstanding power-to-weight efficiency that fully maximises the range of the vehicle, which is expected to be 200 miles.

The JE is not intended to be a replica or a continuation of the original Morris J-type, but a reimagining of the original design. The 1949 J-type was unapologetically distinctive, with minimal front overhang, distinctive pear-shaped grille, split front windscreen and swooping roofline. The new JE brings this practical styling into the 21st century. 

The JE is an LCV that sits within the 2.5 tonne segment, the lightest sector in the commercial vehicle market. However, it boasts a 1 tonne (1000 kg) payload and 5.5 m³ carrying capacity, which is more typical of vehicles in the larger 3.5 tonne sector.

It will accommodate two standard Euro pallets on the rear loading space. Access is provided via full width rear doors and a sliding side door on the nearside of the vehicle. The lightweight construction means that its range is optimised to around 200 miles, making the van an exceptionally practical proposition as an urban commercial vehicle.