Morris Commercial are bringing back the iconic Morris J-Type with a modern clean twist in that it will be fully-electric. The new van, which has been dubbed the Morris JE, will utilise advanced battery technology with a lightweight platform. Morris Commercial are combining classically-inspired design with the heritage of the original J-type, and the new JE will be built using beautiful British craftsmanship.
Morris Commerical will combine colours and materials inside of the new JE that mirror and complement the original retro design with a contemporary palette of exterior colours. The cab is kept simple yet stylish with the driver and passenger seats covers in leather with contrasting stitching with an embroidered Morris Commercial logo, along with a soft leather covered steering wheel.
The JE will offer 5.5 cubic metres of load space with room for two standard Euro pallets and items of up to 2.4 metres in length, with a payload of up to 1,000kg. The low floor with rear doors that open up 240 degrees and a large sliding side door will allow for fast and efficient loading and unloading of cargo.
The JE will be bang up to date with a high-resolution infotainment system that incorporates navigation and multiple parking cameras, along with other driver-friendly functions. The new Morris JE is vehicle-to-grid ready. Future developments will include the legally permitted level of autonomous driving technology.
The Morris JE will be powered by a lithium-ion battery powertrain featuring a modular chassis and carbon-fibre composite body construction. This will make the JE one of the lightest light commercial vehicles in the marketplace. The low weight helps it to be an efficient electric vehicle and is expected to have a range of around 200 miles (322km), with a top speed of 90mph (145kph).
It will be rapid charge enabled allowing for a charge of up to 80 percent in 30 minutes. The JE’s charge port is located out of sight behind the iconic pear-shaped grille. With instantaneous torque providing a quick take-off and smooth drive the JE will be perfect for all day driving. Fully automatic driving and regenerative braking help to conserve driver energy and extend vehicle range.
Morris Commercial expect the price to be around £60,000 when it goes into production in late 2021. Along with the Morris JE van the company will also offer all-electric pick-up and mini bus versions of this classic.
Dr Qu Li, Founder of Morris Commercial said: “From the outset, our vision was to bring a new concept to the light commercial vehicle 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 battery electric vehicle platform, delivering practicality and functionality to compete with the best in its segment.
