Iconic Morris Delivery Van Returnsas

an EV!

by Murray Stanley

In the worldwide craze to reproduce classic vehicles with modern underpinnings, a new company has emerged in the UK to add another retro-styled vehicle to the mix. Warwickshire-based China Ventures is behind the revival of Morris’ vanmaking division and plans to start production of the iconic Morris J Series delivery van re-imagined as an electric vehicle (EV). The name of the new van is the Morris Commercial JE. Designed and built in Worcestershire, not far from the original Morris factory, the JE is expected to cost £60,000, and the company is taking pre-orders now, with deliveries scheduled for next year.

The original Morris Commercial J-type was a 10 cwt (0.5 ton) van launched by Morris in 1949 and produced until 1961. After the formation of the British Motor Corporation in 1952, by the merger of Morris and Austin, the Commercial name was dropped, and the van was marketed simply as the Morris J-type.

The van followed the emerging trend at that time of having forward controls and sliding doors on each side. It was made in both left and right-hand drive versions.

As well as complete vehicles, the J-type was also supplied in chassis form to external body makers, and it appeared, amongst other uses, as a pick-up, tipper truck, ice cream van, and milk float. The J type was fitted with a 1476 cc four-cylinder side-valve engine based on the one used in the Morris Oxford car.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and Morris Commercial will be back, breathing new life into that classic design. The new EV van takes inspiration from the original J-Type but has undergone a complete modernization. The front grille and distinct round headlights are nods to the past that the makers hope will evoke a sense of nostalgia among admirers of the brand.

The JE will have a payload capacity of 1000kg – which is in line with an entrylevel Ford Transit –accessed by a sliding door in the side and double rear doors.

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It has a modular chassis (passenger van and pick-up versions are to follow) with lightweight carbon-fibre bodywork and lithium-ion batteries to deliver a 200-mile range. Morris Commercial also says it will be able to adopt autonomous driving when legislation allows.

If you were hoping the re-emergence of the old J Series van may mean a reborn allelectric Morris Minor is on the way as well, then unfortunately, you will be disappointed. Morris Commercial is a separate company from Morris Motors – which is owned by Chinese manufacturer SAIC Motor – and they have announced no plans for a reborn Morrie.