Morris Commercial has taken another step towards bringing the Morris JE electric van to market, unveiling its latest pre-production vehicle as development moves towards pilot production in 2027.
The British start-up says the latest prototype reflects significant progress across engineering validation, manufacturing planning and supply chain development as it works towards commercial production in 2028.
Inspired by the original Morris J-Type, the Morris JE combines retro styling with a bespoke electric platform. The company is positioning the vehicle as a premium commercial vehicle aimed at businesses looking to use distinctive vehicle design as part of their brand identity.
See all our electric van reviews
Underneath its classic exterior, the JE features what Morris Commercial claims is the world’s first recycled carbon fibre monocoque body for a commercial vehicle, paired with a lightweight aluminium chassis. Morris says the van is being developed with a payload of up to 1,000kg at a 2.5-tonne gross vehicle weight, while offering up to 6.0m³ of load volume.
Target performance figures include a driving range of up to 300 miles and DC rapid charging capable of taking the battery from 20% to 80% in around 30 minutes. Morris Commercial also says an ultra-fast charging option could reduce this to around 10 minutes, although further technical details have yet to be confirmed.
The platform has also been designed to support a number of future derivatives, including a pick-up, minibus and camper.
One of the most significant developments announced by the company is the acquisition of Prodrive Composites’ capabilities, bringing composite manufacturing expertise, facilities and intellectual property in-house. Morris Commercial says the move gives it greater control over production of the carbon fibre body structure while supporting future manufacturing scale-up.
Pilot production is scheduled to begin during 2027 at the company’s composite manufacturing facility in Milton Keynes before full-scale vehicle production moves to St Athan in South Wales in 2028.
According to Morris Commercial, more than 7,000 expressions of interest have already been registered from prospective customers worldwide, with enquiries coming from the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
Morris says interest has been strongest among premium retailers, hospitality businesses, artisan food producers and specialist trades.
Founder and CEO Dr Qu Li said: “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.
“The vehicle unveiled here is our latest pre-production JE. It reflects years of engineering, validation and investment. We believe vans can do more than simply move goods – they can inspire optimism, strengthen brands and create lasting connections with people.”
Professor John Miles, chairman of Morris Commercial, added: “The unveiling of the latest pre-production JE represents another important milestone for Morris Commercial. Over recent years the company has built strong foundations across vehicle development, manufacturing capability, technology ownership and supplier partnerships.
“The Board remains confident in the opportunity ahead. Morris combines a highly differentiated product, proprietary technology, growing customer interest and a clear path to production, creating a strong platform for future growth.”
The Morris JE was first revealed several years ago, but the latest prototype represents the company’s clearest indication yet that development is progressing towards production. If the published timeline is achieved, the reborn Morris name could return to UK roads in production form during 2028, almost 80 years after the original J-Type entered service.
