Retro electric van: Morris J-Type set for 2026 production in Wales

British startup Morris Commercial will manufacture its electric revival of the Morris J-Type, a small van produced in the 1950s, in Wales. The market launch of the retro electric vehicle is now planned for late 2026, after initially being scheduled for 2021.

Morris commercial morris j type — Image: Morris Commercial

Morris Commercial is now targeting the start of production in late 2025 at its St Athan facility. According to the Welsh government, the company will receive financial support through the Economy Futures Fund to build the production plant and, in return, will create around 150 jobs. The market launch of the Morris JE is now scheduled for late 2026, following two previous delays. In a BBC report, Dr Qu Li, CEO of Morris Commercial, described the new facility as ‘exciting’ and stated that it would enable the company to ‘start to deliver vehicles to long waited customers’.

Morris Commercial first unveiled the electric revival of the classic Morris J-Type, named the Morris JE, as a concept at the end of 2019 and initially aimed for a sales launch in late 2021. This target was not met, but in 2023, the company secured additional funding and attempted another launch for 2024. This also failed to materialise, leading to the current plan for production to begin in Wales in 2026.

The specifications of the Morris JE have evolved slightly since its concept phase. On its website, Morris Commercial lists a payload capacity of one tonne and a cargo volume of 6 cubic metres, with a permissible gross weight of 2.5 tonnes. The range is now specified as up to 250 miles (400 kilometres), and charging to 80% capacity should take less than 30 minutes.

Morris Commercial also plans to retain some of the original 1950s design features, including the distinctive pear-shaped radiator grille. It has long been confirmed that the Morris JE will feature a carbon-fibre body mounted on an aluminium chassis. While carbon fibre is lighter—helping to improve payload and range—it is also costly and requires specialised manufacturing compared to traditional metal bodies. However, both the chassis and body are expected to incorporate recycled materials, according to the Welsh government, which should help mitigate costs to some extent.

bbc.com, gov.wales

This article was first published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition.