A classic vehicle that was a feature of British high streets for more than a decade over 60 years ago, is making a comeback in 21st century form thanks to a company near Evesham.
Morris Commercial is hoping to start production by the middle of next year on the Morris JE – an all-electric reimagining of the Morris J-Type which was the go-to for small businesses up and down the country through the 1950s and early 1960s.
Wychavon has backed the business with a grant of just over £11,000 from the Wychavon Rural Fund to update the prototype manufacturing workshops at the company’s Hinton-on-the-Green base.
Councillors and officers from Wychavon recently visited the company to get an update on the latest plans, as part of the Chairman’s 50th anniversary tour of the district.
Development of the Morris JE began in 2017 with an ambition to create an electric van with an iconic design that was also functional and sustainable. Converting existing vans to electric is challenging as the weight of the vehicle, combined with the weight of the batteries required to power them, limits how far they can travel. Instead, it was decided to design an all-new van from scratch.
The design retains classic features from the original J-Type such as the unique pear-shaped grille, while the aluminium chassis and carbon-fibre body – made partly from recycled materials – make it one of the lightest light commercial vehicles on the market. The JE can cover up to 250 miles per charge thanks to the state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery powertrain and regenerative braking that helps extend travel range. The van can carry up to one tonne in weight and boasts six cubic metres of space, maximised by its unique hinge design which also makes loading in tight spaces easier.
Two prototypes have been produced – one in pink and the other in blue – which have been used to travel the UK on the BBC’s Road to Recovery series, featured by a social media influencer and exhibited at various venues.
Demand for the new vehicle is high with thousands of pre-orders coming in from across the globe. The company is now looking to secure premises to begin production of the JE, with a pledge that the van and its materials will be built and sourced in the UK along with a commitment to making the vehicle carbon neutral.
Cllr Richard Morris, Executive Board Member for Economic Growth and Tourism on Wychavon District Council, said: “The owner and staff at Morris Commercial have a real passion for what they do and it is fantastic that we have been able to support them, even in a small way, to make their vision a reality.
“I hope in the near future we will see high streets across the UK once again filled with this iconic van and it will be a source of pride to know that it was an idea born and developed in Wychavon.”
Julian Bremner-Smith, Marketing Manager for Morris Commercial, said: “Welcoming councillors and officers from Wychavon to Morris recently was a pleasure. Showcasing the project progress we are making, how their support is helping, and raising awareness of the beautiful and capable all-electric Morris JE across the region, was an opportunity not to be missed. What a fine way to celebrate the Council’s 50th anniversary and the success stories within the district.”
The Wychavon Rural Fund is funded by Wychavon’s shared of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda.
Pictured: Staff from Morris Commercial join Cllr Robert Raphael, Chairman of Wychavon District Council (centre), Chairman’s Consort Diana Raphael (centre left) Cllr Richard Morris, Executive Board Member for Economic Growth and Tourism on Wychavon District Council (van on the left) and Shawn Riley, Head of Economic Development for Wychavon District Council (van on the right).
