Automotive engineering and manufacturing start-up Morris Commercial has unveiled its new battery electric light commercial vehicle (LCV), the Morris JE.
With production stated to begin in late 2021, and with a retail price of about £60,000, the Morris JE is a new approach to a battery electric LCV, according to its manufacturers. The JE has a fully electric, UK-sourced lithium-ion battery powertrain, lightweight modular chassis and carbon-fibre body construction.
The JE’s modular chassis makes it adaptable for future derivatives, such as a pickup, minibus or camper van. The combination of the chassis and a carbon fibre body makes the Morris JE one of the lightest LCVs in the marketplace. The resulting power-to-weight efficiency means the range of the vehicle is expected to be 200 miles.
Sitting within the 2.5-tonne segment, the JE boasts a one-tonne payload and 5.5 m³ carrying capacity, which is more typical of vehicles in the larger 3.5-tonne sector. It will accommodate two standard Euro pallets on the rear loading space. Access is provided via full width rear doors and a sliding side door on the nearside of the vehicle.
Its design, inspired by the classic Morris J-type van with its distinctive retro styling, including a swooping roofline, is married to contemporary design and practicality.
The vehicle’s distinctive aesthetics will provide an eye-catching mobile marketing solution for many customers – small and large – in various sectors such as hospitality, sports and leisure, events, manufacturing and green logistics, the company said.
Presenting the Morris JE at the launch, held at the Design Museum in London, were Morris Commercial’s senior management team, comprising CEO and founder Dr Qu Li; Johanna Kriisa, director of marketing and investor relations; Tony Frazier, director of engineering and supplier development and Ewoud Vroegop, director of sales and business development.
Dr Li said he was delighted to unveil the new Morris JE. “From the outset, our vision was to bring a new concept to the LCV 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 BEV platform, delivering practicality and functionality to compete with the best in its segment.”
