Morris Commercial’s retro-styled electric van, the JE, has been delayed and won’t make its originally stated late-2021 production date, with the company confirming that engineering and validation work are still ongoing.

The JE — a modern electric reinterpretation of the 1950s Morris J-Type — was unveiled in 2019 and promised a UK-built carbon-fibre body, a 200-mile range and a £60,000 starting price. It was due to go into production this year, but the company now says full manufacturing will begin “once final testing and certification activities are complete”, pointing instead to 2022.

Engineering Delays, but the Concept Remains Intact

Morris Commercial says the lightweight aluminium chassis and recycled carbon-fibre body are performing well in tests, and the company continues to target a 1,000kg payload, 5.5m³ load volume, and a 60kWh battery good for around 200 miles.

Test mules have been spotted undergoing low-speed evaluations, and the firm says prototype builds are ongoing.

Morris JE electric van delayed until 2022

The company remains committed to its niche: a premium, design-led EV for small businesses, hospitality operators and brands wanting a “mobile marketing tool”. The JE’s distinctive styling and compact size remain core selling points.

Morris will need to maintain that premium appeal, as recent updates to the likes of the Peugeot e-Expert mean that mainstream rivals are already matching the range and payload promises made by the revised company, but at a significantly lower price. Peugeot is asking £38,150 plus VAT, before government grants, for its 205-mile range 75kWh E-Expert van — more than £20,000 less than the projected price for the Morris JE.

Order Book Still Open

Despite the delays, Morris Commercial says it continues to receive expressions of interest, though confirmed build slot reservations will only open once production begins.

Phil Huff
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