Meet the Morris JE: A Carbon Fiber Electric Van with Irresistible Charm
When you think of electric vans, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz might spring to mind, but there's a new contender in town with its eyes set on the Morris brand name, and it's like nothing you've ever seen before.
Imagine a delightful blend of the 1950s and the world of Wallace and Gromit, and you'll have a good idea of what the Morris Commercial JE looks like. It's a van that screams "I'm not just a workhorse, I'm a statement piece!" It's the kind of van that would sell you an $8 oat milk latte or a $15 burger without breaking a sweat.
The little van offers three battery options: a 40 kWh pack for urban deliveries in smaller cities with a range of 150 miles (241 km), a 60 kWh pack boasting 200 miles (321 km) of range, and the top-of-the-line 80 kWh pack with a range of 250 miles (402 km). It might not have the battery capacity of a Ram 1500 REV, but trust me, that's a good thing.
What's even more astonishing is the Morris Commercial JE's weight, tipping the scales at just 3,307 pounds (1,500 kg) – that's lighter than a Volkswagen Golf R! And how did they manage this sorcery? The secret lies in an aluminum chassis and recycled carbon fiber body panels, which not only make the van light but also rust-proof and environmentally friendly.
Now, I know what you're thinking – this van must be tiny, right? Well, you'd be wrong. Measuring 177.9 inches long and 73.6 inches wide (451.8 cm and 186.9 cm respectively), the JE is actually smaller than a Ford Edge. But don't be fooled by its compact exterior, because this van can carry two Euro pallets, a four-by-eight-foot sheet, and up to 233.1 cu.-ft. (6.6 m3) of cargo, all while boasting a one-tonne payload capacity. Quite the little Tardis, isn't it?
The Morris Commercial JE also sports a truly unique cabin that combines the best of vintage and modern design elements. You'll find Ford steering wheel switches, a peculiar infotainment system, and camera-based side-view mirrors mixed with old-school air vents and a charming analog clock.
The price tag for this nostalgic van is a hefty £60,000 plus VAT (around $75,000 plus taxes), but it's not meant to be a mass-produced vehicle. Instead, the Morris Commercial JE is a designer item for those who appreciate a fusion of retro charm and modern technology. If production goes ahead later this year, I predict this van will find a dedicated following, and who knows, maybe it'll even make its way to markets beyond Britain.
So, watch out world, the Morris Commercial JE is coming, and it's here to steal hearts, serve up expensive lattes, and change the way we look at electric vans.
