This Retro EV Van Is Headed for Production

• UK-based Morris Commercial plans to begin building the battery-electric Morris JE van in 2024, after several years of development.

• Styled after the once-commonplace Morris J-type van, this EV promises a range of up to 250 miles and a 2204-pound payload.

• The light commercial vehicle market has seen a number of electric entries in the past year and a half, including from new brands such as Rivian and BrightDrop.

Volkswagen isn't the only EV maker with a retro-styled panel van in its lineup, eager to offer a variety of ID. Buzz bodystyles. EV startup Morris Commercial, which has planned the resurrection of the once-popular BMC brand, is getting ready for its own retro-style van to enter production in 2024.

The Worcestershire-based company, which revealed the Morris JE in prototype form back in 2019, says it has completed a significant round of funding, with the model now close to being production ready. As a result, the planned electric van is now advancing to the validation and certification stages, prior to the planned start of production next year. A production prototype was shown in late 2022 at a light commercial vehicle trade show, and prototypes have been traveling around the UK for testing.

"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," said Dr. Qu Li, CEO of Morris Commercial.