Retro Morris JE van moves one step closer to production
Wed, 12 Apr 2023
UK-based automotive start-up Morris Commercial has completed a funding round to bring its electric Morris JE van closer to production.
Capital for Colleagues (C4C) led the funding round, which also saw significant investment from C4C co-investor Bill Ainscough, TJ Morris Limited, and Morris Commercial’s existing shareholders.
The funds will be used to further R&D, engineering validation, certification, and productionisation. The company expects to start deliveries of the vehicle to pre-registered customers globally in early 2024.
The Morris JE is a fully battery-electric van with a zero-emission, pure electric drivetrain, combining to make the vehicle carbon-neutral over its entire life cycle.
The vehicle takes its fundamental design cues from one of the most loved commercial vehicles ever produced in Britain, the Morris Commercial, but incorporates innovative state-of-the-art technologies. The vehicle has already received worldwide acclaim, with a fully road-worthy Morris JE prototype having travelled across the UK and Ireland and appearing in a number of TV programmes.
The Morris JE is close to production readiness, with the completion of various prototype and development vehicles featuring an ultralight recycled carbon fibre monocoque body and lightweight aluminium chassis.
The production prototype made its debut at the industry-leading LCV show in September 2022. Boasting class-leading performance and range, the JE has an unparalleled combination of a 1 ton payload and 6.5 m3 carrying capacity at a 2.5 ton GVW, and a driving range of up to 250 miles.
The vehicle is also packed with safety, technology and comfort features such as side and rear vision cameras, infotainment system, and a beautifully crafted interior.
Dr Qu Li, the CEO of Morris Commercial, said, “I am very excited about the future for Morris Commercial and look forward to delivering our iconic van to our many thousands of pre-registered customers around the globe with the support of our new investment partners.”
