An electric vehicle remake of an iconic van sold in the 1950s is
set to be made in Wales, thanks to Welsh Government support.
Morris Commercial Ltd will establish a production facility at Bro
Tathan for its modern-day reimagining of the Morris J-Type – the
Morris JE.
The classic van was once a popular sight on British roads and the
all-electric version will retain a number of its original
features. With its distinctive design and lightweight recycled
carbon fibre monocoque body the new Morris JE has a 250-mile
range.
The project will also establish Wales's first manufacturing
facility for electric vehicles.
Morris Commercial will receive some financial support from the
Welsh Government's Economy Futures Funding to establish the
production facility. It will create around 150 highly skilled
jobs.
The zero emission, carbon neutral Morris JE is expected to rival
vehicles such as Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro and VW ID
Buzz. It is due for full launch in late 2026.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, , said:
“With our innovative landscape and support for low carbon
concepts, Wales is a natural home for the Morris JE.
“This exciting project will benefit from the robust automotive
sector and supply chain cluster we are developing here in Wales.
“Well-paid jobs will also be created for skilled workers as the
company delivers this historic retro van into the electric
vehicle era.”
CEO of Morris Commercial, Dr Qu Li said:
“We are excited to have our Morris JE volume production facility
in Bro Tathan soon. This will enable us to start to deliver
vehicles to long waited customers. We thank the Welsh Government
for its support.”
