--- title: "Morris JE Electric Retro Van Gets Enough Money to Begin Production" description: "The Morris JE, a retro electric cargo van from a small British startup, just received a new round of funding and could launch early 2024." date: "2023-03-21" modified: "2023-03-21" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/morris-je-electric-retro-van-gets-enough-money-to-begin-production" categories: - "News" --- # Morris JE Electric Retro Van Gets Enough Money to Begin Production ![]() Morris Commercial is a small British startup trying to revive the iconic 1950s Morris J-Type van as an electric, retro-styled [cargo van](), dubbed the Morris JE. Morris Commercial first announced the electric JE project in 2019 and, now that it's secured more money, it should be on track to reach customers in 2024. The Morris JE is based on an aluminum skateboard chassis and features a recycled carbon fiber body. Morris Commercial doesn't offer up much in the way of battery or motor specs but it does say that it can charge from 20-80% in 30 minutes on a 50-kW charger. It also has a reported payload capacity of 2,204 pounds and 233 cubic feet of cargo space. It can also tow more than 2,000 pounds. ![]() Morris Commercial intends to sell the JE as both a van and a pickup truck, both of which will sport similar retro styling. Though, it's unclear if both body styles will be available when the JE launches in 2024. According to Morris Commercial CEO Qu Li, the small British startup should now be able to "accelerate product development and take Morris JE to market." ![]() It will be interesting to see if the Morris JE can ever make it to market. Retro electric vans are becoming popular, especially after the launch of the[ VW ID.Buzz](), so it's easy to see why customers would want the Morris JE. It's an adorably designed retro cargo van with a carbon fiber body and impressive usability, so it makes a lot of sense for both commercial and consumer customers alike. There are clearly going to be some overpriced food trucks based on these, count on that. Morris claims to have thousands of interested customers worldwide and that deliveries should begin early next year. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()