An electric vehicle remake of the iconic Morris J-Type van sold in the 1950s is set to be made in Wales, thanks to Welsh Government support.
Morris Commercial will establish a production facility at Bro Tathan for its modern-day reimagining of the vehicle, the Morris JE, which has a lightweight recycled carbon fibre monocoque body and 250-mile range.
The classic van was once a popular sight on British roads and the all-electric version will retain several of its original features.
Morris Commercial will receive some financial support from the Welsh Government’s Economy Futures Funding to establish the production facility – Wales’s first manufacturing facility for electric vehicles – and the project will create about 150 highly skilled jobs.
The zero emission, carbon neutral Morris JE, which is due for full launch in late 2026, is expected to rival vehicles such as Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro and VW ID Buzz.
Rebecca Evans, 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.”
Dr Qu Li, CEO of Morris Commercial, 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.”
