Classic vehicles have a unique place in British culture. They remind us of an era of craftsmanship, charm, and engineering simplicity. Few vehicles represent this more than the Morris J Type, the pear-shaped delivery van that once bustled through Britain’s streets in the 1950s.
Now, thanks to an ambitious project in South Wales, this motoring legend is on the brink of a spectacular comeback. The Morris JE, an all-electric reimagining of the original van, is set to enter production at Bro Tathan in St Athan, marking Wales’ first dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing facility.
For classic car enthusiasts and professionals in the restoration trade, this announcement is more than a nostalgic headline. It signals a pivotal moment in the evolution of British motoring and raises important questions about the future of classic vehicles in an era of electrification.
Morris Commercial, the company behind the project, has been clear from the outset. The JE is not a replica, nor is it an entirely new model trading on a famous name. Instead, it is a modern electric vehicle carefully designed to preserve the defining features of the original J Type. This includes the distinctive pear-shaped grille, one of the most recognisable front ends in British automotive history.
Underneath the charming exterior, however, the JE is every bit a 21st-century machine. It is built on a new aluminium chassis and a carbon fibre body, made partly from recycled materials. According to the Welsh government, the van will be both zero-emission and carbon neutral. It is expected to deliver a range of around 250 miles, making it practical as well as stylish.
For the many businesses and enthusiasts who value the J Type’s iconic design, this update represents a careful balance between heritage and innovation. Plenty of manufacturers have attempted to breathe new life into classic shapes, but few have done so with such a strong commitment to sustainability and original character.
The choice of Bro Tathan as the manufacturing site is a significant milestone for Wales. Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans described the project as an exciting opportunity that aligns perfectly with the nation’s growing low-carbon automotive sector. The Welsh government is supporting the factory through its Economy Futures Funding programme, a move that will create around 150 highly skilled jobs.
For Wales, the Morris JE is more than a nostalgic revival. It is the beginning of a new industry, making the region home to the country’s first electric vehicle production facility. The project strengthens the already developing automotive supply chain in Wales and demonstrates how a nation with a strong industrial heritage can adapt to modern technologies.
Dr Qu Li, Chief Executive of Morris Commercial, expressed similar enthusiasm, noting that the new facility would allow the company to begin delivering vehicles to long waiting customers. For those familiar with the original J Type’s history, the prospect of seeing its modern successor on the road again has already generated considerable excitement.
The original Morris J Type was loved for its compact footprint, generous cargo space, and unmistakable looks. In many ways, it was the perfect urban delivery van before the concept even existed. The JE maintains this spirit but enhances it with modern materials, a lightweight structure, and electric power.
A 250-mile range places it comfortably within the demands of contemporary urban logistics, independent traders, and small businesses seeking sustainable transport solutions. The carbon fibre body contributes to efficiency while offering durability that the original steel panels could never match. Many classic van owners will appreciate the irony that the new JE, despite being electric, may outlast the original in terms of corrosion resistance alone.
Whenever a classic model is reimagined for modern roads, it sparks wider conversations about how the classic vehicle community will adapt to electrification. The Morris JE suggests a future in which heritage styling and sustainable engineering can coexist. But it also raises a related question that many owners are beginning to ask.
Electric conversions are becoming more visible, but the reality is more complex than many assume. Converting a classic to electric power involves several challenges.
First, there is the issue of space and weight. Classic vehicles were not designed to house battery packs or electric motors. Engineers must find room for components without changing the car’s structure or weight distribution too dramatically. This often requires custom fabrication.
Second, cost is a major factor. Electric conversions can range from tens of thousands of pounds to well over six figures, depending on the vehicle. Batteries remain the single most expensive component and dictate much of the project’s feasibility.
Third, there is the question of authenticity. Purists often prefer to preserve original engines and mechanical setups, especially in rare or historically significant vehicles. In some cases, altering the car may even reduce its value. Yet for others, electrification provides a new lease of life to vehicles that are no longer practical for everyday use.
Finally, there is regulation. An electric conversion must comply with safety standards and may require an Individual Vehicle Approval test. Owners should always work with specialists who understand both classic engineering and modern electric systems.
At White’s Bodyworks, we regularly see classic owners exploring ways to future-proof their vehicles. Sometimes the answer is a partial modernisation, such as improved braking, updated wiring, or rust prevention.
For others, full electrification is appealing, but it is important to understand the realities before beginning such a project. The Morris JE shows that electrifying a classic design is possible, but doing so at scale is very different from converting a one-off vehicle.
The return of the Morris J Type in electric form is more than a design exercise. It represents a turning point in how Britain blends its automotive past with its sustainable future. It honours the original van’s distinctive charm while embracing materials and technologies that reduce environmental impact.
For enthusiasts, it provides reassurance that classic vehicle culture has space in the modern world. For industry, it marks a new era of electric manufacturing in Wales. And for everyday drivers and businesses, it shows that heritage style does not have to be sacrificed for efficiency.
The Morris JE is expected to launch in late 2026, and its arrival will undoubtedly spark even greater interest in both retro-inspired electric vehicles and classic conversions.
As the industry evolves, so too will the role of restoration specialists. Bodywork care, rust repair, paintwork preservation, and structural knowledge remain as essential as ever, no matter what powers the vehicle.
At White’s Bodyworks, we have always believed that classic motoring is about passion, craftsmanship, and keeping history alive. The Morris JE proves that history can continue in new forms and that the love for classic shapes and engineering can thrive alongside modern innovation.
