Electric remake of classic 1950s Morris van to be built in Wales
An electric vehicle remake of a classic 1950s van will be built in Wales, with production set to create 150 skilled jobs.
Morris Commercial Ltd will establish a new facility at Bro Tathan for its modern electric version of the Morris J-Type, known as the Morris JE.
The project, supported by the Welsh Government’s Economy Futures Fund, will also mark the creation of Wales’s first dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing plant.
The Morris JE, described as a “reimagined classic”, retains the distinctive design of its 1950s predecessor while featuring a lightweight recycled carbon fibre monocoque body and a 250-mile electric range.
The zero-emission van will compete with models such as the Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro and VW ID Buzz, and is due for full launch in late 2026.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said Wales was the ideal location for the new venture.
She 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 the company was eager to begin production in South Wales.
“We are excited to have our Morris JE volume production facility in Bro Tathan soon,” she said. “This will enable us to start to deliver vehicles to long waited customers. We thank the Welsh Government for its support.”
The Bro Tathan site, near St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, is already home to several aerospace and advanced manufacturing businesses. The arrival of Morris Commercial is expected to strengthen the region’s growing reputation for low-carbon innovation and sustainable transport.
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