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Electrified light commercial vehicles are on the rise, and with a number of newcomers set to arrive, eLCVs look set to finally deliver.

- Richard Gooding

The pace of electrification is speeding up, and it’s not just passenger cars that are seeing a torrent of efforts. Both light and heavy goods commercial vehicles are gaining electrified powertrains like never before. With a waterfall of new electrified models expected in 2020, could zero-emissions-capable commercial vehicles really start to deliver? The light commercial vehicle (LCV) market is where most of the new entrants are likely to be packed, and a pair of newcomers offer different options, catering for both the conservative and more flamboyant types of driver and business.

Seventy years after the debut of the original Morris J-Type van at the Earls Court motor show, the new all-electric Morris JE updates the ‘big little van’ for the 21st century. Striking in appearance, the prototype Autovolt has seen features many of the styling cues that endeared the J-Type to so many buyers, which included Cadburys, Dunlop, and Sainsbury’s. The new version is aimed at similar markets, the most immediate customers springing to mind being boutique, hospitality, and luxury goods businesses.

The 4.6m-long Morris JE has a 60kWh lithium-ion battery which is good for an estimated 200 miles of range. No technical details have been released regarding the electric motor. The JE’s body is made from carbon composites for light weight, and its modular platform will eventually spawn campervan, minibus and pick-up derivatives. Payload is 1,000kg (one-tonne) and the carrying capacity is 5.5m3. Twin opening rear doors and a side sliding door allow ease of loading, and the cargo bay accommodates two Euro pallets.