EV Camper Van: Clear Your Conscience and the Air

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Words by Perry Mack 

Photos courtesy Morris Commercial

We all enjoy getting closer to nature and away from the hustle and bustle to reach the goals we’ve set for ourselves. However, in the back of our minds, there’s a nagging sensation that tugs at our subconscious whenever we start the engine on our RV or tow vehicle and see the exhaust that enters the clean, crisp air.

This may sound a little morose but in less than ten years (next year for some of us) this will no longer be the case. Our subconscious and consciousness will be clear. The technology of electric vehicles has migrated to RVs. Yes, there’s a new acronym, eRV, ‘electric Recreational Vehicle’. 

The challenge with any electric vehicle (EV) is range. Can we get to where we want to go and home again by relying on battery power? Much of this has been resolved with careful route planning and choosing highways with charge stations so you can confidently reach the destination you’ve chosen.

There is a second challenge, which is the price. EVs are expensive - eRVs even more so. What some of us would like to see is an affordable base platform that we can build on ourselves. So, we’ll look at a reimagined throwback from Britain, which not only has the capabilities we need for a camper van but an incredible cool factor that any vintage enthusiast will gush over.

Let’s say you wake up one morning ready to buy a camper van but can’t stand the thought of driving an internal combustion engine. Or perhaps you’re ready to buy one but you’re weary of the cloned look of what you’re currently offered.

The styling of the iconic Morris J-Type (1948-1961) has been resurrected by Morris Commercial in the form of the Morris JE. A vintage profile on modern purpose-built architecture. With a 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) payload capacity, it could easily handle the added weight of a van conversion project and the (up to) 400 km (250 mi) range is competitive with most EVs.

The van will also have a 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) tow capacity, enough to tow everything from teardrops to small tent trailers. You can use it if you’re a lone RVer (or couple) and keep using it if your family grows.

A key feature is its lightweight. Its strong base, in this case, an all-aluminum skateboard design, combines recycled carbon-fibre body panels that allow it to weigh 2,500 kg (5,600 lb), roughly 1,000 kg (2,204 lb), which is lighter than most vans with similar specs. The weight savings can then be distributed to higher payload and towing capacity.

The exact load bay dimensions haven’t been released at the time of publication but Morris Commercial has promised a minimum of 6.6 m3 of load volume with functional floor space. To add perspective, the iconic 2003 VW camper van weighs 2,350 kg (5,200 lb), has a load volume of 5.3cu3 (190.7 ft3), a payload of 630 kg (1,387 lb), and a towing capacity of 680 kg (1,500 lb). Keeping in mind that these specs include being camperized. Like the EuroVan, the Morris JE will be a tiny ‘tiny home’.

Qu Li, a China-born engineer who emigrated to the UK 30 years ago, is the driving force behind the Morris JE. She has a strong background in light trucks and vans to go along with her Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering and materials. 

"It's really interesting that tradesmen are our largest group of pre-orders,” Li. “They include electricians, plumbers, property services, laundry collections, and carpet fitters - particularly if they're working in London and the cities with emissions-free zones.”

Emissions-free zones sound like the future of federal, provincial, and national parks. Just like many lakes where the use of boats with combustion engines is prohibited, it’s only a tiny step to park zones that do the same. No ICE (Internal Combustion Engines) allowed, which will include our beloved generators.

Owners of EVs already enjoy many perks including prime parking spots (with charge stations) and cheaper energy costs. Fortis BC (British Columbia’s energy provider) currently charges 7.275 cents per kWh (kiloWatt hour). A full charge at home for an eRV with a 60kWh battery would be  $4.37, which on average gets 320 km (200 mi). Compare this cost with filling your current ICE car, truck or RV to get the same distance.

Plans for a small pick-up and passenger van are currently on the drawing board. The exciting development is the support they announced at the International Campervan Show in Stratford-upon-Avon in the UK. According to Morris Commercial, at every show they are asked, “do you plan to make a Morris JE camper?”

John Killick of Morris Commercial says the technology brings sustainability and lightweight to the van market and remarked, “it just makes everybody happy”.

Morris says international deliveries will start after the UK launch in Q3/Q4 of 2023, which probably translates into late 2024 for us in North America (if you’ve placed a pre-order by the way, you have learned that no deposit is required). Unfortunately, cost projections still put the Morris JE out of reach for many at $100,000 CAD. Nonetheless, many Class B RVs are in the $200,000 range. So, considering a DIY project isn’t so unreasonable.

If you’d like to have some fun, check out the company’s ‘Build Your Own’ page at www.morris-commercial.com/build-your-own-2/. You can choose between van or pick-up body styles, customize the exterior with a plethora of eye-catching colours, and naturally, complementary interior upholstery.

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