Article explaining the different types of Vans in the UK.

1. Choosing the Right Van
Choosing the right van can be confusing with many body types and choices available. What are the
key factors to consider?
Van Types Engine Options Payload and Passengers
Van Door Choice Wheelbase Leasing Vans
Different Van types
The Car Derived Van (Small van) could be a great option if you're looking for a small and agile
vehicle. For those needing a bit more space, consider a Cargo Van. The classic Panel Van might be
the perfect fit if you want a larger one. Alternatively, there's a Chassis Cab, Tipper, Pick-Up,
Dropside, or Luton Box Van!
Small Van
A small city, compact, or minivan is designed primarily for urban transportation and light cargo
carrying. The compact size makes car-derived vans easy to manoeuvre in congested city streets and
fit into tight parking spaces.
Small city vans are popular among businesses, delivery services, and individuals requiring a versatile
vehicle for city driving and occasional hauling. Modern small vans share many in-car features it
shares its chassis with.
Cargo Vans
Cargo vans are particularly popular among delivery services, tradespeople, and businesses that need
to transport their products due to their practicality. The Cargo van is the most used in the UK; it

2. comes as a Short Wheelbase (SWB) or a Long Wheelbase (LWB) and the option of a standard (L) or a
high roof(H).
Panel Vans
Panel vans are similar to cargo vans but feature a partition separating the driver's compartment
from the cargo area. This design provides ample cargo storage and workspace, making them ideal
for service vehicles, tradespeople, and mobile workshops.
Luton Vans
A Luton van, named after the Town of Luton, has a distinctive feature: an overhanging section above
the cab, providing additional storage space and a large, box-shaped cargo area mounted on the
chassis of a light or medium-duty truck. The box is usually made of durable materials such as
fibreglass or aluminium and has a rear roll-up door for easy loading and unloading.
Refrigerated Vans
Refrigerated vans are equipped with refrigeration units, which make them suitable for transporting
perishable goods at controlled temperatures. They are popular for transporting food,
pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products.
Pick-Up
A pickup truck is a light-duty truck with an open cargo bed area at the rear. It typically has a separate
cab for the driver and passengers. If it has seats in the rear of the cabin, it is called a “Double Cab”.
The rear cargo area is usually uncovered. It can be fitted with a cover material cover called a”
tonneau” or a hard, removable cover called a “hard top.
Flat Bed Tipper
A Flatbed or drop-side tipper is a powerful commercial vehicle with a separate cab from the rear
flatbed and is used primarily to carry loose goods like stones, soil, etc. Some tippers have double
rear wheels on the rear axle to take additional weight.
The rear has half sides, and the driver can pneumatically lift the rear bed to an angle of over 45
degrees to empty the cargo. Adapted, they can be used as a car transporter.
Chassis Cab
A chassis cab is a type of vehicle configuration commonly used in trucks and utility vehicles. It
consists of a specially designed chassis frame with the cab or driver's compartment at the front and
an open area or frame rails at the rear.
Beyond the cab, the chassis’ rear section is left open to accommodate various attachments such as
cargo beds, utility boxes, flatbeds, cranes, tow trucks, ambulances, and more. This design allows
flexibility and customisation according to specific industry or commercial requirements.
Powertrains, Which engine?
Electric Vans
Advantages of an Electric Van:
Exemption from congestion charges and zero emissions mean that any electric van is currently
exempt from increasing low-emission zones or city congestion charge areas nationwide.

3. Environmental Friendliness: Electric vans produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions. They contribute to a cleaner environment and help combat climate
change.
Driving becomes more relaxing with instant power and the absence of gear changes. The nearly
silent operation also helps reduce driver fatigue and enhances safety.
Electric vans can be more cost-effective to operate compared to their petrol or diesel counterparts.
Electricity is generally cheaper than fossil fuels, leading to lower fuel costs. Electric vehicles have
fewer moving parts and require less maintenance, reducing long-term maintenance and repair
expenses.
Electric vans run almost silently compared to traditional vans with internal combustion engines. This
can benefit noise-sensitive areas or companies looking to reduce noise pollution during deliveries or
transportation.
Disadvantages of an Electric Van:
Electric vans typically have a limited driving range compared to petrol or diesel. While the range is
improving with advancements in battery technology, it may still be a concern for businesses that
require long-haul or extensive daily driving.
The availability of charging stations can be limited, especially in certain regions or remote areas. The
lack of a well-developed charging infrastructure can make it challenging to find convenient charging
locations, potentially leading to longer travel times or limited options for recharging.
Charging an electric van takes longer than refuelling a traditional van with petrol or diesel. Even with
fast-charging options, fully charging a battery can still take time. This can be a limitation for
businesses that require quick turnaround times or have demanding schedules.
Electric vans generally cost more upfront than their petrol or diesel counterparts. While electric
vehicle costs gradually decrease, the initial purchase price can still be a barrier for some businesses.
The variety of electric van models available on the market might be limited compared to traditional
vans. When choosing an electric van, businesses may have fewer options regarding size, payload
capacity, or specific features.
Diesel Vans
Advantages of Diesel Engines
The much-maligned Diesel engines are well known for their high fuel efficiency. The newer Euro 6
turbocharging and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems extract more energy from the fuel.
This makes diesel engines more fuel-efficient and results in better mileage.
Diesel Vans are excellent for long commutes, the fuel tanks are usually large, and with better
efficiency, long distances can be achieved between fuel stops.
Diesel engines are built to withstand higher pressures, which makes them more durable than petrol
engines. They have robust construction and are known to last longer with proper maintenance.
Diesel engines generate high torque, especially at low engine speeds. This makes them well-suited
for applications that require heavy hauling, towing, or carrying heavy loads.

4. Diesel engines are generally more reliable than petrol engines. They operate at lower RPM (revs per
minute) and have a simpler system, which reduces the chances of breakdowns or the need for
frequent repairs.
Disadvantages of Diesel Engines:
Diesel engines produce higher particulate matter (soot) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than
petrol engines. These emissions contribute to air pollution and can negatively affect health and the
environment. However, modern diesel engines have emission control technologies to reduce these
pollutants.
Diesel engine vans are noisier and produce more vibration than gasoline engines. While
technological advancements have reduced noise levels, diesel engines are generally louder,
especially at low speeds.
Diesel engines usually have slower acceleration compared to gasoline engines. They typically
produce less horsepower and have narrower gearing, which can affect quick acceleration, such as
passing or merging on motorways.
In the UK, currently, diesel fuel carries a higher price at the pumps even though it is cheaper to
produce.
Petrol Vans
Advantages of Petrol vans
Generally, petrol vans have a lower purchase price than diesel ones.
Petrol vans are better if you are stopping and starting for short distances.
Petrol engines are typically smoother and quieter than diesel engines, providing a more comfortable
driving experience.
Petrol vans often offer better acceleration and higher top speeds than diesel vans, which can be
advantageous for certain applications.
Petrol engines generally require less maintenance and have fewer complex components than diesel
engines, resulting in potentially lower maintenance costs.
Disadvantages of a Petrol Van
Petrol engines have lower fuel efficiency than diesel engines, resulting in higher fuel consumption
and more frequent refuelling.
Petrol vans often have lower load-carrying capacities than diesel vans, as diesel engines generally
offer more torque and towing capacity.
Petrol engines produce more CO2 emissions than diesel, contributing to air pollution and climate
change.
What Is Van Wheelbase?
The distance between a van’s front and rear wheels is called the "vans wheelbase". This
measurement significantly determines the van's overall length, cargo capacity, and stability.

5. A van's wheelbase is a crucial factor in handling different road conditions and having a usable
turning radius. Vans with longer wheelbases (LWB) tend to provide a smoother ride with better
stability, especially at higher speeds. They also offer more interior space and increased cargo
capacity.
Conversely, vans with shorter wheelbases (SWB) excel in manoeuvrability, making them a preferred
choice for urban driving, parking, and navigating tight spaces.
Choose Your Payload & Passengers
This is a critical decision; your vehicle’s total weight must not exceed 3.5 metric tons (3,500kg); this
is the maximum weight, Maximum Authorized Mass (MAM) you can drive on a standard UK driving
license.
MAM (Total Weight) that cargo, driver, and passenger (if any), Fuel and any accessories.
The Vans Weight Unladen Mass (UM), sometimes referred to as Kerb Weight
Payload remaining weight limit (limited by volume)
Total Weight minus Vehicle Weight = Legal Payload
To ensure an accurate determination of your van's payload needs, it is imperative that you calculate
the weight of your average daily load and any additional weight that may be carried, even if it is only
occasionally.
Proper calculations must be performed to avoid significant discrepancies in your load weight.
Estimating is not sufficient and could lead to court summonses and heavy fines.
Suppose you only occasionally carry an extra heavy load. Hiring a trailer for those occasions is worth
it rather than getting a too-big van for your everyday needs. Most vans can be fitted with a tow bar
but check before you do.
Van Door Choices
Rear Barn Doors
Van barn doors are 2 rear doors that open from the centre to either side of the van; they offer
several benefits, making them popular for commercial vans and other vehicles.
Rear Barn Door advantages:
Barn doors provide wide access to the van’s rear, allowing for convenient loading and unloading of
cargo. The double doors open fully to the sides, creating a large opening accommodating bulky items
or pallets.
The design of barn doors allows for flexible use of the rear space. You can open only one door when
you need to quickly grab something from the van or open both doors wide for full access. The doors
can also be partially opened, providing a smaller opening for quick access while still maintaining
some security.
Unlike a single large rear door, barn doors are more wind resistant. This can be particularly
advantageous when working in areas with strong gusts of wind. The double doors can be secured at
different angles, reducing the risk of swinging uncontrollably and potentially causing damage.

6. Barn doors typically have multiple locking points, enhancing the van’s security. They can be
equipped with additional locks or security measures to prevent unauthorised access.
Van barn doors can be customised to suit specific needs. For example, windows can be added to the
doors to improve visibility.
Disadvantages of Barn Doors
Barn doors open by swinging outwards horizontally, which means they require ample space on the
sides of the vehicle to open fully. This can be a problem in tight parking spaces or narrow streets,
making loading or unloading cargo difficult.
Tailgate Rear van Door.
Up and over tailgate doors on vehicles can offer several advantages for urban work but also
drawbacks. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of rear tailgate doors for city work:
Advantages of Tailgates
Tailgate rear van doors provide a large and unobstructed opening, allowing for easy loading and
unloading of cargo. This is particularly advantageous when handling bulky or heavy items.
The wide opening of tailgate doors ensures better accessibility to the cargo area, enabling efficient
organisation and retrieval of goods. It makes it easier to reach items towards the van’s back.
The tailgate can serve as a sheltered workspace when fully opened. This can be useful when the
weather is unfavourable, as it provides a covered area for paperwork or equipment maintenance.
Tailgate doors can often be equipped with additional security features, such as locks and reinforced
materials, providing better protection against theft and unauthorised access to the van's contents.
Disadvantages of Tailgates
Tailgate doors typically require ample space behind the van to open fully. This can be challenging in
tight parking spaces or crowded areas where the door may need more clearance to swing open.
In some situations, the tailgate door may limit access to the cargo area, especially if the van is
parked close to a wall or another vehicle. This can make loading or unloading items difficult,
requiring extra manoeuvring or repositioning of the van.
Tailgate doors provide a more open view into the van's cargo area, which may compromise privacy if
transporting valuable or sensitive goods. Extra measures like tinted windows or privacy screens may
be necessary to address this concern.
When the tailgate door is open while driving (legally secured), it can create wind resistance, affecting
the vehicle's aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. This can be particularly noticeable at higher speeds or
in windy conditions.
Sliding Doors
Sliding side doors on vehicles can offer several advantages for urban work and are very popular, but
they also have some drawbacks. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of sliding side doors for
urban work:
Advantages of Sliding Side Door:

7. Sliding side doors provide easy access to the cargo area of a vehicle, making it convenient for loading
and unloading in tight urban spaces. It allows workers to access tools, equipment, or goods quickly
without manoeuvring around a traditional hinged door.
Sliding doors do not require extra space for an opening like traditional doors. This is particularly
beneficial in urban environments where parking spaces and loading areas may be limited. The
absence of a swinging door allows vehicles to be parked closer to other objects or vehicles,
maximising the available space.
Sliding doors can enhance safety for workers operating in urban areas. When opening the door, they
minimise the risk of hitting pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles. This is especially important when
working in congested city streets or narrow alleyways.
Sliding side doors offer flexibility in terms of loading and unloading configurations. They can be
opened partially or fully, allowing easier access to specific cargo space areas. This adaptability can be
particularly useful for urban work involving various types of equipment or irregularly shaped cargo.
Disadvantages of Sliding Side Doors
Sliding side doors generally have a narrower opening than hinged doors. This can restrict the size of
items loaded or unloaded through the door. Workers may need to manoeuvre larger objects more
carefully or disassemble them to fit through the opening.
Sliding doors rely on mechanisms such as tracks, rollers, and latches, which can be prone to wear
and mechanical issues over time. If properly maintained, these components can be convenient and
functional, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential downtime for repairs.
Sliding side doors may have a higher likelihood of exposing the cargo area to the elements when
compared to hinged doors. When open, the door can expose the interior to rain, snow, or wind,
potentially affecting the cargo or causing discomfort to workers during loading or unloading
operations.
Sliding doors can be more vulnerable to unauthorised access or theft than hinged doors. Depending
on the quality of the locking mechanisms, sliding doors may be easier to bypass or force open,
making the vehicle and its contents less secure. Additional security measures may be necessary to
cover this risk.
Leasing a Van
There are many benefits to a business in leasing a van. Leasing a van typically requires a lower
upfront payment than purchasing one outright. This can be especially beneficial if you're starting a
new business or have limited funds.
You can budget more effectively since you'll have fixed monthly payments for the duration of the
lease. This can help with financial planning and eliminate unexpected repair or maintenance costs.
Tax benefits are available to business users; if you are VAT registered and use the van purely for the
business, you can reclaim the VAT portion of your lease payment. You can deduct a portion or all of
your lease payments as a business expense, reducing your overall tax liability.

8. Leasing allows you to drive a new van with the latest features and technology. Since lease terms are
typically shorter (e.g., two to three years), you can upgrade to a new model more frequently and
enjoy the benefits of improved safety, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
With a leased van, you will be covered by the manufacturer's warranty for the duration of the lease.
Choosing to Include maintenance and tyre cover in your payments means that major repairs and
maintenance costs may be covered, alleviating the financial burden and hassle of unexpected vehicle
issues.
Lease a van, and you don't have to worry about its resale value since you'll return it to the leasing
company at the end of the term. This eliminates the risk of depreciation and potential losses
associated with owning a vehicle that may depreciate rapidly.
It's important to note that leasing may not be the best option for everyone. It's essential to evaluate
your specific needs and financial situation carefully.