Which van is best for your business?

The best van is not the biggest or the most expensive. It's the one that can accommodate a normal workday, and no more.

Three measurements determine almost everything. Here they are, and how to use them to make the right choice.

Summary

• Choose a small van if you deliver tools and small materials to many customers a day.
• Choose a mid-size van if you want to fit entire building boards and shelving units.
• Choose a large van if you load pallets, moving loads or large volumes every week.
• Choose an electric van if you drive shorter, predictable distances and can charge at work or at home.

Want to see what's in stock? Here are all our used vans with deductible VAT.

Three sizes, six differences

	Small	Medium	Great
Cargo volume	Approximately 3–4 m³	Approximately 5–9 m³	Approximately 10–18 m³
Maximum load	Often 500–1,000 kg	Often 900–1,300 kg	Often 1,000–1,500 kg
Whole building boards	Rarely	In long version	Yes
Standing height	No	No	Often
Driving license	B	B	B or C1
Fits	Service and assembly	Most craftsmen	Construction, moving and bidding

The figures are approximate and vary between models, wheelbases and roof heights. Always check the details in the registration certificate.

When is a small van enough?

A small van drives almost like a car. It fits in a regular parking space and handles well in city traffic.

If you load mostly tools, assortment boxes and spare parts, it will last a long time. Many models are also available in a longer version with an extra cubic meter.

It is also the cheapest size to buy, fuel and service.

Who is a small van suitable for?

Electricians, plumbers, locksmiths and service technicians – everyone who has many short stops a day.

Advantages of a small van

• Lowest purchase price and operating cost
• Easy to park at the customer's location
• Feels like a passenger car to drive

Disadvantages of small van

• Short load length
• Limited maximum load
• Quickly fills up with shelf space

When is a mid-size van needed?

The mid-size van, for example Volkswagen Transporter or Ford Transit Custom, is the most common size among used transport trucks. It is large enough for most purposes, but still easy to drive.

With a long wheelbase, you can often fit entire building boards between the rear doors and the partition wall. Please measure yourself before purchasing to make sure you have enough space for what you are shipping.

The cabin often has three seats, and the comfort is sufficient for long days on the road.

Who is a mid-size van suitable for?

Carpenters, painters, floor layers and ventilation installers who need space for both materials and tools.

Advantages of a mid-size van

• Holds discs, tools and furnishings
• Comfortable on long journeys
• Large selection to choose from

Disadvantages of mid-size vans

• More expensive than a small one to buy and operate
• May be too high for parking garage

When is a large van needed?

Large vans come in several lengths and roof heights. The tallest ones allow you to stand upright in the cargo area. They are also often available with a flatbed, almost like a pick-up, which is a convenient way to load and transport more durable, weatherproof materials or debris and trash.

Look at the total weight first. Up to 3,500 kg, a B driving license is sufficient, above that, a C1 is required. The same model can be available in both versions.

A large van will take more fuel and cost more. It pays off when you fill it up, not when it's driving around half empty.

Who is a large van suitable for?

Construction companies with a lot of material, moving companies, courier companies and anyone who drives pallets.

Advantages of a large van

• Most cargo volume per trip
• Often standing height
• Holds multiple pallets

Disadvantages of large van

• Highest cost in purchase and operation
• May require C1 driving license
• Difficult to park in town

Is an electric van right for you?

Electric vans are available in all three sizes. They are quiet, emit no exhaust fumes and have fewer wearing parts than a diesel.

They are best suited when the day's driving is predictable and the car can be left charging every night.

The range decreases in cold weather and with a heavy load. Read how it worked for a business owner in Pajala: an entire winter with an electric transport truck in Norrbotten.

Who is an electric van suitable for?

Craftsmen and service companies that mostly operate within a city or region, and courier companies with fixed routes.

Advantages of an electric van

• Low running costs if you charge at home or at work
• Quiet – comfortable for both you and your customers
• Can be preheated on charge on a cold morning

Disadvantages of electric vans

• Range decreases in cold weather and with heavy loads
• Smaller selection of used cars than diesel
• Often lower draw weight

Check this out no matter the size

• Maximum load: how much the car can load, including furnishings and tools.
• Total weight: over 3,500 kg a C1 driving license is required.
• Towing weight: if you are going to pull a trailer, machine cart or boat.
• Load length and roof height: designations such as L2H2 mean length 2 and height 2.
• Sliding doors: one or two pages.
• Winter equipment: engine heater, passenger compartment heater and four-wheel drive if you drive on gravel and ice.

How to choose the right one – three questions

1. What is the longest you load each week?
   Under 2 meters: small van. Whole building boards: medium size in long version. Stool or furniture: large.
2. How heavy are you loading?
   Consider furnishings, tools and materials. If you are close to the maximum load, go up a size.
3. How far do you drive per day?
   Short and predictable with charging: look at electric. Long, heavy or with a trailer: diesel.

Popular vans in every size

Popular small vans are the Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Transit Connect, Peugeot Partner and Toyota Proace City.

Popular mid-size vans are the Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Renault Trafic.

Popular large vans are the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter and Renault Master.

Popular electric vans are the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo, Ford E-Transit Custom and Mercedes-Benz eVito.

Do you know what size you need? See all our used vans with deductible VAT, or the entire range of transport trucks.