What are the different types of vans available today?

There are many types of vehicles you can drive in the UK, and one of the most popular is a van.

According to the latest Government data from 2024, there are 4.6 million licences vans on roads across the UK.

In this driving advice guide, we tell you how many varieties there are and there different classifications.

What is a van?

A van is a vehicle that is designed primarily for transporting goods or larger groups of people.

Typically, larger than a car but smaller than a truck or HGV, vans come in various sizes and configurations, including cargo vans for hauling items and passenger vans for carrying multiple passengers.

They’re commonly used by businesses, families, and for commercial purposes due to their spacious interior and practical design.

Vans are very popular in the UK, with more than 4.6 million of them, and are regularly seen on the roads.

How many types of van are there? And what are they called?

There are several common types of vans, including:

1. Cargo Vans – Designed mainly for transporting goods and equipment. Often used by trades people and businesses.
2. Passenger Vans – Built to carry multiple passengers, often used by shuttle services or large families. Popular with taxi services and airport shuttle services.
3. Minivans – Smaller vans ideal for family use, combining passenger comfort with cargo space. Also known as an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle).
4. Camper Vans – Modified or designed for living or camping purposes, often equipped with sleeping and cooking facilities. There is considerably less space to transport items.
5. Combi van – Modified for living or camping purposes, often equipped with sleeping and cooking facilities but also has space to carry passengers. Seats are often removable.
6. Pickup van – This is a vehicle with an enclosed cab for 2-5 passengers, and an open cargo bed, designed for transporting goods and equipment.
7. Luton van – A commercial vehicle with a box-shaped cargo area that extends over the cab, providing extra storage space ideal for moving large items.
8. Tipper van – This van has a cargo bed that can be hydraulically tilted to unload its contents.
9. Dropside van – A flatbed vehicle with hinged side panels that can be lowered for easy loading and unloading of goods. It is popular in construction.
10. Panel van – With a fully enclosed cargo area and no rear side windows, this is commonly used for transporting goods securely and privately.

Each type serves different needs depending on space, capacity, and function. There are a few more niche versions of vans available, including refrigerated vans and electric-powered vans.

However, they all vans also be split into small, medium and large vans.

What are most popular vans?

The most common type of van is the panel van, known for its versatility across numerous industries – and for both professional and personal use.

Panel vans are widely used by delivery companies, tradespeople, and businesses that require a reliable vehicle for transporting tools, equipment, and goods.

What sets panel vans apart from most of the other vans is their fully enclosed cargo area, which usually lacks side windows at the rear – and instead has a sliding panel door. This design provides a secure, weatherproof space that protects items from theft, damage, and the elements.

Their spacious interior can be customised with shelving or storage solutions, making them ideal for a broad range of professional and commercial uses.

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What is a Category S van?

A Category S van is a vehicle that has been classified as structurally damaged by insurance companies following an accident or incident with the vehicle.

This means the van sustained damage to its structural components, such as the chassis or frame, which could affect its safety or integrity.

While these vans can be repaired and returned to the road, they must pass strict inspections and be properly certified before resale.

Buyers should be cautious and ensure any Category S van has been thoroughly checked and repaired to a high standard.

What is a large van called?

A large van is often referred to as a box van, cargo van, or Luton van. These vans feature a spacious, box-shaped cargo area designed for transporting heavy loads.

They are popular for moving furniture, large deliveries, and commercial use due to their ample storage capacity and ease of loading.

What is a small van called?

A small van is commonly called a compact van or city van, and are smaller in size, making them ideal for urban driving and tight spaces.

They’re perfect for light deliveries, small businesses, or tradespeople who need to carry tools and equipment without the bulk of a larger vehicle.