A van's payload is the maximum weight a van is legally allowed to carry. The 'payload' weight includes the weight of the van itself, a full tank of fuel, the driver’s weight, any passengers, all of the equipment, tools and supplies as well as anything else that is fastened onto the van.

Load space is the area within a van that can be used to carry equipment, tools and other materials. It’s important before buying a van you know what load space you will need for your day-to-day use. This should be one of the first things you investigate before searching for a van.

The main type of vans are;

• Small vans: vans like the Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo are classed as small vans and are often used by tradesmen such as painters who don’t need to carry equipment that takes up lots of space
• Medium vans: The ever popular transit is a medium van. Medium vans tend to be popular with people like plumbers, who need more space than a small van can offer
• Large vans: Vans like the Mercedes Sprinter are classed as large. The vast majority of DPD and Amazon Prime delivery drivers operate from large vans as they’re often packed full at the start of a shift
• Combi vans: Carry both equipment and people comfortably
• Minibus and MPVs: Often used by taxi firms to transport people
• Luton vans: Often used by removal companies and are the largest van available to drive on a standard licence<
• Dropside vans: Often used by construction workers for their large and easy access payload
• Pickups: Very popular in America and across continental Europe. Popular models include the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200

At the minute, electricity costs around 14p per kilowatt-hour on an average UK domestic tariff. Using the mid-size Volkswagen e-Transporter as an example, a full charge cost a little over £5 – a fraction of the cost for the equivalent in petrol or diesel.

A van's wheelbase is the distance between the front wheels and the rear wheels. You may see people refer to wheelbase as 'short' and 'long'.

Yes, you can buy a van for any use that you like. If you intend to use a van to transport people instead of materials and equipment, you may be better with an MPV or combi van. Check out our description above on what type of van will best suit you.

You don't have to tell anyone about modifications to your van other than your insurer. The DVLA asks that if you convert your panel van into a camper then you apply for a motor caravan registration. There are benefits of doing this such as lower insurance costs, lower ferry prices, lower MOT prices whilst you may even be permitted to travel faster than regular vans on some roads.

Yes, vans are available with both automatic and manual gearboxes and there is more choice than ever before if you do want a van in automatic.

On average, new electric vans can travel between 100-200 miles depending on what they’re being used for. Inner city driving with lots of starts and stops will mean your range is shorter than motorists driving on motorways, for example.

The Citroen e-Dispatch, Fiat E-Ducato, Maxus e Deliver 3, Mercedes-Benz eVito, Peugeot e-Expert, Toyota Proace Electric and Vauxhall Vivaro-e all have claimed ranges of over 200 miles.

If you are buying the van from a business it is highly likely that you will pay VAT on the van, although you will be able to claim this back if you are also VAT registered and have a VAT invoice. If you buy the van from a private seller who is not VAT registered you will not pay VAT.