What Is a Panel Van?

What is a Panel Van?
A panel van
is a type of light commercial vehicle designed primarily for transporting goods. They have a fully enclosed cargo area and solid sides in place of rear windows. If you’re a business owner, it is worthwhile to understand what a panel van is and how it can become a vital tool in your operations.
Panel vans are renowned for their versatility and are often used by delivery companies, tradespeople, and removal businesses because they provide a safe, functional and efficient means to transport tools, equipment and goods.
With the growing availability of electric panel vans, businesses can now combine practicality with sustainability, reducing their carbon footprint without sacrificing efficiency or reliability. Kia’s PV5 and PV7
electric models are prime examples of how panel vans are evolving to meet the requirements of modern businesses.
In this article, we’ll explore what defines a panel van, examine the different sizes available, and discuss their unique benefits, highlighting how they meet the needs of different businesses.

Why do they call it a Panel Van?
The name 'panel van' comes from the solid panels that the vehicles have in place of rear windows. They not only give the vehicle its name but also offer enhanced security, keeping tools and goods out of sight.
Initially adapted from passenger cars, panel vans have evolved into purpose-built commercial vehicles designed to maximise cargo by removing rear seating and prioritising functionality. From compact car-derived delivery vans to large, heavy-duty panel vans, these vehicles cater to a variety of businesses, providing secure and reliable transportation solutions.

What is a Car-Derived Van?
A car-derived van is a compact commercial vehicle based on a car’s chassis. While it may resemble a standard car, the rear seating is replaced by a practical cargo area. Combining the compact size and agility of a car with the functionality of a van, these vehicles excel in urban environments.
Car-derived delivery vans are ideal for businesses like florist shops or mobile service providers that need to navigate busy city streets and manoeuvre into tight parking spaces. They offer the perfect blend of efficiency, practicality, and ease of use for smaller operations.

What are Small, Medium, and Large Panel Vans?
Panel vans come in various shapes and sizes to meet diverse business requirements. There are three commonly used category terms: Compact Duty Van (CDV), Medium Duty Van (MDV), and Heavy Duty Van (HDV).
• Compact Duty Vans (or Small Panel Vans): Compact and agile, small panel vans (including car-derived models) are perfect for businesses that require efficiency and manoeuvrability in city areas, such as caterers or courier services. Urban areas can also provide an additional advantage in that they are more likely to offer chargers for electric vans. Small panel vans generally have loading areas 1.7 m in length, 1.5 m in width and 1.2 m in height.
• Medium Duty Vans (or Medium Panel Vans): Striking a balance between storage capacity and versatility, medium-sized panel vans, including electric models, are perfect for tradespeople and small businesses. They provide ample space for tools and equipment while remaining practical for city driving. Medium panel vans generally have loading areas 2.4 m in length, 1.7 m in width and 1.4 m in height.
• Heavy Duty Vans (or Large Panel Vans): Designed for heavy-duty tasks, large panel vans offer maximum cargo space and payload capacity. These vehicles are perfect for logistics operators, furniture movers, and businesses requiring high-volume deliveries. While less suited to congested areas or narrow streets, they provide reliability on longer routes and bulk transportation. Large panel vans generally have loading areas 3.4 m in length, 1.7 m in width and 1.8 m in height.
It’s important to note that not all van models correspond with these categories completely. For example, the Kia PV5 and PV7 are seen as medium and heavy duty vans, respectively. However, the PV5’s length is between the standard measurements for CDV and MDV models. Similarly, the PV7’s length falls between MDV and HDV ranges.
With this in mind, it’s important to consider the requirements of both you and your business before you begin the van purchasing process. What kind of work will you be doing, how much cargo space will you regularly need, how much weight will you need to carry, and what environments will you be driving in? All of this will help you decide on the optimal choice of panel van for your business.

Why Choose a Panel Van for Your Business?
Panel vans can offer businesses extensive interior storage space and a level of adaptability that makes them suitable for a wide range of industries.
The enclosed cargo area can be customised with shelving, racks or other storage solutions to efficiently organise tools or goods. The absence of rear windows enhances security and reduces the risk of theft by keeping valuable items out of sight. It also helps to maintain the quality and integrity of sensitive goods and perishable items by protecting them from sunlight and harsh weather.
Smaller panel vans also stand out for their exceptional fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs compared to larger vehicles. This makes them a more cost-effective and practical option for smaller or urban-based businesses.

The Benefits of Electric Panel Vans
With sustainability becoming increasingly important in transportation, electric panel vans like the Kia PV5
and PV7
provide businesses with an eco-friendly transportation solution. Indeed, they offer a number of benefits:
1. Reduced Emissions: Electric panel vans produce no tailpipe emissions , making them an eco-friendly option for companies looking to lower their carbon footprint. This is especially useful in urban areas with strict emissions regulations.
2. Lower Running Costs: Electric vehicles typically feature fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel vehicles, which can lead to reduced maintenance expenses over their lifespan.
3. Urban Suitability: These vehicles can enter low-emission zones such as the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) without incurring penalties, making them ideal for city-based operations. The fact that EVs run so quietly can help with noise restriction compliance, making them particularly suited for residential deliveries.
4. Positive Brand Image: Adopting electric panel vans into its fleet can showcase a company’s commitment to sustainability, resonating with consumers who prioritise environmentally responsible businesses.

Which Panel Van is Best for Your Business?
The best panel van for your business will depend on your specific needs and operations. Light-duty tasks are best carried out in a small panel van
or car-derived delivery van. Both offer excellent efficiency and easy navigation through tight city streets.
Medium-sized panel vans, such as the Kia PV5, are better suited to trade or hospitality-focused businesses, providing a practical blend of cargo space and urban maneuverability.
For heavy-duty operations requiring maximum storage capacity and robust performance, large panel vans like the Kia PV7
stand out. They are ideal for handling larger loads and carrying out long-distance deliveries.
For companies prioritising both performance and sustainability, electric panel vans like the PV5 and PV7 provide a more eco-friendly, quiet, and cost-effective solution.
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Images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be to full UK specification. Features shown are not standard across the Kia model range and availability will vary dependant on model. For further details please refer to the individual model specification sheets.
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Product availability varies by models. To find out which products are available for your vehicle, please contact your Kia dealer.
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