Selecting the right van for an electrician’s business is a critical decision that hinges on various factors, tailored to meet the unique demands of the trade. Whether for domestic, commercial, or contractor work, the chosen van must provide ample space for tools and equipment, ensuring everything is organised, accessible, and secure. Fuel efficiency becomes paramount, especially in city driving, where short trips and frequent stops are common.
Dependability is a must, as downtime can significantly impact business operations. The ability to manoeuvre through tight spaces and park with ease in diverse job locations is also crucial. Comfort during long hours on the road can greatly affect productivity and job satisfaction. This blog explores the spectrum of van sizes suitable for electricians, from compact models ideal for small-scale jobs to larger vans capable of hauling heavy equipment for extensive projects.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Van as an Electrician
Selecting the ideal van for your electrical business is a decision that holds significant importance. Whether you operate as a domestic or commercial electrician, work as a contractor, or are employed full-time, your choice of van should align with specific criteria to ensure it serves your needs effectively:
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- Sufficient Space for Tools and Equipment: As an electrician, you rely heavily on your tools and equipment. Your van must offer ample cargo space to accommodate them safely and securely. Consider shelving and storage solutions to keep everything organised and easily accessible.
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- Economical for City Driving: Given that you’ll likely navigate urban areas frequently, opt for a van with excellent fuel efficiency, particularly for city driving where frequent stops and short trips are common. An economical van can help you save on fuel costs over time.
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- Reliable Performance: Reliability is non-negotiable in your line of work. Look for vans known for their dependable performance and minimal downtime. Read reviews and consider brands with a strong reputation for reliability.
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- Manoeuvrability and Parking Ease: Electrical jobs often take you to various commercial and residential locations. A van with good manoeuvrability and ease of parking is essential to access tight spaces and navigate urban environments with ease.
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- Comfortable Driving Experience: Your van should provide a comfortable driving experience, especially for extended periods on the road. Comfort features can reduce driver fatigue and contribute to a more enjoyable workday.
When exploring new van deals, delve into the details of each option, considering factors like cargo capacity, fuel efficiency ratings, maintenance history, and user reviews. Prioritise models that offer the most economical van solutions to help optimise your business expenses and ensure long-term success in your electrical business.
Choosing the Right Van Size for Electricians: From Small to Large
As an electrician, making the right choice when it comes to van size is pivotal for your daily operations. The size of your van should align with the type of projects you typically handle, ensuring efficiency and convenience. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide:
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- Small-Scale Jobs: If your work primarily revolves around smaller tasks like light fixture installations or minor electrical repairs, a compact panel van is the ideal choice. It offers just enough space without being overly bulky, making it a practical option.
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- Medium-Scale Jobs: For more extensive projects such as home rewiring or house builds, where additional equipment and storage are needed, upgrading to a medium-size van is a logical step.
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- Large and Heavy Equipment: In scenarios where you regularly transport large and heavy equipment that demands ample space, a large panel van with expansive load areas and high payload capacities becomes essential.
By carefully evaluating your specific project requirements, you can select the right van size, whether you’re looking for small vans for sale or considering a van purchase, to enhance your efficiency and productivity as an electrician.
Best Small Vans For Electricians
When you invest in a small van for sale, it needs to be compact in terms of its external dimensions to easily navigate city streets and be able to park in a variety of customer locations. For a tradesman such as an electrician, it also needs a spacious load area that can safely carry all your essential tools, including wire cutters, pliers and drills.
Completing numerous smaller jobs per day also means that you’ll be travelling to different nearby locations; a competitive fuel consumption rate will be essential to keep running costs down. Below we will explore the most economical, small vans:
FORD TRANSIT CONNECT: One of the Best Small Vans For Sale
Initially launched in 2002 to replace the Escort van, the Ford Transit Connect – has gone on to sell over one million models worldwide. Updated in 2013 with a modernised design and new features, the Transit Connect is regarded as one of the best small vans for sale.
When considering the most economical vans, it costs as little to run as a smaller LCV (e.g. Transit Courier, Peugeot Bipper), but can hold almost as large a load as some medium-size models from the next class up (if configured correctly).
The range of 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engines provide a minimum combined fuel economy figure of 58.9mpg, meaning you have to make fewer trips to the pumps.
The Transit Connect is offered in L1 and L2 versions with a standard height across the range. The smaller L1 model offers 2.9m³ which extends to 3.6m³ in the larger model. As standard, the load area can be accessed via a sliding nearside door. It offers a wide range of features at an attractive price point, promoting it as one of the cheapest new vans.
With the flexible dual passenger seat in place, the Transit Connect can carry up to three people in the cabin – perfect if you have a small team to transport.
Ford has a strong reputation for ride and handling from its passenger cars which is carried over to its commercial vehicles; however, they have prioritised function over form to provide the best value for van owners.
PEUGEOT PARTNER & CITROEN BERLINGO: Small Commercial Van
Developed alongside each other as part of the PSA Group, the Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo have been available on the UK small van market since 1996 as a commercial vehicle.
The latest third generation models were released in late 2018, picking up the coveted 2019 International Van of the Year award alongside the new Vauxhall Combo as part of a cross-business programme.
The Partner and Berlingo offer two wheelbase variants (L1 & L2 or ‘M’ & ‘XL’, respectively) which provide a load area starting at 3.3m³ and reaching up to 3.9m³.
In all models except the entry-level versions, the Peugeot and Citroen small vans come with three seats in the front. When not in use, the middle seat can be folded down to reveal a pivoting table that turns the cabin into a mobile office.
PSA Group has always produced award-winning engines that focus on delivering exceptional fuel economy and performance. The range of BlueHDi diesel engines in the latest Partner and Berlingo all claim combined fuel consumption figures of over 60mpg.
Due to their popularity, there are plenty of examples of used Partner and Berlingo vans that will still be reliable for thousands of miles.
RENAULT KANGOO & MERCEDES CITAN: Three Length Small Vans
Although it’s an unlikely combination, the Mercedes Citan is essentially a Renault Kangoo sharing the same design, technology and engines. They’re built alongside each other at Renault’s factory in Northern France.
Mercedes takes pride in their meticulous reengineering efforts, enhancing various aspects of their small vans for sale, including fine-tuning the wiring and suspension settings. This meticulous approach gives the Citan, available in three lengths – Compact, Long, and Extra Long, a refined feel that sets it apart from its Renault counterpart.
The Citan is available in three lengths – Compact, Long and Extra Long – whereas the Kangoo only has the two latter lengths on offer. Load area for the Long version starts at 3.0m³ reaching up to 3.6m³ in the Extra Long model.
As part of their alliance with Nissan, Renault has developed a fully electric version of the Kangoo with a maximum driving range of 162 miles. However, if you want to stick with a traditional combustion engine, the Kangoo and Citan are available with three power outputs from Renault’s long-running, frugal and efficient 1.5 dCi diesel engine.
Obviously, the Citan is more expensive than the Kangoo, so why pay more? The simple answer is badge appeal and appearance. If you want to convey a more upmarket image to your customers, go for the Mercedes over the Renault.
Best Medium Vans For Sales For Electricians
When a small van doesn’t provide enough space but a large van is too big, you need to shop around for a medium-size van. They’ll provide you with a longer and taller load area so you can pack more tools and equipment.
Although a medium van is bigger than most passenger cars, they can still fit in conventional parking spaces and don’t take up too much room in residential areas when you’re on a job. Continue to read below if you’re interested in buying a medium van online.
RENAULT TRAFIC & VAUXHALL VIVARO: Versatile Vans For Sale
After exploring some popular electrician forums, it was clear that the Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro models were very popular vans for sale, largely for their versatility, reliability, relative comfort and price tag.
Although built separately, the Trafic and Vivaro are essentially the same van and command a lucrative share of the light commercial vehicle market between them.
Available in two different lengths and heights, these vans available to buy outright provide substantial load volumes ranging from 5.2m³ to 8.6m³, along with impressive payloads of up to 1,269kg. This means you have the capacity to transport larger and heavier pieces of equipment with ease.
Both models underwent significant updates in 2014 with the introduction of the second generation. Interestingly, these updates represented an evolutionary rather than revolutionary approach, primarily aimed at enhancing efficiency, cabin quality, and the overall driving experience.
Powering the Trafic and Vivaro are robust 1.6-litre diesel engines from Renault and Vauxhall. These 118bhp units deliver exceptional combined fuel efficiency, boasting an impressive 47.9mpg. Consequently, these vans stand out as two of the most fuel-efficient options currently available in the market.
Stepping into the cabin, you’ll notice several passenger car-inspired features that seamlessly blend with the rugged and durable working environment. This combination creates a comfortable and practical workspace, ensuring that your daily tasks are executed with utmost convenience.
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER: Medium Size Van for Electricians
The Volkswagen Transporter is a premium medium-size van for any electrician that values appearance as much as performance. The higher price tag does command certain features as standard, including a 5″ touchscreen DAB radio, Brake Assist technology and a multi-adjustable driver’s seat.
Volkswagon vans for sale, inspired by the sixth generation release in 2015, remain relatively unchanged. The Volkswagen Transporter is still available in two wheelbases and three heights, offering the same internal dimensions as before – load volumes from 5.8m³ all the way up to 9.3m³ with payloads reaching 1,217kg.
The Euro 5 engines have been replaced with 2.0-litre Euro 6 diesel versions in four different outputs. All of them come with Volkswagen’s BlueMotion technology as standard to reduce fuel consumption across the range, ultimately making them one of the most economical vans on the market.
The Transporter is packed with a range of standard safety equipment that gives it the edge over lower-priced rivals. Alongside the usual ESP and ABS braking, it boasts Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Lane Change Assist, a Driver Alert System and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Whether you mainly drive around the city or cross-country on the motorway, the Transporter can tackle both with ease providing you with a smooth and refined driving experience.
Best Large Vans For Electricians
Some electrical jobs will require you to bring large and heavy equipment along with you; alternatively, you might want to keep all your tools safely organised in one place so you don’t need to panic if you’ve forgotten anything. Almost any of these scenarios will call for you to explore the wide range of large vans for sale.
A large panel van provides you with the most space for racking and storage in a commercial vehicle. Typically, they’re available in a range of lengths, heights and payloads so you can specify the size that’s right for you.
MERCEDES SPRINTER: Front Wheel Drive Large Van
The Mercedes Sprinter, a prominent contender in the large vans for sale market, entered its third generation with the 2018 Mk3 model. This latest iteration introduced pivotal changes, notably the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) for the first time. This FWD variant not only lowers the load floor by 80mm but also enhances payload capacity by an additional 50kg in the 3.5-tonne models, a significant factor for those considering large vans for sale.
Under the hood, the engine lineup remains consistent, offering a choice between the robust 2.1-litre four-cylinder and the powerful 3.0-litre V6 engine. Unique among large vans for sale, the Sprinter maintains its status as the sole model to feature a V6 engine.
When exploring options for large vans for sale, the Sprinter’s versatility is evident in its four body lengths and three height options. Load volumes are impressive, starting at 7.8m³ in the smallest model and extending up to a capacious 17.0m³ in the largest (L4H3) variant. However, for those prioritising payload over volume in their search for large vans for sale, the smaller Sprinter models may offer a more suitable balance.
Inside, Mercedes has skilfully infused the cabin with both the high-tech and design elements from their passenger cars, while maintaining the durability required of large vans for sale. These luxurious additions could justify the additional expense for buyers who value both a premium image and comfort in their choice of a large van.
FORD TRANSIT: Economical Large Van
For over half a century, the Ford Transit has been a staple on British roads, synonymous with the most economical van in its class. As the original and largest model of the Transit series, it has earned a reputation as a spacious and dependable workhorse.
In terms of customisation, the Transit, often considered one of the most economical vans, offers three lengths and two heights. While it might not match the variety of some competitors, it still boasts a significant load area ranging from 9.6m³ to 15.1m³, catering to a variety of needs for those seeking the most economical van.
A notable update in 2016 further cemented the Transit’s status as the most economical van. Its 2.2-litre engines were replaced with Ford’s advanced 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engines, achieving a 13% improvement in fuel efficiency. The most fuel-efficient among these is known for its remarkable combined fuel consumption of up to 42.2mpg, a key feature for those prioritising the most economical van.
Driving experience, a crucial aspect for the most economical van, is where the Transit truly shines. Its drive quality is top-notch, with minimal wind noise even at motorway speeds – a remarkable feat for a large van. The suspension system ensures a smooth, comfortable ride, making it a leading choice for those seeking the most economical van.
Mirroring trends in the light commercial vehicle market, the Transit’s interior borrows design elements from Ford’s passenger car range. This approach results in a cabin that balances comfort and durability, equipped with generous features, aligning perfectly with the expectations of those looking for the most economical van to travel efficiently between jobs.
If you would like to know more details about the best vans for electricians, please do get in touch with us, or check out the full range of vans on our website.