Which van to buy for a small business with urban deliveries: criteria that really matter

Choosing a van for urban deliveries in a small business is not the same as choosing a company car. Operation is key: what can it fit inside, what kind of emissions sticker it has, how much it costs to run each day, and whether it will leave you stranded on a Tuesday morning with twenty stops ahead. Let's get down to brass tacks.

Why urban development has its own rules

The city is unforgiving. Short stops, constant starts, impossible turning radii, and a low-emission zone waiting for you on every corner. A small van used by a company operating in an industrial park isn't worth the same as one used in the historic centers of Madrid or Barcelona. And yet, many small and medium-sized businesses continue to buy them out of habit.

The criteria that do matter (and those that don't)

Forget for a moment the color, the touchscreen, and whether it has Apple CarPlay. What determines a sensible purchase of a van for a small urban delivery business are five other factors.

Actual payload, not the one in the brochure

The payload figures in the catalog are usually without a driver, a full tank of fuel, or any extras. In practice, subtract 80 to 120 kg. If you're transporting light parcels, 600-700 kg is more than enough. If you're delivering beverages or light construction materials, aim for a good 800 kg.

Useful dimensions and access to cash register

Width between wheel arches, interior height, and load length are more important than gross volume. A European pallet (1.200 x 800 mm) is the standard. Sliding side doors on both sides are practically mandatory for urban deliveries.

Environmental label and ZBE

Without ECO or Zero emissions, you're buying a problem three years down the line. Madrid Central, Barcelona, ​​Seville, Valencia… the list is growing. Euro 6d diesel with a C sticker is still on the road, yes, but it remains to be seen how long that will last in historic city centers.

TCO: what it really costs

The purchase price accounts for one-third. The rest is fuel or electricity, maintenance, insurance, tires, and residual value. If you're interested in learning more, we've already discussed what Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is and why it should be a key factor in your decision.

Range and charging (if you're going electric)

For urban last-mile deliveries of 80-120 km/day, almost any electric last-mile delivery van will do. The problem isn't range, it's where to recharge overnight.

Models that are available on the Spanish market

We've selected six real-world examples, one per brand, covering diesel, LPG, and electric vehicles. None are perfect. Each fits a specific profile.

Citroën Berlingo Van — from €18.500

The classic of the trade. A cargo volume of up to 4,4 m³ in the long version, a payload close to 1.000 kg, and ergonomics that are much appreciated after eight hours of getting in and out. The electric ë-Berlingo version has a real-world WLTP range of around 280 km, closer to 220 km in the city in cold weather.

Peugeot Partner — from €18.900

The Berlingo's technical sibling, but with a slightly more sophisticated driving position and the i-Cockpit, which is equally appealing and irritating. In my opinion, it has the best steering in its segment. A good option as a city commercial van thanks to its tight turning radius.

Renault Kangoo Van — from €17.900

The Kangoo has been a benchmark for decades. The current generation represents a significant leap forward in interior space. Available in Blue dCi diesel and E-Tech electric with a WLTP range of up to 285 km. Its Sesame Open sliding side door, without a B-pillar, is a feature you won't want to lose once you experience it.

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo — from €21.500

It's a step up in price, but also in finish and refinement. The 2.0 TDI diesel is one of the most civilized in its segment. A CNG TGI version is available in some markets; in Spain, the current lineup revolves around diesel and the plug-in hybrid that will arrive with the 2027 update. A good option if the driver is going to spend many hours behind the wheel.

Ford Transit Courier — from €17.200

Ford's smallest van, updated in 2024, fits in any urban parking space and has a cargo volume of around 2,9 m³. It's available with an EcoBoost gasoline engine and as an electric E-Transit Courier. For self-employed drivers who don't carry much cargo but need a favorable emissions sticker, it's an option that often goes unnoticed, and it shouldn't.

Maxus eDeliver 3 — from €32.000

The outsider that isn't really an outsider. A pure electric van with a 50 kWh battery and a real-world WLTP range of around 250 km. The price is reasonable for what it offers, and it has a Zero Emissions label. For last-mile deliveries within city limits, it does the job. The interior, however, feels a step below European standards.

Summary table and ranking

Score from 1 to 10 weighting payload, TCO, label, workshop network and urban suitability.

Diesel, LPG or electric: which one is right for you?

Quick rule of thumb: Less than 15.000 km/year and short urban radius: electric if you have overnight charging. Between 15.000 and 30.000 km with a mix of urban and interurban driving: modern diesel or LPG. More than 30.000 km with frequent highway driving: diesel, even today. If this is relevant to you, this diesel vs. electric analysis based on mileage breaks it down with numbers.

Typical mistakes when buy van for self-employed first

Buying more van than you need. Focusing only on the list price. Ignoring the cost of insurance (a Zero Emissions van can have a higher premium). Not asking about the actual delivery time. Forgetting about after-sales service: a breakdown in August with no garage nearby will ruin your month.

FAQ

What is the best urban delivery van for a self-employed person starting out?
If you're on a tight budget, a basic Renault Kangoo Van or Ford Transit Courier in diesel or petrol offers the best value for money. If you operate within a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), consider the ë-Berlingo or the Maxus eDeliver 3.

Is an electric van worthwhile for last-mile delivery today?
Yes, provided you drive less than 150 km per day and have guaranteed overnight charging (your own car or a charging point at your company). Without a fixed charging station, the operational savings disappear.

What payload do I need for standard urban delivery?
For parcel and courier deliveries, 650-750 kg of actual payload is more than enough. For deliveries of beverages, frozen goods, or technical equipment, aim for 850-1.000 kg and always check the payload in the vehicle's technical specifications, not the generic model.

Is it worth paying more for a premium van like a Caddy compared to a Kangoo?
If the driver spends six or more hours a day inside the van, yes: the difference is noticeable in terms of fatigue, noise, and build quality. If the van operates on short shifts or has a different driver, the equation tips in favor of the Kangoo or the Berlingo.