{"id":577068,"date":"2026-08-15T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-15T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdhurk.nl\/?p=577068"},"modified":"2026-04-14T13:51:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T11:51:38","slug":"what-are-the-advantages-of-a-small-van-for-the-self-employed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vdhurk.nl\/en\/wat-zijn-de-voordelen-van-een-kleine-bestelwagen-voor-zzpers\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the benefits of a small van for self-employed people?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a self-employed person, you want to work quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively. Your choice of vehicle plays a bigger role in this than many business owners realise at first. Buying a small van could be exactly the right move: manoeuvrable in town, affordable to run and big enough for most jobs. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about small vans for self-employed people, so that you can make an informed choice.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re a carpenter, plumber, photographer or delivery driver, choosing the right vehicle plays a part in how professional you come across and how much you spend each month. We\u2019ll take you through everything you need to know, step by step, from the type of van to the choice between buying and leasing.<\/p>\n

What types of small vans are available for self-employed people?<\/h2>\n

Small vans for the self-employed fall broadly into three categories: compact panel vans such as the Renault Kangoo or Volkswagen Caddy, light commercial vehicles such as the Ford Transit Connect or Peugeot Partner, and the double-cab van<\/strong>, which combines cargo space with extra seating for colleagues or equipment.<\/p>\n

Compact panel vans<\/h3>\n

Compact panel vans are the smallest variant and ideal for self-employed people who drive a lot in urban areas. They can navigate narrow streets, are fuel-efficient and have a load capacity that is more than sufficient for most light-duty trades. Think of electricians, photographers or couriers delivering smaller parcels.<\/p>\n

Light commercial vehicles<\/h3>\n

Light commercial vans offer slightly more load space and towing capacity without becoming unwieldily large. They combine practicality with reasonable driving dynamics. For self-employed professionals in the construction, installation or landscaping sectors, this is often the most versatile choice.<\/p>\n

Double-cab company van<\/h3>\n

A double-cab van<\/a>, also known as a double cab or crew cab, has an extra row of seats behind the driver. This makes it suitable for self-employed people who regularly travel with one or two employees or work experience students. The load area is smaller than that of a standard van, but the flexibility it offers for carrying passengers is a major advantage.<\/p>\n

Electric small vans<\/h3>\n

More and more self-employed people are opting for a electric company car<\/a>. Models such as the Renault Kangoo E-Tech or the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo offer zero-emission driving, low energy costs and access to an increasing number of low-emission zones in cities. For self-employed people with fixed driving routes within a city, this is a financially and practically attractive option.<\/p>\n

When is a small van better than a large one?<\/h2>\n

A small van is better than a large one if you mainly drive in urban areas, your load is relatively light and compact, and you want to keep your day-to-day costs down. If you don\u2019t regularly transport large or heavy goods, you\u2019ll end up paying unnecessarily for space you don\u2019t use if you opt for a large van.<\/p>\n

Large vans use more fuel, are harder to park and fall into a higher insurance category. For a self-employed person working on their own who can fit their tools or products into a compact space, these drawbacks carry significant weight. Buying a small van also means lower purchase costs, which makes a real difference when you\u2019re working with a limited start-up budget.<\/p>\n

When is a large van actually the better option?<\/h3>\n

If you regularly transport large quantities of goods, drive long distances or travel with several people at once, a large van offers greater comfort and capacity. Removal firms, larger installation companies or self-employed professionals who also carry out large contracts as subcontractors simply cannot make do with a small van.<\/p>\n

How much does a small van cost for a self-employed person?<\/h2>\n

The purchase price of a small van varies considerably, depending on the make, year of manufacture, fuel type and specification. You can buy a second-hand small van for between around 8,000 and 15,000 euros. New models usually start at around 20,000 euros and can cost over 35,000 euros for fully equipped electric versions.<\/p>\n

As a self-employed person, in addition to the purchase price, you also need to factor in the total running costs: fuel or electricity, road tax, insurance, maintenance and any repairs. A diesel van has higher fuel costs than an electric model, but requires less upfront investment. An electric commercial vehicle has lower running costs, but a higher purchase price.<\/p>\n

Tax benefits for self-employed people<\/h3>\n

As a self-employed person, you can reclaim the VAT on a company car if you use it for business purposes more than 10%. In addition, the costs of the van are deductible as business expenses. In the case of an electric company car, favourable additional tax liability rules also apply if you use the car privately as well, which further reduces the net costs. Always consult an accountant regarding your specific situation.<\/p>\n

Buying or leasing: which is better for a self-employed person?<\/h2>\n

For a self-employed person, leasing is a better option if you want to spread the monthly costs, avoid tying up a large amount of start-up capital and always drive a well-maintained vehicle. Buying is a better option if you want to own the car outright, want flexibility in how you use it and are looking to minimise total costs in the long term.<\/p>\n

Advantages of leasing<\/h3>\n