Van

A van is a motor vehicle designed to carry people, goods, or both. It usually has a box-shaped body that provides more interior space than a typical car. Depending on its design, a van may have several rows of seats, a large cargo area, or a flexible interior that can be rearranged. Delivery vans are commonly used to transport parcels and supplies, while passenger vans can carry groups of people.

Most vans use petrol or diesel engines, although electric and hybrid versions are also available. The engine sends power to the wheels through a transmission, while the suspension supports the vehicle and helps absorb bumps in the road. Vans come in different sizes, from compact models for city use to larger vehicles designed for heavier loads.

The practical shape of a van makes loading and unloading easier, especially when the vehicle has sliding side doors and wide rear doors. Its relatively high body also provides useful interior volume, but a taller vehicle can be more affected by strong side winds than a lower car. When a van carries a heavy or unevenly distributed load, its mass and balance change, which can affect braking, cornering, and acceleration.

For this reason, the cargo should be secured and kept within the vehicle's permitted weight limits. Vans are widely used by businesses, public services, families, and transport companies because they can combine passenger space with useful cargo capacity. They are particularly valuable for local deliveries and short-distance transport, where their ability to access ordinary streets and loading areas is an advantage.