Van running costs are the ongoing costs of owning and using a van in the UK. They include more than fuel or electricity costs. Depreciation, maintenance, vehicle excise duty, servicing, repairs and mileage can all affect the total cost of operating a van.
DriveSmart provides data-led van running cost tools to help compare these costs using forecast values from our running costs database.
Use this page as a starting point for the main DriveSmart van running cost tools, including our van running costs calculator, mileage comparison tables, average running costs guides and cost-per-mile explanations.
UK Van Running Cost Tools
Choose the tool that best matches the type of calculation or comparison you want to make.
Van Running Costs Calculator
Use the van running costs calculator to calculate forecast running costs for a specific van. You can select a term and annual mileage, then view depreciation, maintenance, fuel or electricity costs and pence per mile.
Van Running Costs By Mileage
Use van running costs by mileage to compare vans at common annual mileage levels, including 5,000, 10,000, 12,000, 15,000, 20,000, 25,000 and 30,000 miles.
Van Cost Per Mile
Our van cost per mile page explains how pence-per-mile costs are calculated and why they can change depending on mileage, depreciation and fuel or electricity costs.
Average Van Running Costs
The average van running costs page explains the main types of van operating costs and how they contribute to the total cost of running a van.
What Costs Are Included?
UK van running costs are usually made up of both fixed operating costs and variable mileage-related costs.
Van running costs can include:
- Depreciation — the forecast reduction in vehicle value over time and mileage.
- Maintenance — servicing, maintenance and repair costs.
- Fuel or electricity — petrol, diesel or charging costs based on vehicle type and mileage.
- Vehicle excise duty — road tax costs where applicable.
- Total cost — combined operating and running costs over the selected term.
- Pence per mile — the total cost divided by the mileage covered.
Why Mileage Matters
Mileage affects running costs because some costs increase as the van is driven further. Fuel or electricity costs are directly linked to distance travelled. Maintenance and depreciation can also change at different mileage levels.
Comparing vans at different mileages can help show how the same van may have different total costs and pence-per-mile figures depending on how it is used.
Example UK Van Running Costs By Mileage
The examples below show selected vans from the DriveSmart running costs database at different annual mileage levels. They are not averages or recommendations, but show how costs can vary by vehicle, fuel type, mileage and term.
| 10,000 |
BYD DOLPHIN ELECTRIC 150kW 60kWh Cargo e-Van Auto |
Electric |
£36,190.00 |
£11,825.00 |
£24,364.00 |
£2,517.00 |
£1,686.00 |
£29,547.00 |
98.50 |
£1,220.00 |
| 20,000 |
FORD TRANSIT 310 L2 DIESEL FWD 2.0 EcoBlue 105ps H2 Leader Van [DAP] |
Diesel |
£53,745.00 |
£9,250.00 |
£44,495.00 |
£8,160.00 |
£14,841.00 |
£68,476.00 |
114.10 |
£2,302.00 |
| 30,000 |
MAN TGE 5 LONG DIESEL RWD 160 HD Emissions Lion XP High Roof Van |
Diesel |
£66,859.80 |
£12,075.00 |
£54,784.00 |
£14,496.00 |
£32,782.00 |
£103,042.00 |
114.50 |
£3,262.00 |
The examples use different van types, mileage levels and fuel types to demonstrate how running costs can vary across the market.
Why Depreciation Is Important
Depreciation is often one of the largest costs of running a van. It represents the difference between the van's price and its forecast residual value after a selected term and mileage.
A van with low fuel costs may not always have the lowest total running cost if depreciation is high. That is why DriveSmart includes depreciation alongside fuel, electricity and maintenance costs.
Electric, Petrol, Diesel And Hybrid Vans
Different fuel types can have different running cost patterns. Electric vans may have lower energy costs per mile, while petrol, diesel and hybrid vans depend on fuel consumption and pump prices.
The total cost still depends on the full calculation, including depreciation, maintenance, vehicle price, mileage and term.
Using DriveSmart Running Cost Data
DriveSmart running cost pages are designed to present factual vehicle cost data. The figures are intended to help users compare costs, understand the effect of mileage and complete their own assessment of running costs.
Some data may be unavailable for certain vans at specific mileage and term combinations. The running costs database is updated regularly, but it may not contain every van at every mileage and term combination.
You can complete your own assessment by using the van running costs calculator and entering your own assumptions for depreciation, maintenance, fuel or electricity costs and other factors.
Related Van Running Cost Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What are van running costs?
Van running costs are the costs of owning and using a van. They can include depreciation, maintenance, vehicle excise duty, fuel or electricity costs, total operating costs and pence per mile.
What is usually included in van running cost calculations?
DriveSmart running cost calculations include forecast depreciation, maintenance, fuel or electricity costs, vehicle excise duty, total cost and pence per mile where data is available.
Why does mileage affect van running costs?
Mileage affects running costs because fuel or electricity costs increase with distance. Maintenance and depreciation can also change at different mileage levels.
Why is depreciation included in running costs?
Depreciation is included because it can be one of the largest costs of owning a van. It measures the difference between the van's price and its forecast residual value after a selected term and mileage.
Are electric vans cheaper to run?
Electric vans may have lower energy costs per mile than petrol or diesel vans, but the total running cost also depends on depreciation, maintenance, vehicle price, mileage and term.
How can I compare van running costs?
You can use the DriveSmart van running costs calculator for a specific van, or use the van running costs by mileage page to compare vans at common annual mileage and term combinations.
Which DriveSmart tools can help compare van running costs?
DriveSmart provides several van running cost tools, including the
van running costs calculator,
van running costs by mileage,
van cost per mile and
average van running costs
guides.