Van finance Ireland: new, used and electric vans

Yes. A limited company can finance a van on hire purchase, a finance lease or contract hire, with the company as the borrower and the van registered in its name. Lenders look at your accounts, bank statements and the van's age and value, and may ask a director for a personal guarantee. Vans are one of the easiest assets to finance because they hold their value.

It depends on how long you keep vans and your tax position. Buying outright or on hire purchase means your company owns the van and claims capital allowances on the full cost, but VAT is due upfront. Leasing spreads the VAT over the rentals, and contract hire can include maintenance but sets mileage limits. Ask your accountant to compare the after-tax cost.

Usually, yes. Revenue treats vans in VRT Categories B and C as commercial vehicles, so a VAT-registered company can reclaim the VAT if the van is used for its taxable business. If it is partly used privately, only the business share can be claimed. Our guide to commercial vehicle VAT, capital allowances and BIK explains the rules and exceptions.

Only if it meets all of Revenue's tests. For BIK, a van must be built mainly to carry goods, weigh no more than 3,500kg, and have a roofed area behind the driver with no side windows or seating. A crew cab meeting these tests is a van; one with rear seats in the load area, or seats fitted later, is treated as a car. Check before you choose the model.

If they can use it privately, usually yes. In 2026 the taxable amount is 8% of the van's original market value after a €10,000 reduction, and Revenue says the reduction falls to €5,000 in 2027 and €2,500 in 2028. No BIK arises if the van is needed for work, only used to travel to and from work, and the employee spends at least 80% of working time away from your premises.

Yes. SEAI's EV grant is open to businesses buying new electric vans: up to €3,800 for small and medium vans, and €7,600 for large panel vans with a maximum mass of exactly 3,500kg. Price limits apply, used vans do not qualify, and the grant counts as de minimis state aid, with a limit of €300,000 over three years. The dealer usually applies the grant at the point of sale.

Possibly. Revenue's energy-efficient equipment scheme includes an electric and alternative fuel vehicles class, giving a 100% allowance in the first year for qualifying vehicles your company owns, until the end of 2030. Leased vehicles do not qualify, and the model must be on SEAI's Triple E register. Check the specific van on the register and confirm with your accountant.

Usually, on a new van bought from an Irish dealer, VRT is already included in the price you finance. Since July 2025, most Category B vans pay 8% of their value (minimum €160) up to 120g/km, or 13.3% (minimum €266) above. Some vans pay a flat €200. VRT is not VAT, so it cannot be reclaimed through your VAT return.

Yes. Many lenders fund used vans, subject to age, mileage, condition and value at the end of the term. A van from a dealer with a service history is usually easier to finance than a private sale. Expect a shorter term on older vans. SEAI grants apply only to new electric vans, so a used electric van will not get one.

Possibly. Van dealers often have finance partners, and banks and asset finance companies lend directly. Tell us what your company needs and we'll tell you honestly whether our panel can help, or where to apply instead.