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Commercial Vehicle Glossary

Commercial vehicle terminology

The following list includes terminology and acronyms that you may come across while browsing for CV information but might not be familiar with.

  • The total weight one axle can transmit to the road.
  • Partition that separates the cargo area from the driver and passenger seats.
  • It is the engine’s definitive measurement of engine power.
  • A basic cab with a chassis ready to be converted into e.g. a tipper or a Luton van.
  • A direct fuel injection system that uses a high-pressure rail to deliver fuel to the valves.
  • A van that has been customised by a third party to meet individual needs.
  • Also known as Crew van, Double Cabin van, or Kombi van. It has additional seats in the rear and side windows.
  • These vans are designed for easy access. Open top and sides that can be dropped down provide` direct access to the loading area.
  • If the EBA notices an emergency, it applies force to the brakes in order to stop the vehicle as quickly as possible.
  • The total permissible weight of the vehicle including its load.​

  • The vehicle’s weight excluding the weight of the load (also known as Unladed Weight).
  • The amount of space in the area where goods are loaded.
  • It is a type of box body van which is extended over the vehicle’s cab to provide a larger storage capacity.
  • It is a van with limited windows, made of solid panels.
  • The maximum amount of weight the van can carry.
  • It records the operational data in order to prevent driver fatigue, improve road safety, and ensure fair competitiveness.
  • A hydraulic platform installed on the rear of the van, which is used to lift people or goods from the floor to the vehicle bed.
  • It is an open-top light commercial vehicle that has a hydraulic mechanism that raises at an angle to empty the content quicker.
  • A unique serial code issued to identify individual vehicles.
  • The distance between the centres of the front and rear axles.

Commercial vehicle acronyms

  • Commercial Vehicle
  • Internal Combustion Engine
  • Light Commercial Vehicle
  • Low Roof/ Medium Roof/ High Roof

Also known as H1, H2, H3

  • Single Chassis Cab/ Double Chassis Cab
  • Side Load Door/ Dual Side Load Door
  • Single Rear Wheels/ Double Rear Wheels
  • Short Wheel Base/ Medium Wheel Base/ Long Wheel Base/ Extra Long Wheel Base (or Extended Chassis Frame)

Also known as L1/L2/L3/L4