Optimise Prime is an Ofgem-funded innovation project focused on the transition of commercial fleets to electric vehicles in the UK. Based in London and the South East of England, it is presented as the world’s largest commercial EV project. Its central aim is practical: to understand how large-scale electrification of vans, private hire vehicles and other commercial fleets affects electricity networks, and to develop ways to reduce those pressures while making the switch cheaper and easier for operators.
The project combines field trials with data analysis. It tracks charging behaviour and vehicle usage to identify when, where and how fleets charge, and to test solutions for smart depot charging and home charging. The methodology is designed to produce technical and commercial findings that can be used by network operators, fleet managers and policymakers. According to project materials, the results are intended to help prepare distribution networks for rising EV demand and to support planning for mass adoption.
Optimise Prime brings together UK Power Networks, Hitachi, Royal Mail, Centrica, Uber and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, with Ofgem as funder. Ian Cameron, Head of Innovation at UK Power Networks, is quoted on the project website, underscoring the link between fleet electrification and urban air quality. Hitachi Vantara is responsible for the IoT platform that collects and processes the data.
The project’s stated outcomes include a large commercial EV dataset and practical guidance for managing charging demand. Public-facing material also cites potential cost savings for customers and the wider electricity system, as well as network capacity benefits.