Mobility firm Uber has launched a strategic partnership with Earthshot Prize Finalist Enso to roll out its energy-efficient and low-emission EV tyres across the UK and US. The partnership is designed to support the tyre technology company to grow internationally.
Earthshot Prize Finalist, Enso is a London-born tyre technology company that makes high-performance EV tyres that extend EV range and reduce tyre pollution. As part of this three year strategic partnership, Uber and Enso will offer drivers in the UK and US access to specially discounted Enso tyres via a dedicated Buyer’s Club.
London is Uber’s capital of electrification globally where almost 30% of Uber’s miles are now fully electric. The company has built up a £145 million Clean Air Fund to help drivers go electric in the city. Uber is the most widely available on-demand EV network in the world, providing millions of zero-emissions trips every month.
Enso announced earlier this year that it is developing a US$500 million carbon-neutral tyre factory in the US as part of its expansion. Enso’s US factory will be operational by 2027, directly employ over 600 people and produce more than 5 million EV tyre/year.
The strategic partnership with Enso is the first Uber has struck with an Earthshot Prize Finalist and part of a wider partnership with The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William. As a new Founding Partner, Uber will nominate climate solution start-ups for The Earthshot Prize, an annual award worth £1 million given to five innovative climate solutions. Finalists will also receive mentorship and support from Uber engineers, as well as partnership opportunities.
Uber adds it is working to become a zero-emissions mobility platform globally by 2040 and in North America and Europe by 2030. Low and zero-emissions options are now available in more than 200 cities. EV rideshare drivers also deliver up to four times the emissions savings that a regular driver would.