Uber has announced a groundbreaking partnership with ENSO, a finalist of The Earthshot Prize, to roll out energy-efficient and low-emission electric vehicle (EV) tires across the UK and USA. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance the availability of ENSO’s innovative tire technology while supporting Uber’s commitment to electrification and sustainable transport solutions.
The partnership was officially launched in London, which serves as Uber’s global capital for electrification. Currently, nearly 30% of Uber’s miles in the city are fully electric, and the company has invested £145 million in its Clean Air Fund to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles for its drivers.
As part of this three-year initiative, Uber and ENSO will establish a dedicated Buyer’s Club, providing thousands of drivers in both countries access to specially discounted ENSO tires. These high-performance tires are designed to extend the range of EVs and reduce tire pollution, aligning with Uber’s broader sustainability goals.
ENSO, a London-based tire technology company, recently announced plans to develop a $500 million carbon-neutral tire factory in the United States, set to be operational by 2027. The factory will create over 600 jobs and produce more than five million EV tires annually, further enhancing the company’s international footprint.
Uber’s partnership with ENSO marks its first collaboration with an Earthshot Prize finalist, as the company steps into its role as a Founding Partner of the prestigious environmental initiative founded by HRH Prince William. As part of this partnership, Uber will nominate climate solution start-ups for The Earthshot Prize, an annual award worth £1 million, recognizing five innovative climate solutions. Finalists will also benefit from mentorship and partnership opportunities with Uber engineers.
Jill Hazelbaker, Uber’s CMO and SVP of Communications & Public Policy, emphasized the importance of innovation in tackling the climate crisis: “That’s why we’re partnering with The Earthshot Prize to offer Uber’s platform as a launchpad for groundbreaking solutions globally – especially those working to accelerate an all-electric future for our planet.”
Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, Founder and CEO of ENSO, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Our mission is to make EVs more successful by extending their range while reducing the pollution from their tires. This partnership helps Uber drivers save costs and earn more revenue while reducing the environmental impact of tires.”
Hannah Jones, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, praised the collaboration, noting that it exemplifies how the Prize can connect businesses with innovators to address collective challenges in the fight against climate change.
As Uber aims to become a zero-emissions mobility platform globally by 2040, with specific targets for North America and Europe by 2030, this partnership signifies a major step forward in the company’s commitment to sustainability. With low and zero-emission options available in over 200 cities, Uber is leading the way in transforming urban transportation and driving significant emissions savings for rideshare drivers.
The partnership comes ahead of Uber’s second annual climate event, GO-GET Zero, where the company plans to unveil new features aimed at facilitating sustainable choices for drivers, consumers, and merchants alike.
