ENSO's tyre technology earns finalist spot for The Earthshot Prize
Updated: Sep 21, 2023
London-based EV tyre technology company, ENSO, has been recognised as one of the global finalists for The Earthshot Prize, a prestigious environmental award aimed at identifying and expanding innovative climate and environmental solutions. Launched by Prince William in 2020, The Earthshot Prize aims to safeguard and restore our planet.
Tyres, an essential component of the transportation industry, present a significant environmental challenge that is often overlooked. With 1.5 billion vehicles globally, including electric vehicles (EVs), relying on tyres that generate harmful particulate matter as they wear down, tackling tyre pollution becomes crucial in the battle against climate change. On a global scale, tyres contribute six million tonnes of pollution each year, emitting more airborne particulate matter than all tailpipes combined.
ENSO has dedicated its efforts to developing tyres specifically for EVs, aiming to reduce tyre pollution while simultaneously enhancing durability, performance, and cost-effectiveness for consumers. Following a rigorous selection process, ENSO was chosen as one of the finalists from over 1,100 nominations by a panel of advisors encompassing expertise in science, conservation, innovation, investment, economics, politics, and activism.
The ultimate five winners of The Earthshot Prize will be determined by Prince William and the esteemed Earthshot Prize Council. The Council consists of influential individuals such as Prince William, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Cate Blanchett, Sir David Attenborough, Ernest Gibson, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Indra Nooyi, Jack Ma, Luisa Neubauer, Naoko Yamazaki, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Yao Ming.
The announcement of the finalists for the year 2023 is scheduled to take place via a live stream on The Earthshot Prize's LinkedIn page on Tuesday 19 September at 14:00 EST.
Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, Founder and CEO of ENSO, said:“We urgently need to talk about tires and how they pollute our air. Tire pollution is a pressing problem for all vehicles, including electric vehicles, so while we can’t make a tire last forever, we can make them last a lot longer, and pollute a lot less. ENSO’s technology, values and scalable business model helps to Clean our Air, paving the way for a better future for us all. By doubling tire durability, we can halve tire pollution, it's as simple as that. Thank you to The Earthshot Prize, for highlighting the impact of tire pollution and recognising our efforts to help us all live and breathe a bit easier.”
ENSO combines technological innovation with a disruptive business model, to make its low-emission tires accessible to all. In contrast to conventional tires, ENSO tyres are precisely calibrated to enhance durability and reduce particulate pollution. In trials led by Transport for London, ENSO’s tyres outperformed mainstream competitor products, increasing EV range by 10% and reducing particulate matter emissions by 35%.
As the world’s only certified B Corporation tyre manufacturer, ENSO’s ultra-energy-efficient tyres have already achieved ‘A’ energy efficiency ratings and are now helping EV taxi and delivery fleets in London reduce their environmental impact and increase their vehicle range. Eager to amplify its impact, ENSO aims to manufacture over one million low-emission tyres annually by 2026 and is expanding into North America next year.
