London-based Electric Vehicle (EV) tyre technology company, ENSO, has emerged as one of the 15 global finalists for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, an environmental award founded by Prince William in 2020. The accolade aims to identify and support the most innovative climate and environmental solutions worldwide, striving to safeguard and rejuvenate our planet.
ENSO's inclusion as a finalist is a testament to the growing recognition of the critical role tyres play in environmental pollution. With approximately 1.5 billion vehicles worldwide, including a rising number of EVs, all relying on tyres that gradually wear down and emit harmful particulate matter, addressing tyre pollution has become a pivotal aspect of the global battle against climate change. Surprisingly, tyres are responsible for emitting a staggering six million tonnes of pollution each year, surpassing the airborne particulate matter emissions of all tailpipes combined.
The core mission of ENSO is to develop tyres tailored for EVs that not only enhance tyre longevity and performance but also significantly reduce harmful tyre pollution. After a rigorous selection process involving a panel of experts in science, conservation, innovation, investment, economics, politics, and activism, ENSO was selected from a pool of over 1,100 nominations.
Founder and CEO of ENSO, Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, emphasised the urgency of addressing tyre pollution, stating, "We urgently need to talk about tyres and how they pollute our air. Tyre pollution is a pressing problem for all vehicles, including electric vehicles, so while we can't make a tyre last forever, we can make them last a lot longer, and pollute a lot less. ENSO's technology, values, and scalable business model help Clean our Air, paving the way for a better future for us all. By doubling tyre durability, we can halve tyre pollution, it's as simple as that. Thank you to The Earthshot Prize for highlighting the impact of tyre pollution and recognizing our efforts to help us all live and breathe a bit easier."
ENSO distinguishes itself through a combination of technological innovation and a disruptive business model aimed at making low-emission tyres accessible to all consumers. Unlike conventional tyres, ENSO's tyres are meticulously calibrated to enhance durability and reduce particulate pollution. In trials conducted in collaboration with Transport for London, ENSO's tyres outperformed mainstream competitors, increasing EV range by 10% and reducing particulate matter emissions by an impressive 35%.
As the global automotive industry increasingly transitions to EVs, the persistent problem of tyre pollution poses a significant threat to the proven environmental benefits of this shift. ENSO offers a promising alternative to traditional tyre technology by engineering tyres tailored to the specific needs of EVs. Their innovative "tyres-as-a-service" business model prioritises longevity over volume of sales, thereby reducing particulate emissions and minimizing the extraction and processing of raw materials.
ENSO, the world's sole certified B Corporation tyre manufacturer, has already achieved 'A' energy efficiency ratings for its ultra-energy-efficient tyres. These tyres are actively helping EV taxi and delivery fleets in London reduce their environmental footprint while extending vehicle range. ENSO's ambitions include manufacturing over one million low-emission tyres annually by 2026 and expanding into North America in the coming year.
The winners of The Earthshot Prize for 2023 will be handpicked by Prince William and the esteemed Earthshot Prize Council. This council comprises influential figures such as Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Cate Blanchett, Sir David Attenborough, Jack Ma, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, among others.
ENSO's recognition as an Earthshot Prize finalist underscores the company's commitment to addressing tyre pollution and offering innovative solutions to mitigate its impact. As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable alternatives, ENSO's tyre technology represents a significant step toward a cleaner and greener future for all.
