Uber and ENSO: How Can Tyres Make EV Taxis More Sustainable?

Uber has announced a new sustainability initiative in London, offering EV drivers 50% off ENSO’s high-performance, ultra-efficient tyres. 

Designed specifically for popular EV models such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, the tires are now available to Uber drivers through the Uber Marketplace app. 

The scheme aims to lower costs for drivers while cutting the environmental footprint of ride-hailing journeys.

Driving change with tyres

ENSO, a finalist in the prestigious Earthshot Prize, has developed tyres that extend EV range, reduce particulate pollution from tyre wear and last longer than conventional options.

These innovations bring both environmental and financial benefits to Uber drivers, aligning with London’s growing demand for cleaner transport solutions.

By joining forces with ENSO, Uber is strengthening its commitment to sustainability and innovation. 

This marks Uber’s first partnership with an Earthshot Prize finalist and reflects its broader collaboration with The Earthshot Prize, founded by HRH Prince William. 

“ENSO is playing its part in reducing costs and environmental impact for Uber drivers today,” says Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, CEO at ENSO.

“This has been made possible through our partnership with Uber and The Earthshot Prize; a collaboration that brings together sustainability with scale and commercialisation to deliver real impact. 

“ENSO develops A-A rated tyres specifically for EVs like Tesla’s to give drivers more range on a single charge, pay less upfront for their tyres and replace them less often, all of which helps Uber drivers earn more per mile.” 

As a founding partner, Uber supports climate tech start-ups by nominating impactful solutions, providing mentorship from its engineering teams and creating opportunities for commercial partnerships.

Uber’s electrified London

London has become the global capital of Uber’s electrification efforts, with nearly 40% of Uber miles in the city now completed in fully EVs. 

The company has already invested £145m (US$196m) through its Clean Air Fund to help drivers make the switch to EVs. 

“We’re proud to partner with ENSO as part of our ongoing mission to make it as easy and affordable as possible for drivers to go electric in the UK,” says Brit Grant, Head of Electrification at Uber UK.

“Uber drivers are already switching to EVs five times faster than the general public and initiatives like this help us keep up that momentum. 

“By reducing running costs and cutting emissions, this partnership supports our commitment to a cleaner, greener future for cities like London.”

The addition of discounted ENSO tyres further reduces operational costs while helping to improve air quality and cut emissions in the capital.

This collaboration highlights the role of partnerships in accelerating the shift to sustainable urban mobility. 

By providing drivers with access to more durable, efficient and environmentally friendly tyres, Uber and ENSO are tackling two pressing challenges: reducing emissions from ride-hailing fleets and cutting microplastic pollution from tyre wear.

The initiative is another step in Uber’s ambition to make every journey in London emission-free by 2030, reinforcing the city’s leadership in sustainable mobility innovation.

London’s taxi emissions

The number of zero emission capable (ZEC) taxis in London has risen by 10% in just six months. 

Built in the UK, these vehicles support local jobs and the country’s historic automotive industry. 

Their growth is underpinned by London’s extensive EV charging network, the most comprehensive in any UK city. 

“The Mayor and TfL are taking bold action to tackle London's toxic air and to help ensure London hits its target of achieving net zero carbon by 2030 and London's taxi trade are supporting this goal by switching to cleaner, greener taxis for the benefit of London,” says Seb Dance, The Deputy Mayor for Transport.

More than half of the capital’s iconic black cabs are now ZEC, with over 7,970 on the road. 

Taxi drivers are playing a vital role in tackling London’s polluted air, which contributes to thousands of premature deaths, higher asthma rates, stunted childhood lung development and even dementia. 

Cleaning up the taxi and bus fleets remains central to the Mayor’s strategy for reducing emissions and addressing this public health crisis.