Prince William to step out in London a day after Harry’s return as reunion between brothers off the cards
Prince William is set to visit ENSO, a 2023 Earthshot Prize Finalist, as the London-based start-up announces a groundbreaking partnership with Uber across the UK and USA.
The prince will meet with ENSO’s Founder and CEO, Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, to learn about the company’s progress since his last visit in October 2023.
ENSO, which specialises in sustainable tyres for electric vehicles, caught the royal’s attention as a finalist in the Clean Our Air category. During his visit, Prince William will explore the technology behind ENSO’s low-emission tyres and discuss their real-world impact on global pollution levels.
The prince will also participate in a discussion about the new strategic partnership between Uber and ENSO, joined by Hannah Jones, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, and Jill Hazelbaker, Uber’s Chief Marketing Officer and SVP of Communications and Public Policy.
It comes as Prince Harry returned to the UK on Monday evening to attend the WellChilds Awards.
The Duke of Sussex made the solo appearance in London as his wife Meghan Markle stayed in the US.
Prince Harry is not expected to meet with senior royals during his time in the UK as the royal feud between the Sussexes and the Firm continues.
Prince William is not on speaking terms with his younger brother and did not interact with Harry when they came face to face at their uncle’s funeral in July.
ENSO’s innovative tyre technology aims to tackle a significant environmental challenge. With 1.5 billion vehicles on global roads, tyre pollution is a major contributor to air quality issues, especially in urban areas.
ENSO’s low-emission tyres are designed to reduce particulate pollution by 35 per cent compared to conventional tyres. This improvement is achieved through precise calibration for enhanced durability.
The company’s growth has been remarkable since becoming an Earthshot Prize Finalist. In June, ENSO announced plans for a $500 million carbon-neutral tyre factory in the US.
Set to be operational by 2027, the facility will employ over 600 people and produce more than five million EV tyres annually.
This expansion demonstrates ENSO’s commitment to scaling up its sustainable solution and making a significant impact on reducing air pollution globally.
Uber’s commitment to becoming a zero-emissions platform is evident in its progress in London, where nearly 30 per cent of its miles are now fully electric.
The company has established a £145 million Clean Air Fund to support drivers in transitioning to electric vehicles.
Globally, Uber aims to achieve zero emissions by 2040, with an accelerated target of 2030 for North America and Europe.
Jill Hazelbaker, Uber’s CMO and SVP of Communications & Public Policy, emphasised the company’s dedication to innovation in tackling climate change: “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.”
The ENSO-Uber partnership aims to revolutionise the ride-sharing industry’s environmental impact. As part of this three-year strategic collaboration, thousands of Uber drivers in the UK and USA will gain access to specially discounted ENSO tyres through a dedicated Buyers Club.
This initiative is designed to support ENSO’s international growth while making it easier for Uber drivers to adopt more sustainable practices.
Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, Founder and CEO of ENSO, said: “Our goal is to provide EV drivers with more affordable, energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and ultimately carbon-neutral tyres. This helps Uber drivers save costs and earn more revenue every mile, all while reducing the impact of tyres on the environment.”
