Today, Nissan announced its partnership with Chris Ramsey. The Scottish adventurer will undertake the world’s-first driving adventure from the magnetic North Pole to the South Pole in an electric vehicle (EV).
Departing in March 2023, the daring Pole to Poleexpedition will see Ramsey and the team in a Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE drive over 27,000 kilometres. They will travel across several regions and continents with predicted temperatures ranging from -30⁰C to 30⁰C.
Ramsey will be the first person to drive from Pole to Pole in a vehicle of any type as he makes his way from the Arctic through North, Central and South America, before crossing to Antarctica.
The route will negotiate some of the world’s most extreme, brutal, and yet beautiful scenery. From snow-covered glacial landscapes to treacherous mountain climbs and vast desert dunes, Pole to Pole driven by the Nissan Ariya will take followers through breath-taking and uncharted territory.
Asako Hoshino, Nissan Executive Vice President, said: “We’re proud to announce our partnership with Chris Ramsey and the Pole to Pole expedition team. The all-new, all-electric Ariya crossover SUV enables you to go further, easier and in comfort.
“And with e-4ORCE control technology providing enhanced stability and traction on a variety of surfaces, we know it will be the perfect partner for Chris and his team on their challenging all-electric journey.”
This high-profile, challenging and exhilarating adventure supports Nissan Ambition 2030, the company’s long-term vision to empower mobility and beyond with electrification as a central focus.
In preparation for the freezing Arctic and Antarctic conditions, Ramsey’s expedition Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE will be modified for the adventure. It will feature a custom rugged exterior to deal with the extreme terrain with upgraded wheels, tyres and suspension. A second, unmodified Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE will act as a support vehicle throughout the Americas.
e-4ORCE is Nissan’s most advanced all-wheel control technology that accurately manages power output and braking performance for smoothness and stability. The system enhances driver confidence by tracing the intended driving line over a variety of road surfaces, including wet and snowy roads, without the need for changes in driving style or input.
This isn’t the first all-electric expedition for Ramsey. He’s been adventuring in electric vehicles for over a decade. In 2017, Ramsey and his wife, Julie, became the first team to complete the Mongol Rally in an all-electric vehicle. The pair travelled over 9940 miles (16,000km) through multiple locales over 56 days in his own Nissan LEAF.
Back in 2015, Chris tackled the 1,625 mile (2615km) journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back again in a Nissan LEAF 24kWh. He completed the journey in two days using only publicly available and free electric vehicle charging points.
Chris Ramsey, founder of Pole to Pole, said: “Our mission is to show that electric vehicles can tackle the harshest of environments – from the bitter cold of the poles to the hot and humid jungles of South America.
“And illustrate that they are exhilarating to drive whilst meeting the daily demands of drivers around the world. It’s fantastic to see such an important and innovative global brand partner with our expedition.”
