- EV clocks over 30,000 km on an all-electric pole-to-pole expedition.
- The Nissan Ariya, unmodified in powertrain or battery, equipped with e-4ORCE all-wheel control, conquers extreme terrains with enhancements by Arctic Trucks, marking a groundbreaking achievement for electric vehicles.
- Historic completion of the first ever pole-to-pole by car showcases EVs as symbols of innovation, pushing boundaries of e mobility into exciting and unexplored territories.
Pole-to-pole: an electric expedition across 30,000 km in 10 months
Chris and Julie Ramsey, partners in adventure and marriage, have successfully concluded an all-electric expedition from the North Pole to the South Pole in Antarctica.
Embarking on a remarkable 10-month journey covering a staggering 30,000 km, their adventure kicked off at the 1823 Magnetic North Pole on the frozen Arctic Sea. Navigating through diverse terrains and challenging conditions in North, Central, and South America, the intrepid duo crossed the most remote continent on Earth, ultimately reaching the South Pole. Notably, this historic feat marks the first time any vehicle, let alone an electric one, has triumphed in completing such an extraordinary transcontinental voyage.
Chris commented:
“I can’t believe we’re at the South Pole. After so many years of planning, it doesn’t feel real. I’ve always had full confidence in the amazing capabilities of electric vehicles, and I knew our Nissan Ariya would tackle everything thrown at it. But it’s been far tougher than I anticipated. I’m proud that Pole to Pole has reached millions of people in parts of the world and enthused them about embracing EV in their day to day lives.”
Navigating vast distances and overcoming off-road challenges, the all-electric expedition vehicle, a Nissan Ariya equipped with e-4ORCE all-wheel control, successfully withstood rigorous tests in extreme temperatures and high-altitude environments. Remarkably, this factory-standard vehicle, with no modifications to its powertrain or battery, underwent enhancements by polar mobility specialists Arctic Trucks. These modifications included the installation of 39-inch BF Goodrich tires, enabling the vehicle to conquer diverse terrains and push the boundaries of electric vehicle capabilities.
Julie added:
“This has been an incredible journey, with the people we’ve met, the friends we’ve made and the support we’ve received. Pole to Pole started out as just Chris and I, but the expedition team is now made of up of thousands of kind, forward-thinking people. These supporters and contributors want to make a difference and share the excitement of electric driving.”
In 2017, inspired by their success in the Mongol Rally with a Nissan LEAF, Chris and Julie started planning the Pole to Pole – the first-ever transcontinental electric vehicle adventure. Recognising its potential to spark interest in EVs and enhance charging infrastructure, they turned their vision into reality through collaboration and innovation, solidifying Pole to Pole as the ultimate electric vehicle journey.
Allyson Witherspoon, Corporate vice president, Nissan Global Marketing, Brand and Merchandising, said:
“On behalf of everyone at Nissan, congratulations on completing Pole to Pole. We all admire your daring spirit and passion for pushing the boundaries of electric adventure. It has been an extraordinary journey to follow and a point of pride for us at Nissan. It has shown how Nissan’s innovative technology continues to deliver excitement, whether on a trip to the office or to the Antarctic!”
As Chris and Julie Ramsey wrap up their Pole to Pole journey, they’ve not just made history, but also shown how EVs are perfectly capable of breaking new ground. Their impressive 30,000 km journey proves that EVs are more than just cars – they’re symbols of innovation, constantly pushing limits and opening up new possibilities with each adventure. The Ramseys’ journey leaves a lasting legacy, pushing the story of e mobility into exciting and unexplored territories.
