- Chris Ramsey and Julie Ramsey of sustainable exploration firm, Plug in Adventure, have been awarded two separate Guinness World Records off the back of their 2023 EV roadtrip, which saw them drive from the magnetic North Pole in the Arctic to the geographic South Pole in Antarctica.
- The trip covered over 29,000 kilometres, passing through 14 countries across three continents, with extreme terrain and changes in temperature experienced.
- The journey was undertaken in a modified Nissan Ariya EV, which also served as accommodation for the trip.
EV capability further proven with certified world record
The two awards given include the ‘First expedition by an electric car from the Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole’, as well as the ‘longest journey by an electric car in Antarctica’.
For much of the route, which spanned across North, Central, and South America, the pair utilised existing public charging infrastructure, and also worked with a charging partner to install new infrastructure whilst on their journey. Not only was the journey a chance to show just how capable modern EVs are, but also to highlight the danger of climate change – and to explore what sustainable moves can be made to counter this growing threat.
The Nissan Ariya itself had a number of modifications made, including larger 39-inch wheels clad with all-terrain tyres, and a strengthened skid plate underneath the car to further protect the battery over rough terrain.
Chris Ramsey commented on the pair’s most recent achievement:
“We learnt a lot from our participation in the 16,000km Mongol Rally when we completed it in our 90 mile range EV, and we wanted to take it to the next level. Boundaries need to be pushed for real change to happen and to show the public just how capable EV’s really are. In testing the limits of our EV and the infrastructure, I knew that pole to pole would be the most impactful and captivating way to demonstrate this to the world. It is such an honour to be recognised by Guinness World Records.”
Julie Ramsey added:
“It was a remarkable adventure and also the most mentally and emotionally exhausting experience I have ever had in my life. Despite the incredible scenery and excitement of adventure, it was the positive experience engaging with the people that we met, and their overwhelming kindness that are my standout memories. Regardless of where we met them, it is clear that people are worried about the threat of climate change, and it is affecting their lives.”
Beyond pushing the capabilities of an electric car to the maximum, Chris and Julie’s adventure also serves as strong proof to consumers that if an electric car can work across an 18,000 mile trip, which covers rough terrain, across a range of temperatures stretching from -39 Degree Celcius to +49 Degree Celcius, it can almost certainly work on your daily 20 mile commute.
