In a groundbreaking expedition, Scottish adventurers Chris and Julie Ramsey made history by driving from the North Pole to the South Pole in a Nissan Ariya AT39 e-4ORCE electric vehicle.
The Ramseys, passionate EV owners, embarked on their extraordinary journey to showcase the capabilities of electric vehicles. Planning for the expedition started in 2017, following their completion of the Mongol Rally in a modified Nissan Leaf.
Working closely with Nissan and Arctic Trucks, the Ramseys modified the 2021 Ariya to withstand extreme conditions, including adding 44-inch tires and an integrated espresso machine.
Setting off in late March 2023, the Ramseys traveled through North and South America to reach Patagonia, Argentina. Access to Antarctica was arranged through the Union Glacier Camp, where the Ariya was flown in on a separate plane.
The journey presented numerous challenges, especially in the harsh terrains of the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Charging the EV required innovative solutions, including a hybrid generator combining petrol fuel with a wind turbine in the Arctic and a petrol generator with solar panels in the Antarctic.
After nearly nine months of travel, Chris and Julie reached the geographic South Pole on December 15th. Their successful expedition demonstrates the potential of electric vehicles in off-road performance and serves as inspiration for further developments in EV technology.
Julie emphasizes the importance of their achievement in promoting EV adoption and combating the climate crisis. She highlights Nissan’s motto, “Dare to do what others don’t,” and encourages others to make the switch to EVs for the betterment of the planet.
TLhe Pole to Pole expedition marks a significant milestone not only for Chris, Julie, and Nissan but also for the automotive industry as a whole, showcasing the capabilities of electric vehicles in extreme conditions.