Nissan Ariya completes the Pole to Pole odyssey

18 December 2023

We are having quite a start for a week - first Nio's ET7 achieved a remarkable range thanks to the first semi-solid battery. And now, Chris and Julie Ramsey, the dynamic duo of electric adventures, have successfully navigated their all-electric Nissan Ariya on an epic 18,600 miles journey from the Arctic to the South Pole. It’s an audacious feat and it marks the first-ever pole-to-pole drive in any vehicle - let alone an EV.

Setting out on their 10-month odyssey from the Arctic Sea at the 1823 Magnetic North Pole, the Ramseys conquered the diverse terrains of North, Central, and South America before embarking on the ultimate challenge - crossing the most remote continent, Antarctica, and reaching the South Pole.

Behind the wheel of the Nissan Ariya, equipped with e-4ORCE all-wheel control, the couple faced daunting off-road terrains, extreme temperatures, and high altitudes. Notably, the vehicle underwent no modifications to its powertrain or battery, maintaining factory standards throughout. The only tweaks were made by polar mobility specialists Arctic Trucks, who fitted the EV with 39-inch BF Goodrich tires, ensuring it could handle the rigorous expedition.

The Ramseys, who conceived the Pole to Pole expedition in 2017 following their success in the Mongol Rally with a Nissan LEAF, aimed not only to showcase the prowess of EVs but also to leave a lasting impact on charging infrastructure worldwide. Their commitment to collaboration and innovation with like-minded partners transformed this ambitious plan into a reality.

Chris Ramsey expressed his astonishment at reaching the South Pole, stating, "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." 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."

Allyson Witherspoon, Corporate Vice President at Nissan Global Marketing, Brand, and Merchandising, praised the Ramseys, saying, "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!"

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