Nissan, in collaboration with EV adventurers Chris and Julie Ramsey, has embarked on an ambitious journey to become the first group to drive from the North to the South Pole in a single journey. The adventure started at the 1823 North Magnetic Pole, where the Ramseys began their journey in an all-electric Ariya after undergoing a comprehensive safety assessment.
The journey will take the team through North, Central, and South America, covering over 16,777 miles (27,000 km) before reaching the South Pole in December. This challenge, named Pole to Pole, is the biggest and most exciting adventure for the Ramseys, who have completed several EV expeditions in the past 10 years.
To handle the harshness of the poles, the Nissan Ariya underwent modifications, including 39-inch tires designed to float over deep snow, expanded wheel wells, and lifted suspension. However, mechanically, the Ariya remains unchanged, with its standard batteries and motors and all-wheel-drive system.
The team will tow a specially designed trailer equipped with an extending windmill and a set of solar panels to help it navigate through less inhabited parts of the journey. With the lengthening daylight hours after the spring solstice, the EV can charge while the Ramseys take breaks, making the trailer’s innovations and more vital in powering the future of polar exploration.
“We’ve had to think differently, be innovative and collaborate with like-minded partners to make this expedition a reality. Our expedition Ariya is fun to drive and performed well over the 5,000 km journey to get to this starting point. It gives us the confidence we can tackle every driving scenario we’ll face in the coming months,” said Chris.
Pole to Pole is a testament to the capabilities of electric vehicles, and the team hopes that their innovations and experiences will inspire others to take on similar challenges. The progress of the journey can be followed on their dedicated Instagram channel, @poletopoleev.
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