Nissan has announced a custom version of its new Ariya electric SUV, designed for an adventure-packed 10-month trip from the North Pole to the South Pole.
The vehicle was unveiled by Nissan and the Pole to Pole expedition team in Iceland, and the special modifications made to the car for the extreme terrain were revealed. To ensure the Ariya is equipped for the journey, Nissan worked with Arctic Trucks, experts in polar expedition vehicles.
The modifications made to the car were kept “intentionally minimal,” with no changes to the battery or powertrain. However, the raised suspension and wider wheel arches to accommodate 39-inch BF Goodrich tires are noticeable.
See also: Modified Nissan Ariya will trip 17,000 miles from North To South Pole
These modifications, combined with Nissan’s advanced e-4ORCE electric all-wheel-control technology, will allow the Ariya expedition car to tackle even the toughest terrains with ease.
“One of the things that underpins all the adventures we do is that we take a standard production EV and aim to make minimal changes to clearly demonstrate its real, everyday capabilities, regardless of where you are driving it. Our Nissan Ariya is no different as the vehicle’s drivetrain and battery has remained factory standard, demonstrating just how capable and versatile the production Ariya is.” said Chris Ramsey, Pole to Pole EV Expedition Leader
The Nissan Ariya electric vehicle is set to offer a range of unique features, including an onboard espresso machine and a drone that can launch from the roof. However, the most notable aspect of the car is its portable, renewable energy unit, which will be used to power the Ariya during the Pole to Pole expedition.
See also: The 2023 Nissan Ariya electric crossover starts at $44,485
This towable prototype includes a lightweight wind turbine and solar panels, allowing it to harness the wind and sun for charging in polar regions. Another modified Ariya will serve as a support vehicle, likely towing the generator. This groundbreaking expedition is sure to be an exciting and historic moment, as it has never been attempted before.
