Pole to Pole is the ultimate electric vehicle expedition and a world-first. Husband and wife explorers, Chris & Julie Ramsey, have successfully driven an all-electric Nissan Ariya from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole on the frozen Arctic Ocean, to the South Pole in Antarctica. Their 10-month adventure started in March 2023 and they reached the South Pole in December, having driven a +30,000km route through the Americas. They have put their Nissan Ariya through the toughest tests in extreme temperatures, at high altitudes and across long distances and varied terrains, showcasing how exciting and capable electric vehicles are.
Meet our EV pioneers
Chris and Julie Ramsey are no strangers to electric driving challenges. They’ve been testing the limits of EVs for the past 10 years, becoming the first people to complete the gruelling 17,000km Mongol Rally in an electric vehicle, their own Nissan Leaf. Watch our video to find out what drives them, and why they decided to adventure from Pole to Pole.
Adventure is in our DNA
The Pole to Pole team entrusted Nissan, with our strong record of innovation, to help them take on this EV expedition and chose the advanced Nissan Ariya as a versatile and highly capable expedition vehicle. Retaining the production spec vehicle, particularly the standard battery and powertrain, is essential to the credibility of Pole to Pole but some necessary modifications were made in collaboration with polar mobility experts Arctic Trucks. These include raised suspension and 39-inch snow tyres, that were tested in Iceland’s Arctic-like terrain.
Harnessing nature
Chris and Julie tested innovative portable renewable charging prototypes in the polar regions. They trialled a towable wind turbine in the Arctic and a lightweight solar array in Antarctica, taking advantage of the high winds and 24/7 daylight in these remote and extreme environments.
Control in extreme conditions
The expedition Ariya features Nissan’s advanced electric all-wheel-control technology, e-4ORCE, to enable Chris and Julie to feel confident even when tackling the most challenging landscapes, from ice and snow-covered tracks to desert climbs.
Coffee on the go
As well as the latest tech to keep Chris and Julie comfortable and connected, their custom expedition Ariya has extra features to help along the route, including an integrated espresso machine, weather station and a drone to capture their stunning surroundings.
The EV for everyday adventures
Our all-new, all-electric ARIYA crossover SUV is the ideal partner for any road trip. It’s geared up to carry intrepid drivers in comfort and put them in control with our e-4ORCE technology, that gives the car enhanced stability and traction on every journey.
Experience the adventure
Follow Chris and Julie’s journey through extraordinary landscapes, from snow-covered frozen ocean to vast desert dunes.
Get behind the scenes
Find out about how Chris and Julie’s expedition Ariya was developed and look out for further insights into what they’re doing and who they’re meeting on their travels.
31. 01. 2023