Electric Nissan Ariya drives over 30,000 km from the North Pole to the South Pole

20 December 2023

The first-ever all-electric expedition to the South Pole in Antarctica was accomplished by adventurers Chris and Julie Ramsey, who travelled 30,000 kilometres from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole.

Despite stories in the media about EVs not being able to drive more than a few miles across the UK due to a lack of charging points, an electric Nissan Ariya has been successfully driven from the North Pole to the South Pole.

With huge 39-inch BF Goodrich tyres and raised suspension being the only main modifications (courtesy of Arctic Trucks), the Ariya with e-4ORCE all-wheel drive has somehow managed to travel around 21,000 miles as the first successful pole-to-pole drive in an EV – or in any car for that matter.

Driven by Chris and Julie Ramsey, husband and wife adventurers, the journey started 10 months ago on the frozen Arctic Sea at the 1823 Magnetic North Pole, with the route taking them through varied on and off-road terrain in North, Central and South America and on to Antarctica. Hybrid charging solutions included a generator and inverter with solar panels.

Commenting on the achievement, Chris and Julie said “Trust your crazy idea - we are testament that dreams can come true if you work hard enough and never give up.

We hope to have inspired and educated many of you on the truths of electric mobility and debunked the common myths out there still surrounding EVs. EVs are capable, they are fun and exciting to drive, they are reliable and resilient, and more importantly kinder to our planet. Thank you again to everyone who has supported us. We could not have done this alone. Teamwork from so many of you has made this a success. Never be afraid to push the boundaries

Adventurers, Chris and Julie Ramsey

In an Instagram post at the 88-degree point – 2,810 metres above sea level, but in climate terms more like 3,500 metres – Chris and Julie say that it was minus 29 degrees C (but with wind chill it felt a lot colder), yet the electric Ariya started up effortlessly each time.

Chris and Julie have undertaken crazy adventures before, including completing the Mongol Rally in a Nissan LEAF - the first time an EV had been used to tackle the 6,200-mile challenge.

Find out more about the Pole to Pole adventure on Instagram @PoletoPoleEV.