A Nissan Ariya with Scottish adventurer Chris Ramsey behind the wheel will embark on a 27,000 km (16,777 miles) trip with the goal of becoming the first vehicle – let alone an EV – to be driven from the North to the South Pole.
The “Pole to Pole” adventure will start in March 2023. The team will start from the North Pole, and continue in North, Central, and South America, before crossing to Antarctica and eventually reaching the South Pole. Throughout this long journey that will include snow-covered glacial landscapes, mountain climbs, and vast desert dunes, temperatures will range between -30⁰C and 30⁰C.
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The Nissan Ariya that will be used in the expedition has been previewed in a set of sketches showing its visual modifications. Changes over the road-going version will include larger wheels with all-terrain tires, a new suspension setup, a rugged body kit with skid plates, plastic cladding on the wheel arches, and a roof-mounted structure with extra LEDs.
Nissan didn’t mention any upgrades on the electric powertrain so we guess that the vehicle will be fitted with the larger 90 kWh battery and the dual-motor setup producing a combined 389 hp (290 kW / 394 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm). Nissan’s e-4ORCE electric all-wheel-drive system will come in handy in difficult terrains, although driving an EV over such a long distance will definitely require many stops for charging.
Besides the specially-prepared SUV, there will be a second and completely stock Ariya e-4ORCE joining the team as a support vehicle throughout North, Central, and South America.
Chris Ramsey has been adventuring in EVs for over a decade. In 2015 he completed a 1,625-mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back in a Nissan Leaf, while in 2017 he and his wife drove 16,000 km (9,942 miles) in their own Nissan Leaf, becoming the first team to complete the Mongol Rally in an EV.
Speaking about the “Pole to Pole” adventure, Chris Ramsey said: “Our mission is to show that electric vehicles can tackle the harshest of environments – from the bitter cold of the poles to the hot and humid jungles of South America – and illustrate that they are exhilarating to drive whilst meeting the daily demands of drivers around the world. It’s fantastic to see such an important and innovative global brand partner with our expedition.”
