Polar Plunge: The Ariya Finishes Pole to Pole Expedition

For the first time, an electric vehicle has traversed from one end of the globe to the other. A husband-wife adventuring team recently completed an all-electric expedition from the North Pole to the South Pole. Chris and Julie Ramsey began their trek on the frozen Arctic Sea in the North Pole. 10 months later, their Nissan Ariya safely delivered them to the South Pole. It marks the first time any vehicle has completed the Pole to Pole journey, let alone an all-electric crossover. The Ramseys set out to showcase the full excitement and capability of electric vehicles, and they succeeded wildly in every aspect. Thanks to their modestly modified Ariya, it will be a long time before the durability and capability of alternative fuel vehicles can be called into question.

The Expedition

Preparations for the Ramseys’ journey began over a half-decade ago, back in 2017. The duo spent the previous decade going on adventures in electric vehicles, becoming the first drivers to complete the arduous 17,000 km Mongol Rally in their electric Nissan Leaf. The couple then began planning for an epic odyssey that would challenge the perceived limitations of a months-long, all-electric trip. The Ramseys prepared for any driving scenario, as the trip would stretch for over 18,000 miles and pass through countless numbers of locales and climates. They set out from the 1823 North Magnetic Pole in March. Their drive took them south through North, Central, and South America. This December, the trip was completed when the couple finally arrived at the South Pole in Antarctica. Still, the journey became more of a collaborative process than the two could have envisioned. With thousands of people both following and actively aiding the expedition, the Pole to Pole community grew as the Ariya made its way further south. “This has been an incredible journey, with the people we’ve met, the friends we’ve made and the support we received,” Julie said upon the trip’s completion. “Pole to Pole started out as just Chris and I, but the expedition team is now made up of thousands of kind, forward-thinking people. These supporters and contributors want to make a difference and share the excitement of electric driving.”

The Ride

The Nissan Ariya that was selected underwent a series of minor modifications to prepare itself for the journey. With the help of polar mobility specialists Arctic Trucks, the suspension was lifted, and the wheel arches were extended to accommodate a set of 39-inch Goodyear tires. These massive tires enabled the SUV to “float” on deep snow and sea ice. In addition, to accommodate such an epic road trip, the Ariya featured an integrated espresso machine, weather station, and a drone to survey and document their surroundings. The Ariya’s e-4ORCE all-wheel control provided further support when the couple had to traverse off-road terrain. Crucially, however, the battery and powertrain remained standard. The Ramseys were committed to showcasing that the factory-standard Ariya was capable of such an adventure. The all-electric vehicle did have to pass a series of tests at extreme temperatures and high altitudes before setting off, but was otherwise left to its own devices. “I’ve always had full confidence in the amazing capabilities of electric vehicles, and I knew our Nissan Ariya would tackle everything thrown at it,” said Chris. “But it’s been far tougher than I anticipated. I’m proud that Pole to Pole has reached millions of people in parts of the world and enthused them about embracing EV in their day to day lives.”

Expand Your World with a Nissan

As we approach the start of another new year, who knows where your Nissan could possibly take you next? Thanks to this Pole to Pole expedition, the possibilities of EV travel feel more endless than ever. At Steven Nissan, you can kick off your own adventure by exploring the 2023 Ariya or our other EVs, such as the 2023 Nissan Leaf. From brakes to batteries to oil changes, our team of professionals here at Steven Nissan is prepared to keep you on the road for whatever mission life hands you next.