People complain about the so-called lack of range with electric vehicles, but this story takes range anxiety for some to a new extreme. How about an EV making the trip from the North Pole in the Arctic all the way to the South Pole in Antarctica?
Chris and Julie Ramsey have done just that, making the 30,000-kilometre trip in 10 months with a slightly modified Nissan Ariya. It’s not even the first all-electric adventure for the married couple: they also completed the Mongol Rally in a Nissan Leaf. But this is certainly the longest and most challenging route they’ve ever tackled.
Chris and Julie Ramsey at the South Pole in Antarctica with their Nissan Ariya
“I can’t believe we’re at the South Pole,” said Chris. “After so many years of planning, it doesn’t feel real. 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. 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.”
Chris and Julie Ramsey at the South Pole in Antarctica with their Nissan Ariya
The Ariya was modified by polar mobility specialists Arctic Trucks to accommodate 39-inch BF Goodrich tires, but its drivetrain and battery was left stock.The vehicle was able to tackle the extreme distance, high altitudes and temperature variations along the route that took the Ramsey’s from the Arctic, through North, Central and South America on to the Antarctic ice pack.
