Adventurous couple Chris and Julie Ramsey have successfully wrapped up their remarkable expedition to the South Pole in Antarctica, marking the culmination of their 10-month, 30,000 km all-electric journey.
Their unparalleled adventure commenced at the 1823 Magnetic North Pole on the frozen Arctic Sea, navigating diverse terrains across North, Central, and South America before embarking on the challenging traverse through the world’s most remote continent to reach the South Pole. This unprecedented feat stands as the first-ever car journey to achieve such a remarkable distance, particularly in an electric vehicle (EV).
The expedition vehicle, a Nissan Ariya equipped with e-4ORCE all-wheel control, faced and conquered daunting trials across extensive distances and demanding off-road landscapes, enduring extreme temperatures and high altitudes. The vehicle, unmodified in its powertrain or battery, underwent adjustments by polar mobility experts Arctic Trucks, accommodating 39-inch BF Goodrich tires for optimal performance.
Chris and Julie Ramsey initiated plans for the “Pole to Pole” venture back in 2017, having previously completed the Mongol Rally in their Nissan LEAF, marking the first use of an EV in tackling the 10,000-km challenge. Recognizing the potential for such epic adventures to spur interest in electric vehicles and promote charging infrastructure, they transformed their vision into reality through collaborative efforts and innovative partnerships.
Reflecting on the accomplishment, Chris expressed astonishment at reaching the South Pole after years of meticulous planning, underscoring his unwavering confidence in electric vehicle capabilities. He highlighted the rigorous challenges surpassed by their Nissan Ariya and the venture’s substantial impact in inspiring millions globally to embrace EVs in their daily lives.
Julie echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the journey’s incredible nature, the connections made, and the overwhelming support received throughout their expedition. From its inception as a personal endeavor, the Pole to Pole project evolved into a collective effort involving thousands of individuals passionate about driving change and promoting the thrill of electric driving.
Allyson Witherspoon, Corporate Vice President of Nissan Global Marketing, Brand, and Merchandising, congratulated Chris and Julie Ramsey on their triumphant completion of Pole to Pole, commending their bold spirit and dedication to pushing the boundaries of electric adventure. Witherspoon praised the expedition for showcasing Nissan’s innovative technology, illustrating its ability to deliver excitement and reliability, whether on a routine commute or an expedition to the Antarctic.
