Nissan has completed an adventurous expedition from the North Pole to the South Pole in a Nissan Ariya. They did it together with adventurers Chris and Julie Ramsey during the past year. The trip concluded as a 30,000 kilometer journey of varied terrain through North, Central and South America.
It is the first time such a journey is made in an electric car. During the trip, Nissan had the opportunity to put the Ariya’s all-electric drive and e-4Force all-wheel drive system to a real challenge with extreme temperatures and high altitudes.
– I can’t believe we are at the South Pole. After so many years of planning, it feels completely surreal. I have always had full confidence in the amazing capabilities of electric cars and I knew that our Nissan Ariya would handle this arduous journey. But it has been much tougher than I expected. I am proud that “Pole to Pole” has reached millions of people in the world and that we have inspired them to embrace electricity in their everyday lives, says Chris Ramsey after arriving at the South Pole.
The only change made to the car from factory standard was the large 39-inch wheels that would ensure the car could make its way over all types of terrain.
The car was a factory standard Ariya with no changes to the powertrain or battery. However, the suspension had been modified by Arctic Trucks to accommodate the large 39-inch wheels that would ensure the car could make its way over all types of terrain. Joining them as backup on the trip, the duo also had a support team through the various stages of the trip. Something that critics like to point out as it consisted of diesel-powered expedition vehicles. To Expediton Portal, they have explained that it has been necessary.
– It would have been reckless and dangerous to go out on your own, explains Julie. There are currently no electric support vehicles and no electric infrastructure for these.
The Nissan Ariya the couple drove is the first all-electric polar expedition car, Chris explains in the interview. The very purpose of the project was to show the potential of electric powertrains and that it was possible to drive the long distance through the tough terrain. No doubt did the couple managed to prove that.
