Nissan Ariya to tackle world first expedition from North Pole to South Pole

Nissan has joined forces with Scottish adventurer Chris Ramsey for the world’s first fully electric journey from the North Pole to the South Pole.

Departing in March 2023, the daring Pole to Pole expedition will see Ramsey and team in a Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE travel over 27,000 kilometres across several regions and continents with predicted temperatures ranging from -30⁰C to 30⁰C. Ramsey will be the first person to drive from pole to pole in a vehicle of any type as he makes his way from the Arctic through North, Central and South America, before crossing to Antarctica.

The route will negotiate some of the world’s most extreme, brutal, and yet beautiful scenery. From snow-covered glacial landscapes to treacherous mountain climbs and vast desert dunes, Pole to Pole driven by the Nissan Ariya will take followers through breath-taking and uncharted territory.

“We’re proud to announce our partnership with Chris Ramsey and the Pole to Pole expedition team,” said Nissan Executive Vice President Asako Hoshino, global head of marketing and sales. “The all-new, all-electric Ariya crossover SUV enables you to go further, easier and in comfort. And with e-4ORCE control technology providing enhanced stability and traction on a variety of surfaces, we know it will be the perfect partner for Chris and his team on their challenging all-electric journey.”

The challenge supports Nissan Ambition 2030, the company’s long-term vision to empower mobility and beyond with electrification as a central focus. The vision aims to deliver exciting vehicles and technologies that empower customer journeys and society.

In preparation for the freezing Arctic and Antarctic conditions, Ramsey’s expedition Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE will be modified with a custom rugged exterior fit for the trek across extreme terrain with upgraded wheels, tyres and suspension. A second, unmodified Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE will act as a support vehicle throughout the Americas.

e-4ORCE is Nissan’s most advanced all-wheel control technology that accurately manages power output and braking performance for smoothness and stability. The system enhances driver confidence by tracing the intended driving line over a variety of road surfaces, including wet and snowy roads, without the need for changes in driving style or input.

This isn’t the first all-electric expedition for Chris Ramsey. He’s been adventuring in electric vehicles for over a decade. In 2017, he and wife, Julie, became the first team to complete the Mongol Rally in an all-electric vehicle. The pair travelled over 16,000 kilometres through multiple locales over 56 days in his own Nissan LEAF.

Back in 2015, Chris tackled the 1,625-mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back again in a Nissan Leaf 24kWh, completing the journey in two days using only publicly available and free EV charging points.

Chris Ramsey, founder of Pole to Pole, commented: “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.”