Pole to Pole EV expedition wins two Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records has officially recognised the record-setting exploits of British EV adventurers Chris and Julie Ramsey for their Pole to Pole trek.
The pair’s efforts, which took saw them drive a Nissan Ariya from the North Pole to the South Pole, secured them official records for the ‘first expedition by an electric car from the Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole’, and for the ‘longest journey by an electric car in Antarctica’.
The official recognition came two years to the day after the couple behind Plug-in Adventure. began their epic quest. The expedition ran from April-December 2023 and covered more than 18,000 miles across 14 countries and three continents. Moreover, the journey marked the first time any vehicle – EV or internal combustion engine – had made the journey from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole.
The vehicle used was a modified Nissan Ariya featuring 39-inch wheels and a protective underside. The vehicle was also used as accomodation by the Ramseys during the adventure’s duration, and used a combination of wind and solar technology paired with a generator to charge in the Polar regions without charging infrastructure.
In the Americas, the couple relied on public EV charging infrastructure along with other solutions offered by local businesses and people they met on the way.
The premise behind the adventure was to highlight the true capabilities of EVs in various conditions, and what actions can be taken to tackle climate change.
Regarding their Guinness World Record wins, Chris said: “It is such an honour to be recognised by Guinness World Records. We learnt a lot from our participation in the 16,000km Mongol Rally when we completed it in our 90-mile range EV, and we wanted to take it to the next level.
“Boundaries need to be pushed for real change to happen and to show the public just how capable EV’s really are. In testing the limits of our EV and the infrastructure, I knew that Pole to Pole would be the most impactful and captivating way to demonstrate this to the world.”
Julie added: “It was a remarkable adventure and also the most mentally and emotionally exhausting experience I have ever had in my life. Despite the incredible scenery and excitement of adventure, it was the positive experience engaging with the people that we met, and their overwhelming kindness that are my standout memories. Regardless of where we met them, it is clear that people are worried about the threat of climate change, and it is affecting their lives.”
Later in 2025, the couple will release a book revealing what happened during Pole to Pole. Dates and the book’s title will be announced in due course.
