Nissan has partnered with British adventurer Chris Ramsey for the world’s-first all-electric driving adventure from the Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole.

The epic mission will showcase the capability of EVs while highlighting positive action against the climate crisis

The epic mission will get underway this March and the team have now unveiled the Ariya electric SUV that will take on the electric expedition.

Showcasing the capability of EVs while highlighting positive action against the climate crisis, the Ariya has been prepped for its adventure by Arctic Trucks, specialists in polar expedition vehicles, in collaboration with Nissan design and engineering teams.

While the Ariya will face some extreme terrains and environments, including ice fields, deep snow, steep mountain climbs and inhospitable desert dunes, the modifications to the car have been intentionally minimal, with no changes to the battery or powertrain.

In fact, the most recognisable difference is the adaption of the suspension and addition of 39-inch tyres. When coupled with e-4orce, Nissan’s electric all-wheel-control technology, these modifications will enable the expedition car to tackle extreme terrains whilst giving husband and wife team Chris and Julie the necessary comfort and control to reach the South Pole.

Chris Ramsey commented: “One of the things that underpins all the adventures we do is that we take a standard production EV and aim to make minimal changes to clearly demonstrate its real, everyday capabilities, regardless of where you are driving it.

“Our Nissan Ariya is no different as the vehicle’s drivetrain and battery has remained factory-standard, demonstrating just how capable and versatile the production Ariya is. We’ve modified the suspension and widened the wheel arches so we can benefit from the stable platform and support of the 39-inch BF Goodrich tyres.

“I’m incredibly excited to get behind the wheel of what was already a brilliant vehicle, but now feels equipped to take on the ends of the earth in style!”

Extra onboard equipment includes a specially integrated espresso machine with a good supply of sustainable coffee – a prerequisite for Chris who’s a self-confessed coffee lover.

The vehicle also features a drone that can launch directly from the utility unit on the roof to capture the beauty of the spectacular environments traversed by the team.

The towable prototype includes a packable, lightweight wind turbine and solar panels that will take advantage of high winds and long daylight hours to provide charge for the EV’s battery when Chris and Julie stop to rest.

Julie Ramsey, co-driver on Pole to Pole, commented: “The planning and preparation for Pole to Pole has been such a big part of our lives over the past four years so I am really looking forward to getting the expedition underway in March. We’re going to discover so many interesting initiatives from communities and individuals who are taking positive action against climate change and I’m looking forward to sharing these experiences and stories with everyone. We are doing something that has never been attempted before, a world-first, and ultimately that is what makes it so exciting.”

For more details on the Pole to Pole expedition, including the latest updates, visit the team’s dedicated page.