First Ever Pole To Pole Crossing In An Electric Car Is Underway
Earlier this month, explorers Chris and Julie Ramsey set off on a 27,000km expedition across three continents and 14 countries from the Magnetic North to the South Pole in an all-electric Nissan Ariya.
In completing the crossing, they will become the first people ever to do so by vehicle.
The main aim of the 10-month expedition through the Americas is to showcase the capabilities of electric vehicles, as well as highlighting initiatives and communities harnessing renewable energy on their journey, and raising awareness of climate change.
‘Our mission is to show that electric vehicles can tackle the harshest of environments – from the colds of the Poles, to the hot and humid jungles of South America,’ says Chris. ‘This is the ultimate test of range and durability, and by overcoming these obstacles we aim to prove that EV adoption is a possibility for everyone, while also raising awareness of sustainable lifestyles, conservation projects and renewable energy innovation along our route.’
the switch to electric cars powered by renewable energy could dramatically reduce our carbon footprint
The expedition has been four years in the making, but Chris and Julie are no strangers to this kind of challenge. In 2017 they became the first team to complete the trans-continental Mongol Rally in an all-electric vehicle – a modified Nissan Leaf. For the Pole To Pole challenge, the Scottish husband and wife team will be driving a production-spec Ariya with a handful of necessary modifications made in collaboration with polar mobility experts Arctic Trucks. These include raised suspension and 39-inch snow tyres that were tested in Iceland’s Arctic-like terrain.
‘For some people climate change can feel like an issue that is too big for them to have an impact on, but with road vehicles accounting for more than 20% of all harmful emissions worldwide, the switch to electric cars powered by renewable energy could dramatically reduce our carbon footprint,’ Chris says.
The average CO2 emissions of cars sold in the UK has risen year-on-year for the past three years, putting the country’s climate targets and public health at risk. The adoption of electric cars is thought to be crucial to achieving the UK’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 68% by the end of the decade compared to 1990 levels. By driving over 17,000 miles in the environmental extremes the team are likely to encounter, Chris and Julie aim to demonstrate that EVs are more than capable of meeting typical road-user’s everyday needs.
You can support Chris and Julie’s EV expedition via their GoFundMe page. BASE will be following their journey, and keeping you posted on this epic electric-powered adventure as it unfolds.
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