SCOTTISH adventurer Chris Ramsey is set to become the first person to drive from the magnetic North Pole to the South Pole – and he will be undertaking the journey in an all-electric vehicle.
Setting off next March, Chris will travel more than 17,000 miles and through 14 countries from the Arctic, across the American continents, before finally crossing to Antarctica.
The aim is to raise awareness of the climate crisis and the critical role electric vehicles can play in reducing our carbon footprint.
The Aberdeen-based explorer and his team have been preparing for the expedition for four-plus years – and this week Nissan has been announced as the official vehicle partner.
Chris and his crew will drive one of the Japanese marque’s new Ariya e-4ORCE SUVs – modified and equipped by polar vehicle specialist Arctic Trucks, which will also provide logistical support.
Travelling through remote, beautiful and hostile environments, challenges will include crossing sea ice, torrential rain storms, muddy encounters, desert dunes, soaring temperatures at the equator and treacherous mountain climbs in the windswept Andes.
With predicted temperatures ranging from minus 30C to plus 30C, the daring venture should also demonstrate just how powerful, fun and thrilling electric vehicles can be.
The trans-global adventure will also allow the team to investigate solutions for sustainability issues, from polar melting to habitat loss and the environmental threats posed by the climate crisis.
So Chris and Co will also get involved with local projects along the way – including visiting a school that teaches children about renewable energy and venturing into the Ecuadorian Amazon to meet a tribe who protected their ancestral home.
The 45-year-old has been adventuring in electric vehicles for more than 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 some 10,000 miles through 20 countries in 56 days, driving from the UK to Siberia behind the wheel of his Nissan LEAF.
Chris said: “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.
“We want to illustrate that they are exhilarating to drive while meeting the daily demands of drivers around the world, and encourage the switch to zero-emissions transport.
“We are thrilled that Nissan has joined the expedition. As a long-term Nissan LEAF owner and driver, I’m eager to get behind the wheel of my Ariya and put it to the ultimate test on this incredible 17,000-mile journey.
“It is fantastic to see such an important global brand get behind Pole to Pole and its fundamental purpose – a better world for us all through smarter, more sustainable mobility.
“We will also raise awareness of sustainable lifestyles, conservation projects and renewable energy innovation along our route.”
Senior Nissan executive Asako Hoshino said: “We’re proud to announce our partnership with Chris and the Pole to Pole expedition team. The all-electric Ariya crossover enables you to go further, easier and in comfort.
"With e-4ORCE all-wheel-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.”
Laura Robinson, chief operating officer of the influential Electric Vehicle Association Scotland, said: “This is an inspirational trip that Chris is embarking upon and one that will boost the message that EVs have superb capabilities and can achieve amazing feats of endurance. We wish him well!”
● Visit www.poletopoleev.com to find out more about the Pole to Pole expedition.
