In a historic journey that tested the limits of human endurance and electric vehicle technology, husband-and-wife adventurers Chris and Julie Ramsey have become the first people in history to drive a car from the Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole. Their nine-month, 21,000-mile (33,796 km) expedition in a modified Nissan Ariya has officially earned them a Guinness World Records title.
On December 15, 2023, the couple completed their epic trek, parking their all-electric SUV at the ceremonial South Pole. The journey, which began in March of that year, was a true test of their resolve, spanning 14 countries and three continents and subjecting them to extreme temperatures ranging from -39°C (-38°F) in the Arctic to scorching heat in the South American deserts.
To conquer the world’s most extreme terrains, their Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE was adapted by polar mobility specialists Arctic Trucks. While the car’s battery and powertrain remained standard, it was fitted with massive 39-inch BFGoodrich tires and a reinforced underbody.
One of the biggest challenges was charging the vehicle in the remote polar regions, where traditional charging infrastructure is non-existent. The Ramseys used a unique prototype system that included a towable wind turbine and solar panels, harnessing renewable energy to keep their car running. In between the poles, they relied on a mix of public charging stations and the kindness of strangers.
The expedition’s mission was to debunk common myths about electric vehicles and prove their capabilities in the harshest conditions. “I’ve always had full confidence in the amazing capabilities of electric vehicles, and I knew our Nissan Ariya would tackle everything thrown at it,” said Chris Ramsey. “But it’s been far tougher than I anticipated.”
By completing this unprecedented feat, Chris and Julie Ramsey not only secured a place in the record books but also showcased a new frontier for sustainable travel, proving that electric mobility can go to the very ends of the earth.
