The adventure began on the frozen Arctic Ocean at the magnetic North Pole. It then traverses the diverse terrains and conditions of North, Central and South America before carefully traversing to the South Pole. This is the first time an EV has completed such a journey.
The idea was to use the Ariya as a proof of concept for future EV mods, and possibly eventually replace the diesel vehicles currently used for Antarctic research and expeditions.
Before the trip, the stock Nissan Ariya with e-4ORCE all-wheel control underwent several modifications by Arctic Trucks. The biggest change is 39 inch BF Goodrich tires, which required modified wheel arches. Other than that, the powertrain and suspension are mostly stock (just lifted), with no transmission change as would have been necessary on a gas or diesel vehicle. Several tow hitches were added and some frame and underbody reinforcements.
Arctic Trucks called the mod the “AT39,” but over the course of the trip, the couple adopted a new name for their Ariya: “Sonrisa,” the Spanish word for smile.
Now, in December, the couple has finally reached the South Pole after nine months and 30,000 km (18,641 miles) of travails along the way. Nine months may seem like a long time but it was actually the original plan, a schedule necessitated by polar weather and the changing seasons – and by climate change as well.
Pole to Pole electric vehicle expedition reaches the South Pole
Chris commented, “I can’t believe we’re at the South Pole. After so many years of planning, it doesn’t feel real. 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. But it’s been far tougher than I anticipated. I’m proud that Pole to Pole has reached millions of people in parts of the world and enthused them about embracing EV in their day to day lives.”
Julie added, ”This has been an incredible journey, with the people we’ve met, the friends we’ve made and the support we’ve received. Pole to Pole started out as just Chris and I, but the expedition team is now made of up of thousands of kind, forward-thinking people. These supporters and contributors want to make a difference and share the excitement of electric driving.”
Source: Nissan
