Updated 01:58 AM,Feb 8,2023
Nissan and the Polar Exploration Team have unveiled a special adventure-exclusive version of the new Ariya electric crossover, set to embark on a 27,000-kilometer journey from the North Pole to the South Pole.
Despite traversing breathtaking natural landscapes starting in March, the journey will present significant challenges and extreme driving conditions, including glacial fields, deep snow, steep mountain terrain, and high sand dunes. Arctic Trucks, a specialist in polar exploration vehicles, collaborated with Nissan’s design and engineering teams to prepare the Ariya for these demanding environments.
The vehicle has undergone only minor modifications—no changes to the battery or powertrain—but the most notable upgrade involves a revised suspension system and the installation of 39-inch tires. These enhancements, combined with e-4ORCE, Nissan’s advanced electric vehicle dynamics control technology, will allow the car to navigate rough terrain with ease while ensuring Chris and Julie, the expedition team, maintain comfort and precise control throughout their journey to the South Pole.
Chris Ramsey, lead explorer of the electric vehicle journey between the poles, said: “We’ve always used standard electric vehicles and made minimal adjustments to showcase their true capabilities, regardless of location. The same applies to the Nissan Ariya—we kept the original drivetrain and battery, highlighting its exceptional versatility and resilience. We upgraded the suspension and installed wider wheel arches to accommodate BF Goodrich 39-inch tires, taking full advantage of the stable platform. I’m thrilled to be behind the wheel of this remarkable vehicle, now fully prepared for Earth’s harshest terrains.”
For Chris, an avid coffee lover, a built-in espresso machine with a generous supply of sustainable coffee will be available to help maintain focus during isolated stretches. He’ll also use a drone launched directly from the car’s trunk roof to capture the stunning natural beauty of remote regions. Additional innovations include a portable renewable energy unit used to recharge the Ariya in polar zones. This prototype features solar panels and a lightweight wind turbine that harness wind speed and long daylight hours to charge the vehicle’s battery during rest breaks.
Juli Ramsey, co-driver on the expedition, shared: “Planning and preparing for this pole-to-pole journey has been a major part of our lives over the past four years, and we’re excited to finally set off in March. We’ll explore inspiring initiatives by communities and individuals taking positive action against climate change, and I look forward to sharing these stories and experiences with everyone. This is a journey no one has ever attempted before—and that’s what makes it so thrilling.”
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