The Pole to Pole EV Expedition and kids news platform News-O-Matic have launched a holiday art challenge, inviting children around the world to submit their idea for a flag design that will accompany the expedition team to the Magnetic North Pole, and from the top to the bottom of the planet.
No vehicle has ever successfully driven from pole to pole and British husband and wife team Chris and Julie Ramsey will make history next year in their all-electric Nissan Ariya, travelling over 17,000 miles and passing through 14 countries, raising awareness of the climate crisis and the critical role electric vehicles can play in reducing our carbon footprint.
The flag design competition is open to children under 14 years of age, and the winning design will travel with Chris and Julie to the departure point at the Magnetic North Pole and throughout the expedition.
The winners will also receive their own flag for their school and have the opportunity to hang out with the expedition team via video chat while they are on their unprecedented journey.
As part of the partnership with News-O-Matic, schoolchildren around the world will be taken on the virtual trip of a lifetime with the most exciting key moments and updates from the expedition transmitted to the platform via regular bite-size daily stories.
“We are so excited to launch this competition. We believe that it is our responsibility to inspire and educate the next generation, but we are also excited to be inspired by your artwork from all around the world,” said Julie Ramsey.
“We can’t wait to see what you come up with and to bring the winning design with us throughout the expedition from the top to the bottom of the world.”
Designs can be submitted via the News-O-Matic website before the competition closes at 11:59 P.M. (PST) on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Suggested themes to inspire designs include renewable energy, hope, regeneration, reforestation/rewilding, healthy planet, electricity, adventure and geography.
Full details and T&Cs are available on the News-O-Matic website.
The Pole to Pole Expedition
The marathon expedition aims to raise awareness of climate change and to highlight the role that electric cars can play in reducing our carbon footprint. If the Ramseys succeed, it will be the first time that any vehicle – electric or otherwise – has driven from the South Pole to the magnetic North Pole.
Whatever the outcome, it’s certainly a fantastic way to highlight exactly what electric vehicles are capable of, and in some of the most extreme climates on Earth.
“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,” said Chris Ramsey.
“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.”
See more about the expedition in the video below.
Recent research from ABB would suggest the Ramseys are right to invite children to submit their idea for a flag design.
Indeed, the research – conducted by ABB E-Mobility – found that UK children are in the driving seat of the country’s ‘EV future’. Not only do they educate their parents on environmental issues and admonish them for un-eco-friendly behaviour, but they also contribute to discussions around purchases such as electric vehicles.
Watch this space for more updates on the Pole to Pole Expedition.
