Set amongst Arctic-like conditions, the Pole to Pole expedition team and Nissan have unveiled an adventure-ready version of the new Ariya electric SUV, which will undertake a 27,000km trip from the magnetic North Pole to the South Pole.
Modifications to the car have been intentionally minimal, with no changes to the battery or powertrain, but the most recognisable difference is the adaption of the suspension and addition of 39-inch tyres.
When coupled with e-4ORCE, Nissan’s advanced electric all-wheel-control technology, these modifications will enable the expedition car to tackle extreme terrains whilst giving Chris and Julie Ramsey the necessary comfort and control to reach the South Pole.
“One of the things that underpins all the adventures we do is that we take a standard production EV and aim to make minimal changes to clearly demonstrate its real, everyday capabilities, regardless of where you are driving it,” said Chris Ramsey, Pole to Pole EV Expedition Leader.
“Our Nissan Ariya is no different as the vehicle’s drivetrain and battery has remained factory standard, demonstrating just how capable and versatile the production Ariya is.
“We’ve modified the suspension and widened the wheel arches so we can benefit from the stable platform and support of the 39-inch BF Goodrich tyres. I’m incredibly excited to get behind the wheel of what was already a brilliant vehicle, but now feels equipped to take on the ends of the earth in style!”
During the epic adventure, which aims to kick off this March, the Ariya will need to cope with breath-taking but extreme terrains and environments, including ice fields, deep snow, steep mountain climbs and inhospitable desert dunes. Arctic Trucks, specialists in polar expedition vehicles, have collaborated with Nissan design and engineering teams to prepare the Ariya for the tough conditions.
The Ramseys will also be able to capture the beauty of the spectacular environments they pass through using a drone that can launch directly from the utility unit on the roof.
One further innovation is the portable, renewable energy unit that will be used to charge the Ariya in the polar regions. The towable prototype includes a packable, lightweight wind turbine and solar panels that will take advantage of high winds and long daylight hours to provide charge for the EV’s battery when Chris and Julie stop to rest.
“The planning and preparation for Pole to Pole has been such a big part of our lives over the past four years so I am really looking forward to getting the expedition underway in March,” said Julie Ramsey, co-driver on Pole to Pole.
“We’re going to discover so many interesting initiatives from communities and individuals who are taking positive action against climate change and I’m looking forward to sharing these experiences and stories with everyone.
“We are doing something that has never been attempted before, a world-first, and ultimately that is what makes it so exciting.”
