Nissan and Arctic Trucks have joined efforts in a project named ‘Pole to Pole EV’. A specially tuned Nissan Ariya will attempt to travel from the North Pole all the way to the South Pole on an expedition starting next month.
Most of the modifications concerned the chassis and suspension. Fender flares were also installed to accommodate new 39-inch large tires.
The Japanese automaker emphasizes that the SUV will keep its original dual-motor powertrain, torque vectoring system and traction battery. It did not delve into the specifics, but we wouldn’t expect the Ariya to attempt the journey with anything but the top-notch equipment.
On its way, the vehicle will have to traverse ice fields, deep snow, steep mountain passes and desert dunes. It sounds like at least some of the route will take it through remote and sparsely populated areas of the Earth. A wind turbine and solar panels will let it replenish a bit of energy in a pinch.
According to Chris and July Ramsey, the driver and the co-driver, the journey aims to demonstrate what mass-produced electric cars are truly capable of, as well as to draw attention to climate change.