Chris and Julie Ramsey have reported a successful completion of their 10-month long drive in a heavily modded electric Nissan Ariya SUV from the North Magnetic Pole to its southern opposite. Nissan has already commented on the record, saying the Ariya is the world’s first car – not just an EV – to have made the trip.
The lengthy expedition started this spring, but the married couple started preparing for it six years in advance. Their route lay through 14 countries and spanned nearly 34,000 kilometers (21,100 miles).
The Ariya EV had its standard motors and battery installed. Arctic Trucks did modify the chassis, though, upgrading the suspension and putting 39-inch tires on the wheels.
According to the travelers, they mostly used stationary power sources to recharge their ride. Sometimes it necessitated some unorthodox solutions, like laying long extension cables through multiple buildings or plugging into a toilet’s power grid. On occasion, Chris and Julie had to use solar panels and a mobile air turbine that they brought along to replenish the charge.