In Reykjavic, Iceland, in a setting reminiscent of the Arctic, the Pole to Pole mission team and Nissan unveiled the "ready-to-go" version of the new Ariya electric SUV, which will make a 27,000-kilometre journey from the magnetic North Pole to the South Pole.
During this epic adventure, which is scheduled to start in March, Ariya will have to tackle exciting but extreme terrain and environments, including vast expanses of ice, deep snow, steep mountain climbs and inhospitable desert dunes. Arctic Trucks, a dedicated engineering team for polar expedition vehicles, worked with Nissan's design and engineering teams to prepare Ariya for these challenging conditions.
Modifications to the car were deliberately minimal, with no changes to the battery or drivetrain, with the most recognisable differences being in the suspension and the addition of 39-inch tyres. Combined with Nissan's e-4ORCE, Nissan's advanced electric all-wheel control technology, these modifications will allow the expedition car to tackle extreme terrain while providing Chris and Julie with the comfort and control needed to safely reach the South Pole.
Chris Ramsey, Head of Mission for the Pole to Pole EV Mission, commented: "One of the things that underpins all the adventures we do is that we take a typical production EV and aim to make minimal changes to clearly show its true, everyday potential, no matter where you drive it. The Nissan Ariya we'll be driving is no different, as the powertrain and battery are standard factory equipment, proving just how capable and versatile the production Ariya is. We modified the suspension and widened the wheel arches to take advantage of the stable platform and the support of 39-inch tires. I'm incredibly excited to be behind the wheel of what is a great vehicle anyway, but now I feel equipped to go to the ends of the earth in style!"
As an admitted coffee enthusiast, Chris will have access to a specially built espresso machine to make a cup of sustainable coffee. In addition, Chris will be able to 'capture' the beauty of the landscapes he will be exploring, using a drone that can be lifted directly from the special unit located on the roof. Another innovation is the portable renewable energy unit that will be used to charge Ariya in the polar regions. The towed prototype includes a portable, lightweight wind turbine and solar panels that will take advantage of strong winds and long daylight hours, respectively, to provide charging for the EV's battery when Chris and Julie are resting.
Julie Ramsey, co-driver on the Pole to Pole Mission, commented: "Planning and preparing for Pole to Pole has taken up a large part of our lives over the last four years, so I'm really looking forward to starting the expedition in March. We will discover so many interesting initiatives from communities and individuals taking positive action against climate change and I can't wait to share these experiences and stories with everyone. We are doing something that no one has ever attempted before and ultimately, that's what makes it so exciting."
