Nissan has unveiled a special version of its Ariya electric SUV, created for an amazing driving adventure between the North and South Poles.
British explorers Chris and Julie Ramsey will help demonstrate the potential of Nissan’s new, battery-powered family car.
The 10-month trip, beginning in March 2023, will see the duo cover almost 17,000 miles. On the way, the Ariya will encounter ice fields, snow storms and desert dunes.
Ready to off-road
Arctic Trucks, famed for its expedition vehicles, has modified the Ariya for its Pole-to-Pole journey. This includes a suspension lift that allows a set of huge 39-inch BF Goodrich tyres to be fitted.
Giant flared wheelarches are needed to accommodate the larger tyres, with plenty of underbody protection also added.
The Ariya is the first battery-powered vehicle adapted by Arctic Trucks. However, the electric drivetrain and battery have been left unchanged, with e-4orce all-wheel drive a standard feature.
For charging in polar areas, an innovative renewable energy unit will be towed behind the Ariya. This combines a wind turbine with solar panels, allowing the Nissan’s battery pack to be recharged completely off the grid.
Journey South
A drone can be launched from the bespoke roof rack, while an integrated espresso machine is a luxurious addition to the Nissan’s cabin.
Chris and Julie’s chosen route will see them start at the magnetic North Pole, before heading south through Canada and the Americas. Arriving at Punte Areas in Chile, the couple will then travel on to Antarctica, before finally reaching the South Pole.
The duo are no stranger to electric adventures, having previously completed the 10,500-mile Mongol Rally in their Nissan Leaf.
Julie Ramsey, co-driver in the Ariya, said: “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.
“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.”
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