A married couple is undertaking a groundbreaking journey in an electric Nissan Ariya from the magnetic North Pole to the South Pole. This trip is unprecedented, making the vehicle the first of its kind to achieve such a remarkable feat.
(Photo : RICHARD A. BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)
This photo taken on March 30, 2023 shows a display of one of Nissan's electric vehicles (EV), the Ariya, at the global headquarters of Japanese automaker Nissan Motor in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture.
Going to South Pole via Modified EV
Chris Ramsey of Plug in Adventures, along with his wife Julie, is currently embarking on an electric Nissan Ariya journey from the magnetic North Pole to the South Pole. Electrek reported that this marks the first time any vehicle, be it gas or electric, has accomplished such a remarkable trip.
Despite being labeled "crazy" for undertaking this expedition, Ramsey firmly believes he is the perfect person to do this. While he initially contemplated an around-the-world trip, he found that others had already accomplished it.
As a passionate "Plug-in Adventurer," he enjoys challenging the limits of what EVs can achieve and boasts experience in driving them through challenging terrains as well as advocating for their adoption among the public.
He mentioned that beyond the polar regions, locating a charging station has not been an issue, even in the most remote locations. This has proven true for both this expedition and their previous one, where they drove an original 30 kWh Nissan Leaf from London to Mongolia in the Mongol Rally back in 2017.
Despite being a low-range vehicle, the Nissan Leaf successfully completed the long journey. After all, electricity is widely available, and electrical outlets are far more abundant compared to gas stations.
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As for his wife, Julie Ramsey stated via Nissan News, "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."
Modifying Nissan Ariya
Icelandic company renowned for preparing vehicles for extreme conditions Arctic Trucks modified the Ariya, now known as model AT39. According to the company's website, this Ariya represents the company's inaugural venture into modifying electric vehicles and serves as a proof-of-concept for potential future modifications of polar electric vehicles.
There is a possibility that such modifications could eventually replace the diesel vehicles presently utilized for Antarctic research and expeditions. But despite its impressive modifications, the AT39 Ariya remains relatively close to its stock version.
The vehicle retains Nissan's suspension and powertrain. However, additional tow hitches, gear solutions, and frame and underbody reinforcements have been incorporated. Unlike gas vehicles, an EV does not require a gearbox change for demanding off-roading thanks to the electric motor's broad torque curve.
The most notable alteration is the installation of massive 39-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires, which necessitated widening the wheel arches and fitting large flared fenders. Only a minor portion of the door needed to be trimmed to accommodate these changes.
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