Aberdeen explorers set world record for North Pole expedition in electric vehicle

A husband and wife from Aberdeen have broken two records after completing their mission to drive from the Arctic to Antarctica in an electric car.

Adventurers and electric vehicle pioneers Chris and Julie Ramsey have been recognised by Guinness World Records two years after departing from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole.

The 2023 adventure saw the pair travel over 29,000km through 14 countries across three continents, facing extreme climatic conditions ranging from -39C to 49C.

Chris said they wanted to push boundaries after they completed the 16,000km Mongol Rally in a 90 mile range EV.

Guinness World Records has now awarded the couple with two titles. Guinness World Records

“Boundaries need to be pushed for real change to happen and to show the public just how capable EV’s really are,” he explained.

“In testing the limits of our EV and the infrastructure, I knew that pole to pole would be the most impactful and captivating way to demonstrate this to the world. It is such an honour to be recognised by Guinness World Records.”

Julie said the “remarkable” adventure was the most “mentally and emotionally exhausting” experience.

“Despite the incredible scenery and excitement of adventure, it was the positive experience engaging with the people that we met, and their overwhelming kindness that are my standout memories,” she said.

“Regardless of where we met them, it is clear that people are worried about the threat of climate change, and it is affecting their lives.”

The vehicle of choice for the expedition was a Nissan Ariya, modified to tackle the extreme conditions, including 39-inch wheels and a protection plate to protect the battery on the underside of the car.

It also provided accommodation for Chris and Julie for the duration of the adventure.

The couple used a combination of wind and solar technology in collaboration with a generator to charge in the Polar regions where there was no charging infrastructure.

Throughout North, Central and South America they relied on public EV charging infrastructure, including working with a partner to install a network of EV chargers as part of their expedition legacy.

Guinness World Records has now awarded the couple with two titles for completing the “first expedition by an electric car from the Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole”, and for the “longest journey by an electric car in Antarctica”.

Their journey was the first by any vehicle, electric or combustion, to travel from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole.

Guinness World Records congratulated the couple on their journey.

“Our ‘First’ records are unique in recognising a significant achievement in a particular field, which their pole to pole record exemplifies,” a spokesperson said.

“We’re delighted to be able to award both records and look forward to working with them on future record attempts.”

The couple have been writing a book about the adventure which they are planning to release later this year, offering readers a front-seat view of the entire expedition.