Aberdeen husband and wife complete world's first pole-to-pole electric car journey

A Scottish husband and wife duo have completed an 18,000-mile journey driving from the Arctic to Antarctica in an electric car.

In March this year, Chris and Julie Ramsey, from Aberdeen, began the challenge on the frozen Arctic Sea at the 1823 Magnetic North Pole and have driven the varied terrains and conditions of North, Central and South America before carefully traversing the most remote continent on the planet, to reach the South Pole just before Christmas.

The couple drove in a Nissan Ariya, which was factory-standard with no modifications to the powertrain or battery – and had large tyres fitted to cope with the harsh terrain.

It is believed to be the first time any car has completed such a journey.

Announcing the completion of the challenge on social media, they wrote: “We made it. After a tough and testing final leg of the expedition in Antarctica, we have finally finished.

“We arrived at the geographic and ceremonial South Poles on December 15, 2023.”

Mr Ramsey said: “I can’t believe we’re at the South Pole. After so many years of planning, it doesn’t feel real. I’ve always had full confidence in the amazing capabilities of electric vehicles.

“But it’s been far tougher than I anticipated. I’m proud that Pole to Pole has reached millions of people in parts of the world and enthused them about embracing EV in their day to day lives.”

Mrs Ramsey added: “This has been an incredible journey, with the people we’ve met, the friends we’ve made and the support we’ve received.

“Pole to Pole started out as just Chris and I, but the expedition team is now made up of thousands of kind, forward-thinking people. These supporters and contributors want to make a difference and share the excitement of electric driving.”

The couple began planning Pole to Pole in 2017 after completing the Mongol Rally, a 10,000km journey, in an electric car from London to Mongolia.

Allyson Witherspoon, corporate vice president, Nissan Global marketing, brand and merchandising, said: “On behalf of everyone at Nissan, congratulations on completing Pole to Pole.

“We all admire your daring spirit and passion for pushing the boundaries of electric adventure. It has been an extraordinary journey to follow.”