Their 10-month, 30,000km adventure that started on the frozen Arctic Sea at the 1823 Magnetic North Pole, has seen them drive a Nissan ARIYA across the varied terrains and conditions of North, Central and South America before carefully traversing the most remote continent on the planet.
This is the first time any car, let alone an EV, has completed such a journey.
Across long distances and challenging off-road terrains, their Nissan ARIYA with e-4ORCE all-wheel control has passed the toughest tests at extreme temperatures and high altitudes.
The vehicle – factory-standard with no modifications to the powertrain or battery – was modified by polar mobility specialists Arctic Trucks, to accommodate 39-inch BF Goodrich tyres.
Chris and Julie began planning Pole to Pole in 2017 after completing the Mongol Rally in their Nissan LEAF, the first time an EV had been used to tackle the 10,000km challenge.
They recognised how much interest this type of epic adventure could generate in electric vehicles, as well as creating a legacy of charging infrastructure. They felt Pole to Pole was the ultimate EV adventure and made it a reality through a commitment to collaboration and innovation with like-minded partners.
Chris commented: “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, and I knew our Nissan ARIYA would tackle everything thrown at it.
“But it’s been far tougher than I anticipated. I’m proud that Pole to Pole has reached millions of people in many parts of the world and enthused them about embracing EVs in their day-to-day lives.”
Julie 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 of up of thousands of kind, forward-thinking people. These supporters and contributors want to make a difference and share the excitement of electric driving.”
Allyson Witherspoon, Corporate Vice President for 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 and a point of pride for us at Nissan. It has shown how Nissan’s innovative technology continues to deliver excitement, whether on a trip to the office or to the Antarctic!”