A specially-created version of the Nissan Ariya is embarking on a 17,000 mile Pole-to-Pole mission to raise awareness of climate change.
The fully-electric Ariya arrived in the UK last year, and when you opt for the 87kWh battery model you can expect a range of up to 329 miles between charges.
But the SUV you see here is no ordinary Ariya.
UK-based firm Arctic Trucks, specialists in polar expedition vehicles, got their hands on the Ariya and modified it so that it can tackle ‘extreme terrains and environments’, including ice fields, deep snow, steep mountain climbs and inhospitable desert dunes.
The battery and powertrain remains the same, but the Polar Ariya has been handed huge 39 inch tyres, a raised ride height, and protective exterior cladding.
The beefed-up Ariya will be piloted by husband and wife team Chris and Julie Ramsey, who’ll set off from the magnetic North Pole in March on their way to the South Pole.
The mission has been four years in the planning, and Chris and Julie expect it will take 10 months to complete. You can follow their journey here.
It’s also not Chris’ first rodeo. In 2017 he became the first driver of an electric vehicle - his own Nissan Leaf - to compete in the 10,000 mile Mongol Rally.
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Chris says:
“One of the things that underpins all the adventures we do is that we take a standard production EV and aim to make minimal changes to clearly demonstrate its real, everyday capabilities, regardless of where you are driving it. Our Nissan Ariya is no different as the vehicle’s drivetrain and battery has remained factory standard, demonstrating just how capable and versatile the production Ariya is.
“We’ve modified the suspension and widened the wheel arches so we can benefit from the stable platform and support of the 39-inch BF Goodrich tyres. I’m incredibly excited to get behind the wheel of what was already a brilliant vehicle, but now feels equipped to take on the ends of the earth in style!”
The team will also make use of a portable, renewable energy unit - which features a wind turbine and solar panels - that will be used to charge the Ariya in the polar regions.
Julie Ramsey adds:
“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.”
How many charges, theoretically-speaking, would you need to undertake if you were using a standard Ariya with a range of 329 miles? That would be around 52 to complete the 17,000 mile trip. And, of course, that doesn’t take into consideration the way the extreme cold might affect the car’s batteries.
Meanwhile the regular, road-ready Ariya is a rival to the likes of the Volkswagen ID. 4, Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC40 Recharge and the Kia EV6, and can be leased with Select from around £500 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 02/02/23.
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