Couple Makes History Driving From the North Pole to the South Pole in an Electric Car

A Scottish couple has made history after driving over 18,600 miles from the North Pole to the South Pole in an electric vehicle, running mostly on renewable energy.

Chris and Julie Ramsey began their 10-month-long journey in March 2023, beginning on the frozen Arctic Sea at the Magnetic North Pole. From there, the couple traveled through North, Central, and South America, traveling approximately 18,641 miles, including crossing over the Drake Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between South America's southernmost point and Antarctica.

The couple drove on solar or wind energy throughout most of their journey. According to a press release from Nissan, the official vehicle partner of Pole to Pole EV, this is the first time any vehicle is believed to have driven from the North Pole to the South Pole, not just an electric vehicle.

The couple shared on social media that they completed the "tough and testing" last leg of their journey in Antarctica and reached the South Pole on Dec. 15.

Chris and Julie first began planning Pole to Pole in 2017. Their Nissan Ariya had to be fitted by polar mobility specialists to accommodate 39-inch tires meant to endure the harsh terrain.

"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," Chris said. "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."

After starting at the 1823 Magnetic North Pole, the couple drove through Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Antarctica before reaching the South Pole.

"This has been an incredible journey, with the people we've met, the friends we've made, and the support we've received," Julie said in a statement.