Guinness World Records has officially recognised Chris and Julie Ramsey’s record-setting Pole to Pole expedition in a Nissan Ariya electric vehicle.
The British EV adventurers secured two official records: “first expedition by an electric car from the Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole” and “longest journey by an electric car in Antarctica.”
This recognition came exactly two years after the couple behind Plug-in Adventure began their journey. Their expedition spanned April through December 2023, covering more than 18,000 miles across 14 countries and three continents.
No vehicle – electric or combustion engine – had ever completed the route from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole before their attempt.
The Ramseys used a modified Nissan Ariya equipped with 39-inch wheels and protective underbody plating. The vehicle also served as their living quarters throughout the journey.
In polar regions without charging infrastructure, they relied on wind and solar technology paired with a generator to power their vehicle.
While traveling through the Americas, the couple utilized public EV charging networks alongside improvised solutions offered by local businesses and individuals they encountered.
The expedition aimed to demonstrate EV capabilities in extreme conditions while highlighting practical actions to address climate change.
“It is such an honour to be recognised by Guinness World Records,” said Chris. “We learnt a lot from our participation in the 16,000km Mongol Rally when we completed it in our 90-mile range EV, and we wanted to take it to the next level.”
“Boundaries need to be pushed for real change to happen and to show the public just how capable EV’s really are. 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.”
Julie reflected on the human connections made during their journey: “It was a remarkable adventure and also the most mentally and emotionally exhausting experience I have ever had in my life. 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 added, “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 couple plans to release a book in 2025 detailing their Pole to Pole experience, with the title and exact release date to be announced later.
