British adventurers and electric vehicle (EV) pioneers Chris and Julie Ramsey have officially been recognised by Guinness World Records for their Pole to Pole EV expedition — setting two new world records.
The news comes exactly two years after the couple departed from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole in what was dubbed the longest journey by an electric car in Antartica.
Guinness World Records has awarded the couple for the first journey by any vehicle — electric or combustion — to travel from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole.
The sustainability and EV champions undertook this latest expedition to continue their mission to highlight the true capabilities of EVs in challenging environments, and the importance of doing what we can to tackle the wider threat of climate change.
The 2023 adventure saw the pair travel over 29,000km through 14 countries across 3 continents facing extreme climatic conditions ranging from -39 to +49 degrees, and treacherous terrains.
The modified Nissan Ariya included 39-inch wheels and a protection plate to protect the battery on the underside of the car. It also provided accommodation for the Ramseys for the duration of the adventure. The couple used a combination of wind and solar technology in collaboration with a generator to charge in the Polar regions where there was no charging infrastructure.
Throughout North, Central and South America they relied on public EV charging infrastructure, including working with a partner to install a network of EV chargers as part of their expedition legacy. Where there wasn’t EV chargers available, they used a myriad of creative charging solutions helped by businesses and the kindness of strangers to continue their journey.
Chris Ramsey said:
“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. It is such an honour to be recognised by Guinness World Records.”
Julie Ramsey added:
“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. 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.”
Guinness World Records commented:
“We would like to extend our congratulations to Chris and Julie Ramsey for their incredible record-breaking journey from pole to pole, achieving two records in the process; ‘First expedition by an electric car from the Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole’ and ‘Longest journey by an electric car in Antarctica.”
The couple have now been writing a book about the adventure which they are planning to release later this year. The book will offer readers a front-seat view of the entire expedition. Details, including the release date and title, will be revealed soon while plans for their next EV expedition are already underway.
Image courtesy of Plug-in Adventure
