British adventurers and electric vehicle (EV) pioneers Chris and Julie Ramsey have officially been recognized by Guinness World Records for their remarkable Pole to Pole EV expedition, earning two world records in the process.
The achievement comes exactly two years after the couple set off from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole, marking the beginning of what was dubbed the longest journey by an electric vehicle in Antarctica. Guinness World Records has now awarded the Ramseys for their groundbreaking journey, which included two key milestones: the first expedition by any vehicle, electric or combustion, to travel from the Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole, and the longest journey by an electric car in Antarctica.
The 2023 expedition saw the couple traverse more than 29,000 kilometers across 14 countries and three continents, facing extreme climatic conditions that ranged from -39°C to +49°C. They also encountered challenging terrains that tested the limits of their modified Nissan Ariya electric vehicle. The vehicle was outfitted with 39-inch wheels and a protective plate to shield the battery beneath. Additionally, the car provided accommodation for the Ramseys throughout their epic journey.
In areas where there was no charging infrastructure, the Ramseys relied on a combination of wind, solar, and generator-powered solutions to recharge their EV. The couple also worked to install a network of EV chargers along their route in collaboration with a partner, leaving behind a lasting legacy of enhanced infrastructure for future EV expeditions. During their travels through North, Central, and South America, they depended on public EV charging stations, and in places without charging access, they used creative charging methods, aided by businesses and the generosity of strangers.
Chris Ramsey reflected on the journey, saying:
“We learned a lot from our participation in the 16,000km Mongol Rally with 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 EVs really are. In testing the limits of our EV and the infrastructure, I knew that a pole-to-pole journey would be the most impactful way to demonstrate this to the world. It is such an honor to be recognized 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, it was the positive experiences with the people 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 congratulated the Ramseys, stating:
“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 is now working on a book about their extraordinary adventure, which is set to be released later this year. The book will offer readers an in-depth view of the entire expedition, with more details—including the release date and title—coming soon. Plans for their next EV expedition are already in motion.
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