2024/01/31
This is it! After 10 months, the exhilarating final leg of the epic Pole to Pole expedition through Antarctica towards the Geographic South Pole is finally here, a ground-breaking journey which no vehicle has dared to undertake before.
Embark on the final stage of Chris & Julie’s journey, and see the duo conquer the snowy terrain and overcome the unpredictable Antarctic weather as they set their sights on reaching the South Pole. Navigate all the twists and turns as the couple, in the Expedition Ariya e-4ORCE, make history as the first people to drive an electric vehicle from the remote 1823 Magnetic North Pole to the renowned Geographic South Pole.
BASE CAMP: Union Glacier, Antarctica
Having reached the Earth’s southernmost continent, Chris & Julie set up home at Union Glacier base camp, nestled in the remote southern Ellsworth Mountains.
Dedicating a few days to acclimatise to Antarctica’s challenging conditions, including 24 hours of daylight, the duo were busy preparing and testing out their essential equipment, including tents and charging systems to ensure the Expedition Ariya e-4ORCE was ready for its final challenge.
Once preparations concluded, the couple stood ready to undertake the impressive final 1,268 kilometre journey to the finish line, which involved ascending from an altitude of approximately 700 meters to around 2,835 meters at the Geographic South Pole.
Competing against unpredictable weather, strong winds, and tough terrain, the last leg of this journey was set to put the team to the test.
AMID THE EXPEDITION: Thiel Mountains
Anticipation was rising as the snowy ground and cloudy sky ahead merged into one, but earlier preparations and the Ariya’s intelligent e-4ORCE technology meant they were ready to face the challenge head-on.
The sophisticated e-4ORCE system and all-wheel drive control technology ensured dependable traction and smooth handling, allowing the team to navigate confidently through both dense and powdery snow. When the icy Antarctic chill set in, the team were prepared to combat the effects of the cold and safeguard the Ariya. Using a tent to shield it from the harsh winds at charging stops, the tent kept the car at -5 degrees, creating enough warmth to improve charging speed and efficiency. In the face of Antarctica’s challenges, there is no obstacle that Chris & Julie cannot overcome!
Back on the ice path, the Ariya’s climate control features provided respite from the glacial conditions, with the heated steering wheel, front windscreen and seats working their magic to ensure some much needed comfort ahead of the final push to the finish line.
MAKING HISTORY: Geographic South Pole
Passing the 88-degree point and ascending to an altitude of 2810 meters, the couple were feeling the tiring effects of the thinning air and plummeting temperatures. But with one last boundary to push, they weren’t about to stop now!
With over 33,000 kilometres, and 14 countries under their belts, the long-awaited moment culminated as the team successfully reached 90-degrees and the Geographic South Pole! The duo had not only completed a formidable adventure but paved the way for electric vehicles to continue making history, debunking a whole host of myths along the way.
As the duo have demonstrated, turning a dream into reality requires genuine passion, unwavering dedication, perseverance, and a strong support system. This expedition has proven that EVs are capable, resilient and reliable, and as Chris & Julie passionately told their loyal followers: “never be afraid to push the boundaries.”
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Pole to Pole Antarctica
The remarkable Pole to Pole expedition has come to an end, marking a historic moment for electric vehicles and a tremendous achievement for Chris & Julie. Congratulations to the duo on this remarkable accomplishment!
But Chris & Julie’s journey is far from over. The question is, where will they explore next?
Follow the explorers directly on: @poletopoleev, opens in a new tab, or visit the Pole to Pole EV blog. Opens in a new tab.