Harsh terrain and extreme temperatures will be the ultimate test for the all-electric New Nissan ARIYA...
The art of pioneering future-facing technologies is woven deep into the fabric of Nissan’s history. The all-electric Tama city car helped keep Tokyo mobile in the 1940s, while the groundbreaking Nissan LEAF brought e-mobility to the masses in 2010. And in 2021, Nissan announced Ambition 2030, a £13bn investment to help the company reach carbon neutrality by 2050. But now, it’s pioneering in a different way.
British couple Chris and Julie Ramsey aim to prove the reliability, confidence-inspiring capability and all-electric efficiency of their Nissan ARIYA crossover by embarking on a world-first 27,000km journey from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole in the Arctic to the South Pole in Antarctica.
While the suspension and bodywork have received modifications by specialists at Arctic Trucks to help the ARIYA tackle extreme environments like ice fields, deep snow, steep mountains and inhospitable desert dunes, the ARIYA’s all-electric 87kWh battery and motor combination, along with its advanced e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system[1], have remained totally untouched to prove its real, everyday usability, no matter the journey.
“The all-new all-electric ARIYA crossover enables you to go further, easier and in comfort,” says Nissan Executive Vice President, Asako Hoshino. “And with e-4ORCE all-wheel drive[1] control technology providing enhanced stability and traction on a variety of surfaces, we know it will be the perfect partner for Chris and his team on their challenging all-electric journey.”
Nissan ARIYA: the perfect Pole to Pole explorer
The New Nissan ARIYA is Nissan’s ultimate all-electric family crossover (more on that later), and it’s that everyday useability – comfort, reliability, great all-electric range and versatility – that makes it the perfect vehicle for Chris’ epic continent-crossing expedition: “One of the things that underpins all the adventures we do is that we take a standard production EV and aim to make minimal changes to clearly demonstrate its real, everyday capabilities, regardless of where you are driving it,” says Chris.
“Our Nissan Ariya is no different as the vehicle’s drivetrain and battery has remained factory standard, demonstrating just how capable and versatile the production ARIYA is. [Arctic Trucks] has modified the suspension and widened the wheel arches so we can benefit from the stable platform and support of the 39in BF Goodrich tyres. I’m incredibly excited to get behind the wheel of what was already a brilliant vehicle, but now feels equipped to take on the ends of the earth in style!”
The adventure, which started on 30th March, will take Chris and Julie from the Arctic through North and Central America, before plunging into the heart of South America and finally arriving in the breath-taking and uncharted territory of Antarctica to the South Pole. Along the way, they’ll face some of the harshest terrain the planet has to offer, not to mention temperatures ranging from -300C all the way up to 300C. But it’s these seemingly impassable terrains where the New Nissan ARIYA’s advanced e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system[1] will come into its own.
Building on decades of all-wheel-drive experience, e-4ORCE is Nissan’s most advanced all-wheel technology to date. It carefully manages power output and braking performance for ultimate smoothness and stability across all surfaces. The system even helps to enhance driver confidence by tracing the intended driving line over a variety of road surfaces, including wet and snowy roads, without the need for changes in driving style.
But it’s not all rough. Inside, the ARIYA’s plush interior and wealth of advanced in-car infotainment systems (more on those later) will keep Chris and Julie comfortable and entertained throughout their expedition, while a specially integrated espresso machine with a good supply of coffee will keep the team awake and focussed on the long and isolated parts of the journey.
The ARIYA will house a drone that can be launched to capture some of the stunning scenery throughout the trek, while a portable, renewable energy unit will be used to help charge the ARIYA in the polar regions – an area that’s probably a bit short on rapid chargers…
The advanced prototype includes a packable, lightweight wind turbine and solar panels that will take advantage of the high winds and long daylight hours to provide charge for the ARIYA’s batteries when Chris and Julie rest.
This won’t be the first epic all-electric journey that Chris and Julie have completed, though. In 2017, they became the first team to complete the Mongol Rally in an all-electric vehicle. The pair travelled over 16,000km through multiple locales over 56 days in their own Nissan LEAF.
Nissan ARIYA: The ultimate all-electric family crossover
While the epic Pole to Pole expedition will test the extreme capabilities of the New Nissan ARIYA, it’s when you’re driving a bit closer to home that its everyday usability really shines through.
On the outside, the exterior has been shaped by traditional Japanese design philosophies – specifically by the concept of Utsuroi: the idea of fluidity shaped by nature – to create a timelessly stylish, efficiently aerodynamic and futuristic EV unlike anything else on the road.
As we’ve mentioned, the ARIYA offers cosseting passenger space, intuitive technology and unique visual cues inspired by the traditional Japanese idea of Omotenashi: a level of hospitality that offers more than what’s expected, only for you. The ARIYA offers up to 466 litres of versatile luggage space[2] and plenty of room for five passengers, while the panoramic sunroof[3] gives a light, airy feel (not quite as airy as the arctic, mind…)
On the dashboard, the curved dual-screen display uses two 12.3-inch HD touchscreens that allow you to effortlessly swipe data between them, letting you prioritise the information most important to you, while the haptic buttons expertly crafted into the high-quality wood grain-effect dashboard make operating controls on the move easy and safe.
Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM[10] come as standard in the ARIYA, making connecting your smartphone, listening to your favourite infotainment, and making calls a total breeze. Advanced Voice Control tech lets you change the temperature, hear text messages and set destinations all without lifting a finger, while built-in Amazon Alexa®[11] functionality also means you can play music, place calls, listen to audiobooks and even control smart home devices from inside the car.
On the road, the New Nissan ARIYA offers up to 329 miles of all-electric range[4], more than enough for the school run, cross-nation family adventures and everything in between. Rapid charging capabilities make life on the go easy, too. If you can find a 130kW + CCS charger local to you, you can charge your battery from 20% to 80% in as little as 35 minutes[5] – just enough time for lunch and coffee between meetings.
In terms of safety, the Nissan ARIYA boasts the latest version of Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link[6] driver assistance technology that includes features like Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Around View Monitor and Forward Collision Warning that help to reduce the stress of driving, while the Head-Up Display and Hybrid Voice Recognition help to improve your focus on the road ahead[7].
As we’ve said, top-range e-4ORCE models add confidence-inspiring all-wheel-drive that builds on decades of experience to use front and rear regenerative braking to mitigate pitch and dive through corners, while independent brake control at each wheel offers enhanced all-weather traction. All versions of the ARIYA make use of a highly rigid chassis optimised for engaging handling and comfort in equal measure.
The near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution[8] works with finely tuned dampers and specially calibrated steering for exceptional body control through corners, enhanced stability at motorway speeds, precise steering feel and next-level ride comfort around town.
e-4ORCE models use a twin-motor set up that offers 306PS and 600Nm of instant torque – perfect for tight urban driving, cross-country motorway journeys or carrying luggage and family for a long weekend away.
Finally, the NissanConnect Services app[9] unlocks even more potential from your ARIYA. This intuitive smartphone app lets you control functions of the ARIYA remotely such as locking and unlocking the doors, adjusting the climate control, turning the lights on and off, managing the battery level, and even setting times for charging to commence and finish.
You can also send navigation routes directly from your smartphone straight to the ARIYA from the comfort of your home or office, while live traffic updates help make every journey as smooth, fast and efficient as possible.
So, we’ve explored how the all-electric New Nissan ARIYA will be the perfect expedition partner for Chris and Julie’s epic adventure, and why that makes it the perfect family crossover too.
[1] e-4ORCE available on Nissan ARIYA 87kWh Advance and Evolve grades
[2] 466 litres luggage capacity only available on ARIYA two-wheel drive derivatives
[3] Panoramic sunroof standard on ARIYA Evolve grade and available as an optional extra on ARIYA Advance grade
[4] Figures shown are indicative and shown for comparability purposes only. 329 miles range refers to the ARIYA 87kWh Advance model on a WLTP Combined Cycle. All derivatives are fully homologated against the standards of the Worldwide Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Actual real-world driving results may vary depending on factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load
[5] Charging rate on the ARIYA 87kWh Advance. Charge time may vary depending on factors including charging conditions, battery, ambient temperature at point of use, and if battery safeguarding technology is activated
[6] It is your responsibility to stay alert, drive safely and be in control of the vehicle at all times. Driver assist features have speed and other limitations and should not be solely relied on. For more information, please refer to the owner’s manual or visit www.nissan.co.uk/techterms.
[7] Standard on ARIYA Evolve grade. Available as an optional extra on Advance grade
[8] Only available on ARIYA e-4ORCE grades
[9] To use NissanConnect services you need a smartphone with compatible iOS or Android operating system. Services subject to mobile network coverage. Some NissanConnect Services available for an additional charge on subscription or at additional cost after the free period ends the 3rd year. For further information, please visit www.nissan.co.uk/ncsapp or contact your local Nissan Dealer
[10] Apple Carplay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google LLC
[11] Amazon and Alexa® and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc or its affiliates. Certain Alexa functionality is dependent on smart home technology
Keyword: How the New Nissan ARIYA is powering the epic Pole to Pole electric vehicle expedition