The husband and wife team driving a Nissan Ariya electric car from the North to the South Pole have passed the halfway point.

Chris and Julie Ramsey crossed the equator in Ecuador, some 12,500 miles after starting from the 1823 Magnetic Pole in Canada in March. So far their challenges have included crossing the Arctic Sea, traversing melting ice roads, and driving length of the USA and Central America.

In remote Canada the duo almost had to resort to their solar-powered charging trailer when they couldn’t find a suitable electricity supply, but local residents ralied round to adapt a socket in welding shop and get them on their way again.

“It’s been an incredible experience so far,” says Julie. “Our Expedition Ariya captures the interest of so many people on our route and we’ve been privileged to be hosted and helped by the kindest and most fascinating people, who all embrace the positivity and hope that Pole to Pole represents.”

The second part of the journey is set to be its most challenging, admits Chris: “Antarctica will be our toughest test yet, but we have the experience of our time in the Arctic to learn from and I’m working on innovations that can help us reach the South Pole at the end of December.”

You can follow Chris and Julie on Instagram and using the live tracker on https://poletopoleev.com/expedition-live/