Back to our roots: How the Nissan LEAF shaped Chris and Julie Ramsey's electric journey
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For EV adventurers Chris and Julie Ramsey, based in Aberdeen, Scotland, electric driving isn't a statement – it is simply how every journey starts.
From the legendary Mongol Rally (2017) to testing new limits with the Pole to Pole expedition (2023) – the first journey from the Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole by any car – Chris and Julie have shown just how far EVs can go. Their adventures have ranged from global expeditions to closer to home challenges, including driving the length of the UK from Land's End to John O'Groats and back again (2015). Thirteen years after Chris bought his first Nissan LEAF, their journey is still unfolding.
Back to our roots: How the LEAF shaped unforgettable journeys3:41
Like many new EV drivers back in those early days, Chris and Julie were curious about charging and range. What began as a leap into something new quickly became part of everyday life. "For me, EV driving isn't a statement anymore, it's just normal," says Julie.
Over time, experience became the real teacher. "The longer we drove the LEAF, the more it taught us about smoother driving, charging smarter and using energy better," says Chris.
And while they were learning, the world of EVs was changing too. When the Ramseys first started out in 2012, the first-generation LEAF's range was around 65 miles (105 km) and charging infrastructure was still developing. Today, the all-new, 3rd generation LEAF can travel up to 386 miles (622 km), and the In Car Route Planner, with Google built-in, helps show charging locations along the way, making longer journeys simpler than ever.
Whether it's everyday journeys or setting off on longer adventures, the combination of enhanced EV range and intuitive technology in the new LEAF makes electric driving easier than ever to fit into real life. For Chris and Julie, that means driving from their home in Aberdeen to London now requires just one 30-minute stop for a fast charge.
Despite all the progress, one thing has stayed constant. Trust.
"We've put our life in its hands," Chris says. "And it's never let us down once."
Inspired by Chris and Julie's story and thinking about starting your own LEAF adventure? The Nissan LEAF has been trusted by real drivers on some of the world's most demanding journeys — and now with up to 386 miles of range and Google built-in navigation, it's ready for yours.
Look no further: https://www.nissanleaf.com/?cid=NISSAN_LEAF_2025_LAUNCH
Learn more about Chris and Julie's previous EV expeditions:
Land's End to John O'Groats (2015)
Chris and Julie Ramsey took just two days to finish the 1,652-mile journey from John O'Groats to Land's End and back again in a Nissan LEAF 24kWh, using only publicly available and free EV charging points.
Mongol Rally (2017)
They completed the 8,000-mile Mongol Rally in a Nissan LEAF, becoming the first team to finish the rally in an electric vehicle.
Pole to Pole (2023)
They then went on to complete a 10-month, 18,600-mile journey from the Magnetic North Pole on the frozen Arctic Ocean to the South Pole in Antarctica in a Nissan Ariya – the first time any car, not just an EV, completed the journey.
