The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Bright sparks complete epic rally in electric car
World first for event
An adventurous Aberdeen couple have successfully completed the arduous Mongol Rally in an electric vehicle – a world first for the event.
Chris Ramsey and his wife Julie covered a total of 8,000 miles over 55 days, using a variety of adaptors to get their Nissan Leaf charged up on the way to Ulan-Ude in Siberia.
Mr Ramsey is no stranger to tackling long journeys in his electric vehicle – including such journeys as John O’Groats to Land’s End, London to Monte Carlo and Scotland’s North Coast 500.
He said what had made the latest trip even more challenging was the fact there was “no back-up, no support and no set route”. The rules of the Mongol Rally state that participants must only use cars with small engines to increase the chances of a breakdown, meaning drivers can interact with locals along the way.
After completing the rally, a delighted Mr Ramsey said: “Being the first to complete the Mongol Rally in an electric vehicle has been an incredible experience.
“Over the past 55 days, we’ve driven 8,000 miles across mountains, desert and grassland and our Nissan Leaf has coped with it all.
“I hope our adventure shows Scotland has taken the right decision to be ambitious and aim to phase out fossil fuel vehicles from 2032. I’d like to thank everyone who has helped us raise money to help WWF Scotland continue its important work on climate change.“
Mr Ramsey last night said he was looking forward to the “last leg” of a mere 2,000 to get back to the UK from Siberia.
Sam Gardner, acting director of WWF Scotland, said: “We’re delighted Chris and Julie have successfully and safely completed the Mongol Rally, the first to do so in an electric vehicle.
“They are true ambassadors for the electric vehicle movement.”
The Ramseys’ car can be plugged into any electric socket to charge and the innovative couple have proved what can be achieved in these vehicles.