Video: Long drive in Leaf – now heading back

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApGU-taJ0Y0

After an epic 16,000km drive, Marek Kaminski has arrived in Japan in his new Nissan Leaf.

The polar explorer started his #NoTraceExpedition in Poland three months earlier, travelling through eight countries over two continents and a host of varying driving conditions, passing through Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, Mongolia, China and South Korea on his way to the finishing point in Tokyo.

The expedition’s “no trace left behind” mantra demonstrates the feasibility of zero-emission travel by electric car, and sets the example for explorers wanting to visit the world’s furthest corners without damaging the environment.

Though Kaminski can claim to be the first man to have trekked to the North and South Poles in the same year, his expedition by electric car is likely to be just as memorable.

Detours along dirt tracks in Mongolia and some inventive charging solutions in Russia were among highlights.

Kaminski will now get back behind the wheel and complete the return journey from Tokyo to Poland in the same car.

The Leaf, with its new 40kWh battery providing a real-world range around 270km, helped Kaminski’s mission to challenge the myths around sustainable travel.

“For me, this journey is not just about reaching my destination – it is also about making a simple, brilliant change to be more sustainable,” Kaminski says.

“The Leaf gave me the opportunity to stick to my pledge and travel without a trace, so I hope that this is a step forward on the journey towards sustainable mobility.”

Nissan Europe EV director Gareth Dunsmore says the journey demonstrates how, by using an electric vehicle, people can drive huge distances in comfort whilst positively influencing the environment.

More than 41,000 new Nissan Leaf units sold in Europe since its introduction in October 2017.