Hyundai Canada has embarked on an ambitious electric vehicle (EV) journey, sending a 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 on a 15,000-kilometer expedition from Markham, Ontario, to the Arctic Ocean. This trip aims to showcase the capabilities of EVs in extreme conditions and promote sustainable transportation.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5’s Arctic Adventure
Last month the fully electric IONIQ 5 departed from Hyundai Canada’s headquarters in Markham. The route spans five provinces and two territories, culminating in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories. Driver Patrick Nadeau, an EV enthusiast known for his previous journey from Quebec to Mexico in an IONIQ 5, leads this expedition.
The IONIQ 5, equipped with an 84 kWh battery offering up to 504 kilometers of range, remains unmodified except for a custom wrap to promote the journey. The trip not only tests the vehicle’s endurance but will also highlight Canada’s expanding EV charging infrastructure.
Throughout the journey, Nadeau will document his experiences, sharing weekly updates on Hyundai Canada’s social media channels. Additionally, in collaboration with Hyundai Hope on Wheels, he will create virtual reality content for pediatric cancer patients, allowing them to virtually explore the Arctic.
Here is the first update from Nadeau, shared by Hyundai Canada.
A Parallel Expedition: Tesla Arctic Cybertrek
Hyundai’s endeavor follows a similar electric expedition undertaken in 2024, known as the Arctic Cybertrek. In this journey, two Tesla Cybertrucks traveled approximately 11,000 miles round trip from Florida to Tuktoyaktuk, demonstrating the potential of EVs in remote regions.
The team, comprising EV advocates including Justin Damaree (@BeardedTesla), Rafael and Nancy Santoni (@TesLatino and @TSLATNA), and Gary Mark (@blueskykites), faced challenges such as limited charging infrastructure. To address this, they installed six Level 2 Tesla Wall Connectors along the Dempster Highway, aiding future EV travelers.
