You could call it the world’s toughest road trip. Earlier this week, Edmonton-based company Airworks Compressors Corp. announced its Xpedition 90X, which aims to see the first hybrid vehicle drive to the South Pole in November 2018, at the same time becoming the first Canadian-led driving expedition in Antarctica. Here are the expedition’s key details. 

Who

Airworks Compressors Corp. is sending a five-person team to Antarctica, comprised of expedition leader Darryl Weflen, Daryl Black, Gerald Fuentes, Greg Weflen and a photographer/videographer.

What

An International/Navistar MXT (pictured above) is being modified to contain a small diesel engine and electric motor system. The diesel engine will drive the generators and propel the vehicle, which will also utilize an electric propulsion assist system. This patent pending technology has been named the G-Force.

When

Xpedition 90X will arrive in Antarctica in early November 2018 — exact dates are weather-dependent. Start to finish, the expedition is expected to take 21 days. 

Where

Xpedition 90X will drive to the South Pole and back from Antarctica’s Union Glacier.

Why

Xpedition 90X will test the G-Force in one of the world’s harshest environments. This will be a trip of firsts — the first Antarctic hybrid vehicle expedition, the first Canadian-led driving expedition and the first Antarctic single-vehicle expedition. The expedition will also be doing some mapping for Google Street View.

How

The expedition is primarily funded by Airworks Compressors Corp., with additional contributions from sponsors. Logistics support is being provided by Antarctica Logistics & Expeditions.