Explorer hits 16,000 km milestone in cross-continent adventure in new Nissan LEAF

After an epic 16,000-kilometer drive, polar explorer Marek Kaminski has arrived in Japan, having started his landmark #NoTraceExpedition in Poland three months earlier in Europe’s best-selling electric vehicle, the new Nissan LEAF.

Kaminski’s eco-friendly trip took him from Zakopane, Poland 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 “no trace left behind” mantra of the #NoTraceExpedition 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. Among Kaminski’s adventures, detours along dirt tracks in Mongolia and some inventive charging solutions in Russia were notable highlights.

Unfazed by the first 16,000 kilometers, Kaminski will now get back behind the wheel and complete the return journey from Tokyo to Poland in the same car.

“For me, this journey is not just about reaching my destination – it is also about making a simple, brilliant change to be more sustainable,” said Kaminski. “Whether in the wilds of Russia, on remote Mongolian dirt tracks or in the bustling streets of Tokyo, the LEAF has been a reliable partner throughout. The car and features such as ProPILOT were impressively capable in tough driving conditions, and even in remote areas with little infrastructure, we kept the LEAF charged and on the move. 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.”