Nissan Ariya Demonstrates Durability with 30,000 Miles of Rugged Desert Patrol with zero tailpipe emissions

Nissan’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is on full display at its Arizona Testing Center (ATC), where the all-electric Nissan Ariya has proven its durability by logging over 48,280 kilometers (30,000 miles) in extreme desert conditions.

Located south of Phoenix, ATC experiences some of the harshest weather in the United States, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit). As a key facility for future vehicle testing, ATC required security vehicles that could handle rough terrain while supporting Nissan’s sustainability goals. To meet this need, ATC deployed a fleet of all-electric Nissan Ariya SUVs.

Owen Thunes, Senior Manager of Test Operations at ATC, said, “The Ariya security vehicles are often the first thing visitors see when they arrive at our facility, serving as a statement of our dedication to sustainability. These vehicles are in near-constant operation, including significant idling time, making the Ariya ideal for reducing fuel costs and eliminating tailpipe emissions. With a large portion of our property operated as a farm, the vehicles continuously navigate dirt and gravel paths with ruts and washboard, and after a monsoon, some access roads turn into a mud bog—yet the Ariya has performed exceptionally well, tackling these obstacles with ease. It proves that an EV can be used in most applications and is a great fit here because it has zero tailpipe emissions and requires less maintenance than an internal combustion engine vehicle.”

One of the vehicles has been lightly modified with off-road tires, a roof rack, auxiliary lighting, and custom decals to enhance its functionality in the demanding environment. Despite rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, Ariya’s advanced e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system has enabled it to excel in security operations.

Beyond security operations, ATC utilizes a fleet of 10 Ariya SUVs for driver training and other facility needs, reinforcing Nissan’s sustainability efforts. To further reduce carbon emissions, ATC is installing Level 2 charging stations for employees who drive EVs and constructing solar panel structures over the parking lot to offset energy consumption while keeping vehicles cooler. Aligning with ATC’s sustainability goals, and those of Nissan overall, the Ariya fleet showcases how Nissan EVs excel in situations that demand durability and capability.