Lexie Alford, an adventurer who goes by the handle LexieLimitless online, has achieved the great honor of setting a world record– the first person to circumnavigate the globe in an electric vehicle! The new all-electric Ford Explorer, a European-designed vehicle, was Alford’s choice of wheels for this momentous journey, making it a very celebratory moment for both her and for Ford Motor Company.
In late March, Alford and her Explorer drove across the finish line in Nice, France, led by a convoy of iconic Ford vehicles and flanked by current models that are shaping the visionary future direction of the automaker’s path. Alford had driven through an epic odyssey that included six continents, 27 different countries, and over 18,640 miles, driven all on electric power.
“On this epic adventure, I met incredible people from many corners of the world and experienced 27 beautiful countries while behind the wheel. But this journey came with a unique set of challenges,” said Lexie, who also holds the world record for being the youngest person to visit every country in the world. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to be trusted by Ford to circumnavigate the globe in the electric Explorer, which has been like home for the last six months. I had the goal of pushing the limits of what’s possible to do in an EV and I’m proud to say I have!”
The challenges that Alford and her dauntless vehicle faced during the trip included power outages in Africa, lack of charging infrastructure in the Atacama desert of Chile, unmade roads, difficult mountain passes, freezing weather conditions, and more, but the journey’s completion not only proved the indomitable qualities of Alford as a driver, but of the Explorer as a vehicle. It’s a testament to what an EV can really do.
“Ford wants to bring passion and emotion to electric vehicles in Europe. There are enough boring cars and SUVs out there. The new Explorer represents Ford’s unique character, which is stamped on every car in this fantastic convoy,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, who attended the celebration in Nice. “We’re proud to launch this new all-electric passenger car designed specifically for Europe’s roads and customers, and obviously capable of taking you anywhere in the world.”
“Lexie’s journey has been the ultimate test drive for our new Ford Explorer, taking on every kind of weather and road condition, and dealing with just about every charging scenario,” said Martin Sander, general manager, Ford Model e Europe. “It embodies the true ‘can do’ spirit of this company, seizing this great opportunity to not only test ourselves but also the world’s charging infrastructure. Today’s crossing of the finish line proves just what you can do in the new all-electric Ford Explorer, and we’re delighted that customers will soon be able to find out for themselves.”