Lexie Alford completes around-the-world drive in Ford Explorer
Adventurer Lexie Alford has become the first person in history to circumnavigate the globe in an electric car.
The intrepid American drove her pre-production Ford Explorer across six continents and 27 countries, covering more than 18,640 miles (30,000km) on her six-month journey.
To mark the achievement, Ford has announced pricing and specification for the Explorer, which will arrive in the UK later this year priced from £39,875.
Inspired by fellow American Aloha Wanderwell – the first woman to drive around the world 100 years ago – Lexie began and finished her journey in Nice, France where Aloha also started and ended her trek.
“On this epic adventure, I met incredible people from many corners of the world and experienced 27 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 honour 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.”
During her journey, Lexie faced power outages in Africa, and a lack of charging infrastructure in the Atacama desert of Chile, as well as miles of unmade roads, mountain passes and freezing conditions.
“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.”
