NICE, France, March 26, 2024 – Adventurer Lexie Alford (@LexieLimitless) today set the official record of being the first person to circumnavigate the globe in an electric vehicle1 using the new all-electric Ford Explorer designed for European customers.
To celebrate their Charge Around The Globe, Ford has confirmed the price and specifications of the new Ford Explorer range, officially making the EV that drove around the world available to customers who are ready to make their own adventures, whether large or small (European customers at this time only).
Crossing the finish line in Nice, France, Lexie and the new Ford Explorer led a convoy of iconic Ford vehicles, flanked by current models that are shaping the visionary future direction of the company. This Ford Explorer joins other electric models in the Ford lineup, including Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning and the E-Transit.
“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. “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.”
The Explorer’s incredible journey crossed six continents, drove through 27 countries and covered more than 30,000 kilometres, all on electric power alone. Battling power outages in Africa, a lack of charging infrastructure in the Atacama desert of Chile, unmade roads, mountain passes and freezing conditions, the achievement proved just what is possible in an electric vehicle.
The vehicle Lexie used for the challenge was a pre-production version of the Ford Explorer that is now available to order. Over the course of the journey it used a variety of charging solutions from 2.2 kw AC wall outlets to DC fast chargers and a portable battery pack.
Throughout the journey Lexie relied on MegaConsole cabin storage that can hold three 1.5-litre drinks bottles with room to spare, heated and massaging driver’s seat and voice-activated SYNC Move infotainment 2 with an adjustable touchscreen – features that come as standard on both Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Premium models.
“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!” (source: media.ford.com)