Video: Around the world in electric Ford

The world’s youngest explorer to visit every country at 21, American Alexis Rose Alford (aka Lexie Limitless), now 25, has begun another world journey in a new electric Ford Explorer.

Her journey takes in six continents, about 30 countries, and will clock up more than 28,000km in under 100 days, inspired by Aloha Wanderwell who, in the 1920s using Ford vehicles including a Model T, became the first female to drive around the world.

Adventure travel content creator ‘Lexie’ Alford (@LexieLimitless) began her “Charge Around The Globe” in the EV on September 8, leaving from Nice, France.

She aims to prove what’s possible in an electric vehicle, while hoping to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe in one.

The electric Ford Explorer Lexie left Le Hotel Royal in Nice in – the same place Wanderwell started her journey – is a pre-production prototype model that will be similar to the EV on sale in Europe next year.

No special modifications have been made to the Ford EV for Lexie’s trip.

“This is an epic journey to prove what’s possible in an electric vehicle, as we know range and charging are the two main concerns people have when thinking about making the switch to electric,” says Ford Model e Europe general manager Martin Sander.  

“Lexie will be putting charging infrastructure to the ultimate test; if she can get around the world in an EV, then anyone can use one in Europe, every day.”

Lexie visited the Ford EV design and product development teams in Cologne, experienced extremes of temperature at the Environmental Test Centre (‘weather factory’) and completed her advanced driver training certification at the Lommel Proving Ground.

She expects to deal with severe weather, unpredictable terrain and a lack of charging infrastructure, backed by a crew that includes security, medics, and mechanical and software support with dynamic risk assessments at the start of each day.

“This is an epic adventure, but a tough one,” says Lexie.

“It will be tough on the Explorer and with the amount of time on the road alone it will be tough on me and the support crew.

“Any adventure worth having should challenge you though, and I can’t wait to explore the new places and meet incredible people to find out how they’re trying to make their corners of the world better.”

Lexie’s journey is live with regular updates for the duration of her trip – searching #ChargeAroundTheGlobe or following @lexielimitless, @forduk and @fordnewseurope social channels.

She must pass through two antipodean points, travel on at least five continents and start and end at the same location.

RecordSetter officials will be at various locations around the world to verify the attempt.