American Lexie Alford circumnavigated the world in an EV, discovering much about the vehicle, charging infrastructure, and people along the way
American Lexie Alford became the only person to circumnavigate the world in an electric vehicle (EV).
A
bout a century ago, Canada’s Aloha Wanderwell became the first woman to travel around the world. Driving a Ford Model T—regarded as the most influential vehicle of the 20th century—it took the 16-year-old five years, between 1922 and 1927, to traverse 500,000 miles across 80 countries. The world, and automobiles, have changed much since then, but some things haven’t. Wanderlust being one of them. Following in the tracks of Wanderwell, in September 2023, 25-year-old American Lexie Alford started off on a similar journey, in yet another Ford. This time it was a pre-production model of the all-electric Ford Explorer. Consequently, she became the only person to circumnavigate the world in an electric vehicle (EV).
The journey, which began from Nice in France and gained entry in the Guinness World Records, took Alford 200 days to complete, during which she drove more than 30,000 km across six continents and 27 countries, before coming full circle to France in March 2024. Alford calls it a test of endurance, adventure, and innovation, not just for herself, but the car as well. “The car was pushing the limits of EV travel just as much as I was pushing my own,” says the content creator, who goes by the username lexielimitless, and has 1.3 million followers on Instagram. Travelling through Europe, Australia, Asia, North and South America, she experienced extreme conditions, whether it be the sub-freezing temperatures in the Rockies to the scorching heat of the Atacama Desert. “The car became my home, and my most trusted companion,” she recalls.
Alford’s journey was sponsored by Ford, and included a team of 10-odd people, some of whom were videographers recording the journey for a documentary called Charge Around the Globe. Ford’s team also ensured the vehicle had the necessary software and hardware support to complete the journey, along with managing logistical requirements and emergencies.
(This story appears in the 04 April, 2025 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)