Exploring the World in an Electric Ford Explorer: Unprecedented Journey of 30,000km
The electric Ford Explorer has just completed an extraordinary journey around the world with record-setter Alexis Alford. This remarkable feat not only marks a significant milestone for electric vehicles but also anticipates the release of the Ford Explorer EV.
A Remarkable Achievement
Starting from Nice, France, 25-year-old Alexis Alford and the Ford Explorer EV traveled across six continents, 27 countries, and covered over 30,000km. Alford achieved this incredible feat without using a single drop of gasoline. This journey, which set a new record and served as the final test before the Explorer EV is released to the market, was accompanied by another convoy of Ford vehicles.
“In this grand adventure, I met fascinating people from all over the world and experienced 27 countries from behind the wheel. But this journey came with its own set of unique challenges,” said Alford, the youngest person to have visited every country in the world.
Alford’s journey mirrors that of Aloha Wanderwell, the first woman to drive around the world a century ago, also in a Ford vehicle (Model T). The adventure began and ended in the city of Nice, France.
Pushing the Limits of Electric Cars
The electric Ford Explorer faced and overcame numerous challenges throughout its journey, including power outages, lack of charging stations, and extreme weather conditions such as ice and scorching heat in the deserts.
Martin Sander, Managing Director of Ford Model e Europe, stated, “Lexie’s journey was the final test drive for our new Ford Explorer, facing all kinds of weather conditions and road situations while handling almost every charging scenario.”
Ford asserts that Alexis Alford is the first person to drive around the world in an electric car. However, this title has been disputed by Rafael de Mestre, who drove a Tesla Roadster around the world in 2012. Nevertheless, de Mestre’s journey only covered North America, Europe, and Asia, while Alford drove in South America, Africa, and Australia.
Ford Explorer EV Currently Available in Europe Only
The Ford Explorer EV is the first all-electric SUV produced by the American manufacturer. It combines German engineering with American style and is developed and manufactured in Europe.
The Ford Explorer EV shares its platform with the Volkswagen ID.4. It has a range of 602km and can charge from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes using fast charging. The SUV is available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive options. With all-wheel drive, the Explorer EV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.
The Explorer EV impresses with its performance while not compromising on luxury. It features heated and massaging seats, the voice-activated SYNC Move entertainment system, and a spacious MegaConsole storage compartment. The cargo space is approximately 470 liters, and there is a 14.6-inch touchscreen display in the center.
The premium version of the Explorer EV includes Bang & Olufsen audio system and ambient interior lighting.
Ford has equipped the Explorer EV with advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and collision warnings.
The Explorer EV is the first vehicle to roll off the production line at Ford’s Cologne Electrification Center, highlighting the significant investment by the American automaker in electric mobility.
Ford’s investment in electric vehicles is driven by the desire to push the boundaries of what is possible with electric cars. Alexis Alford’s accomplishments echo this sentiment. “I set out to push the limits of what could be done in an electric car, and I am proud to say I succeeded!” she shared.
To read more articles related to finance and economics, visit Business Today.