‘Charge Around The World’ Documentary Released, a Ford EV’s Drive Across Six Continents

In March, YouTuber Lexie Alford, known as “Lexie Limitless,” made history by becoming the first person to drive around the world in an electric car. Her remarkable journey spanned six continents, 27 countries, and over 30,000 kilometers, all completed in just six months using the new electric Ford Explorer.

On November 18, 2024, the groundbreaking adventure was shared with audiences through a three-part documentary series titled Charge Around The World. The series premieres on Prime Video in the U.K. and is available on YouTube for global viewers, offering an inspiring glimpse into Alford’s journey and the evolving possibilities of electric vehicle travel.

Alford said: “I was the youngest person to travel to every country around the world, but this was one of the most challenging things I’ve done. Whilst I’ve proved that it is possible to travel around the globe on electric power alone, it certainly wasn’t easy and it showed just how different the charging infrastructure is on different continents. I’m so happy to share the adventure on Prime Video, and hope that this helps us to understand how we need to improve to truly enable zero emission driving.”

The documentary series Charge Around The World, produced by ad agency Wieden+Kennedy (W+K) and its London-based in-house production studio WracK, draws inspiration from a historic journey in 1922, when explorer Aloha Wanderwell became the first woman to drive around the world in a Model T Ford. Alford reinvents this iconic journey for a new generation, to showcase the resilience and potential of modern EV technology.

In the three-part series, Alford begins her adventure in Nice, France, traveling across six continents and 27 countries. Episode one follows her route to Mombasa, Kenya, while the subsequent episodes document her travels through Australia, Asia, the Americas, and back to Europe. The series highlights not just the challenges and triumphs of driving an EV around the world but also Alford’s exploration of the limits and possibilities of electric mobility.

David Colman, creative director at Wieden+Kennedy (W+K) London, emphasizes that Charge Around The Globe is the perfect fit for Ford’s goals because it goes beyond traditional advertising by connecting with audiences emotionally while showcasing Ford’s commitment to electric vehicle (EV) technology in an engaging and impactful way. Colman explains that while traditional ads are effective, a content series provides the opportunity to explore how brand messages can play out in real-world adventures. “A series allows us to bring viewers along for the highs, the lows, the challenges, and the breakthroughs of a journey over 30,000 km, which simply can’t be replicated in a 30-second spot,” he says.

The series is also part of a broader content strategy that avoids getting lost in the crowded landscape of streaming options. By creating a long-running “content flywheel,” Ford and W+K ensure that the journey doesn’t just end with the documentary. Over the six months of production, Lexie Alford documented her experiences on social media in real time, engaging her audience throughout the adventure. The documentary series now serves as the culmination of that ongoing narrative, offering an in-depth look at her epic journey and further solidifying Ford’s position in the EV market.

Ford views its electric vehicle (EV) ambitions within a global context, and Charge Around the Globe was initially conceived with the European market in mind, where EV adoption and infrastructure are more advanced. Despite this, many people in both Europe and North America remain unconvinced about the capabilities of electric vehicles, particularly around concerns regarding range and charging infrastructure.

Ford’s Strong Electric Vehicles in the USA

The electric Ford Explorer that Alford drove isn’t available in the US, unfortunately. However, two great Ford electric vehicles are available, the sporty and fun Mustang MachE, and rugged, powerful Lightning Pickup, both highly recommended by EVinfo.net.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that combines the legacy of the iconic Mustang with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology. Launched in 2020, the Mach-E represents Ford’s commitment to the electric future, offering a stylish, performance-oriented alternative to traditional gasoline-powered SUVs.

Key features of the Mustang Mach-E include:

Performance: It offers impressive acceleration and handling, staying true to the Mustang heritage. Depending on the model, the Mach-E can deliver between 266 and 480 horsepower, with some versions offering 0-60 mph times under 4 seconds.

Range: The Mach-E comes with several battery options, providing ranges between 211 and 312 miles on a full charge, depending on the variant (Standard Range or Extended Range) and drivetrain (Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive).

Technology: The Mustang Mach-E features a 15.5-inch touchscreen, a user-friendly interface with Ford’s SYNC 4A system, and over-the-air software updates. It also integrates Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes advanced driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Charging: The Mach-E supports fast charging, allowing drivers to add significant range in a short amount of time. With the right charger, it can gain up to 61 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging.

Design: The Mach-E draws inspiration from the classic Mustang muscle car, featuring a sleek and sporty exterior. The interior combines luxury and practicality, with ample space for passengers and cargo, making it both a practical and thrilling vehicle.

With the Mustang Mach-E, Ford aims to appeal to a wide range of drivers looking for an electric vehicle that delivers both performance and sustainability.

The Ford F-150 Lightning, Rugged and Powerful

The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of Ford’s best-selling F-Series pickup truck, specifically the F-150. Launched in 2022, the Lightning blends the rugged capabilities of the traditional F-150 with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology, offering a powerful, sustainable alternative to conventional gas-powered trucks.

Key features of the Ford F-150 Lightning include:

Performance: The F-150 Lightning delivers impressive performance, with dual electric motors providing up to 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. This allows the Lightning to accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 4.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest trucks in its class. It offers both Standard Range and Extended Range battery options, with the latter providing a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds.

Range: Depending on the battery configuration, the F-150 Lightning offers a range between 230 miles (Standard Range) and 320 miles (Extended Range) on a full charge, making it suitable for both everyday use and long-distance trips.

Charging: The Lightning supports fast charging, enabling drivers to add up to 54 miles of range in 10 minutes using a high-speed DC fast charger. Ford has also developed its own charging network, including access to over 63,000 charging stations across North America, making it easier for Lightning owners to find charging locations.

Utility and Features: The F-150 Lightning retains the rugged utility of the traditional F-150, offering a large front trunk (frunk) with up to 400 liters of storage space, which is especially useful for carrying tools or other gear. It also features the Pro Power Onboard system, which can provide up to 9.6 kW of power to run appliances, power tools, or other devices directly from the truck.

Technology: The Lightning comes equipped with Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system, featuring a 15.5-inch touchscreen and advanced driver-assist systems such as BlueCruise for hands-free driving on certain highways. The truck also offers over-the-air software updates, ensuring it remains up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

Sustainability: As an all-electric vehicle, the F-150 Lightning significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to its gasoline counterparts. It’s part of Ford’s broader strategy to electrify its popular F-Series trucks, which have long been a mainstay of American pickups.

With the F-150 Lightning, Ford is aiming to redefine what a pickup truck can be, providing the power, versatility, and toughness that F-Series customers expect, but with the added benefits of electric efficiency and cutting-edge technology. It appeals to those who need a workhorse truck but are also committed to reducing their carbon footprint.