This trailer promotes Charge Around The Globe, a new adventure docuseries that follows record-breaking traveler Lexie Limitless on an extraordinary journey to circumnavigate the globe in an electric vehicle–traveling over 30,000 kilometers across six continents, all in pursuit of one world record. The three-part series on Prime Video in the U.K. showcases the capabilities of modern electric vehicles while immersing viewers in the numerous experiences and challenges Lexie encounters throughout her journey. As she navigates various challenges throughout her trip, Charge Around the Globe serves as a testament to the spirit of exploration. Ford, Wieden+Kennedy London and WracK teamed on the series.
The documentary aims to address the primary concern hindering many consumers from transitioning to electric: doubts about the range and capability of electric vehicles. As a 120-year-old brand, Ford looked to its past as inspiration for the switch that’s taking place today. Over a century ago, pioneering explorer Aloha Wanderwell set off from Nice at the age of 16 to become the first woman to drive around the world in a Ford Model T. Now, in 2024, we get to see Lexie, the youngest person to visit every country in the world, take to the wheel of the electric Ford Explorer, reinventing that historic journey for a new generation. Along the way, she meets extraordinary people, navigates difficult terrains, and faces the challenges of a constantly evolving charging infrastructure that puts her to the test.
“Charge Around The Globe has been the ultimate test drive for our new electric Ford Explorer. We took on every kind of weather and road condition and dealt with just about every charging scenario. The journey embodies the true ‘can do’ spirit of Lexie, the Explorer, and Ford, whilst celebrating an amazing pioneer of her time, Aloha Wanderwell. We have proved what is possible in an electric vehicle and hope this story reaches a wider audience and helps unleash a bit more ‘can do’ in all of us,” stated Pete Zillig, marketing director, Ford of Europe.
In Charge Around the Globe, viewers join Lexie on her world record attempt, starting in episode 1 from Nice, France, to Mombasa, Kenya, where she navigates both the highs and challenges, including the complexities of electric vehicle infrastructure. Episodes 2 and 3 take her through Australia, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, where she encounters inspiring trailblazers and overcomes new obstacles, all while racing to secure her world record.
Bringing Charge Around the Globe to life presented myriad challenges over the course of its one-and-a-half-year development, pre-production, shoot, and postproduction period. Throughout Lexie’s journey, 27 countries were visited across nearly 200 days on the road, with the goal to circumnavigate the globe from West to East, starting and ending in Nice, France, while meeting target mileage and adhering to strict record-setting criteria1 . This involved careful planning by a quick and nimble production team, considering travel directions and route mileage, as well as the need to showcase inspiring individuals, and ensure Lexie’s wellbeing. Key logistical considerations included securing permits, insurance, visas, and vehicle transport, managing car charging logistics, and navigating weather and road conditions for safety, among others.
Executing the docuseries was a monumental undertaking, showcasing Ford’s ambition and scale. Initially conceived by AMV BBDO (Ford’s previous creative agency), Wieden+Kennedy London planned, produced, and documented the world record-breaking journey through its in-house production studio, WracK. W+K was responsible for developing the narrative and title of Charge Around the Globe and producing the series in collaboration with director Chris Faith and executive producer and format creator Mark Saben, both BAFTA winners.
“This was the ultimate test—not just for the Ford Explorer EV, but for the future of electric travel. Lexie and the Ford Explorer EV exceeded every expectation, even breaking a world record along the way,” said David Colman, creative director at Wieden+Kennedy London. “World records don’t come easy, and this journey pushed everything—including our production capabilities—to new heights. None of it would have been possible without the incredible teamwork between Ford, Lexie, Mark, Chris, and all our creative partners who brought this series to life.”
“It’s exciting to bring an automotive campaign to life where the vehicle is confident enough to step back, enabling someone from the audience to take on a challenge of this scale,” said Curro de la Villa, creative director at Wieden+Kennedy London, “Instead of simply telling the story of the car, we get to show what the vehicle is capable of in 200-day journey real-world conditions. From the start, we set out to make something we’d want to watch ourselves—content that makes you stop and stay to watch along.”
Now streaming on Prime Video in the U.K., Charge Around the Globe is also available on YouTube.
