In a summer of negative natural world records caused by climate change, a trio of drivers in the UK broke three new records to raise awareness about e-mobility and green driving. Their formula: detailed planning and testing, ongoing enthusiasm and support from one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers.
Fergal McGrath (Ireland), Kevin Booker (UK) and Adam Wood (UK) drove a fully electric Mustang Mach-E on the famous route from John o’Groats to Land’s End (between the two extremes on the island of Great Britain).
The trip broke three Guinness World Record titles for driving John o ‘Groats to Land’s End in an electric car:
- Lowest energy consumption – 9,500.796 W.hrs / 100km
- Shortest charging time – 43 minutes and 13 seconds
- Fewest charging stops – 1
The first attempt – for lowest energy consumption – took place on 3rd / 4th July 2021. Kevin Booker and Fergal McGrath were joined by BBC South traffic correspondent Paul Clifton (UK). The 840 mile (1,350 km) journey took 27 hours. To save energy, the air conditioning and radio were switched off. The team drove through rain, wind and shine, with the BBC documenting the entire adventure.
The second attempt took place on August 31st – September 1st, 2021. The trio McGrath, Booker and Wood managed to break two more new records – for shortest loading time and the fewest charging stops.
We spoke to McGrath about the idea behind the trials, the challenges and his love for record breaking.
How do you prepare for a record like this?
First, we’ve formed the core team of drivers with a similar mindset about efficiency. Next, it was important to find the most capable car, and it was clear that the Mustang Mach-E had very strong references. We contacted Oliver Rowe from Ford and he loved the idea as the timing worked well with the car’s launch in the UK.
So the first meetings with the Guinness World Records (GWR) team were arranged and the test dates were set in the calendar. Several video call meetings were held with significant technical assistance from Ford Dunton, Ford Germany, the AA and Intrepid Control Systems who brought in their data logging equipment and expertise. Every detail was planned, discussed and fine-tuned.
We had tested the car several weeks before the actual record attempt – we experimented to find the optimal point for efficiency and tested the fast charging and possible problems in practice. Co-pilot Kevin Booker also took part in a driving range record over 24 hours on one charge in advance to refine his environmentally friendly driving skills and improve his endurance.
We also had to rerun the record attempt as some key evidence of one of the records was missing the first time. The second attempt presented an opportunity to win a third GWR title, an opportunity that could not be denied.
What was your favorite part of the trip?
Drive from John O’Groats through the highlands along the coast road to Inverness. The sun was shining and the mood was high and the excited feeling of being part of a special GWR attempt. Another special memory was the entrance to Land’s End while the crowd cheered at the destination sign. With the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) to be held in Glasgow later this year, it seemed like the right time to raise awareness of advanced electric vehicle technology and zero tailpipe emissions.
What was the hardest part of the trip?
We set the loading time limits with a very small margin of safety in order to enable the best possible recording. We had very bad weather in Devon and Cornwall, which affected the driving range, so there was a risk that we would run out of charge before the finish. For the last 10 miles in Land’s End, the car said it was out of charge and the warning lights were blinking.
What are your top tips for fuel efficient driving?
The race wins slowly and steadily. Plan your journey, do not accelerate or brake too hard, because smoothness is the greatest key to saving energy and fuel. Make sure your car is well maintained and the tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
Setting a world record with the new Ford Mustang Mach-E was an important part of our go-to-market plans. Ford’s own consumer research, Go Electric, found that the average range of electric cars is less than 250 miles. Only six percent of the public believed that a car could go 250 miles or more. The official range of Mach-E is 379 miles and we have not only managed to demonstrate this as easily as possible in daily use, but also break the record by reaching over 500 miles on a single charge. The record-breaking car attracted crowds at a dozen shows and other events over the summer – said Oliver Rowe, Ford Product Affairs Manager, who project-driven the trials by providing the car and technical support
Were you a fan of GWR growing up and did you ever imagine breaking a record?
Yes, we always got the books and I loved reading about different and crazy records that have been made all over the world. I am currently the very proud owner of five Guinness World Records titles.
What do your family and friends think of your success?
My children, Tom and Rose, are very proud and really enjoy reading the GWR books. Family and friends in the UK have been very supportive all along. My family and friends in Ireland were also very impressed – so much so that I appeared in the local paper!
Are there any plans to break more records?
Yes, I would like to break even more records with electric vehicles because I think it’s important to convey the message of how good these cars have become. I have initial plans for a coast-to-coast in the United States and hopefully that can be done in 2022.
I would also like to try a record with my kids when they get a little older.
What would you say to someone who has never driven an electric car?
Take a test drive and you’ll be amazed at how good they turned out. The costs will go down and they will be more affordable in the future. Going back to a gasoline or diesel car after driving an electric car is a bit like going back to a smoking pub.
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