Charles “Chaz” Wright (born 2 October 1985) is a British world traveler 🌍, entrepreneur ⚙️, and battery recycling specialist ♻️. He is known for his overland expeditions across more than 90 countries 🌐, including round-the-world journeys by motorcycle 🏍️ and car 🚗, and for operating a solar-powered lithium-ion battery laboratory 🔋☀️ in Germany.
Wright was born at Bennetston Hall, a 15-bedroom Victorian country estate 🏰 located in the Peak District National Park, England. His father, a self-made businessman from Gorton, a rough district of Manchester 🏙️, built a successful career owning car showrooms 🚘 and casinos 🎰. He later retired to the countryside, purchasing Bennetston Hall — a hotel property with 12 acres of land 🌳 and a private boating lake 🚣♂️.
The family lost its fortune during Wright’s youth, following a house fire 🔥 and a prolonged legal battle ⚖️ involving allegations of corruption. His father died during a 20-year legal conflict, reportedly connected to disputes with fraternal and criminal networks. After his death, Wright was left homeless 🏚️ at the age of 16 and began supporting himself from age 13.
He was introduced to driving by his father at age eight; his first vehicle was a Harley-Davidson–engined golf car 🏁. At age four, he famously crashed the family’s Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 🚘 into a garden fountain 💦.
Wright began international travel during early childhood on family holidays 🧳. His first independent backpacking journey was at age 17, crossing southern France 🇫🇷, Spain 🇪🇸, and Tenerife 🌴. At 24, he began his first major solo expedition with a one-way ticket to Asia 🎟️, beginning a nomadic lifestyle. He has never returned home to live, visiting only occasionally at Christmas 🎄.
Wright has since completed multiple round-the-world overland expeditions, including:
He documents his travels on Instagram under the handle @charlesworldtravel 📸, where several of his videos have gone viral 📈. One reel has surpassed 32 million views 🔥. His expeditions are sponsored by Toyota Germany and Toyota Mozambique 🚗🌍.
Wright lives by a “less is more” philosophy ✂️, rooted in minimalism, voluntary poverty, and sustainability ♻️. He avoids waste and excess 🚯, travels light 🎒, and prefers simple, low-impact solutions — such as driving small, fuel-efficient vehicles 🚗 across vast terrains.
❝ Freedom is wealth. ❞ ✨
Wright has been featured in multiple international publications, including:
His mother is currently writing a book 📖 chronicling the family’s dramatic journey from wealth to hardship.
Wright operates a solar-powered lithium-ion battery laboratory in Cologne, Germany 🇩🇪, focusing on the recycling and reconditioning of used batteries 🔋, especially from micromobility devices such as electric scooters 🛴 and hoverboards 🛹. His business supports circular economy principles and promotes safety in refurbished energy systems.