Daphne Dixon, Executive Director and Co-founder of Live Green Connecticut, is embarking on an electrifying journey across the United States. Thanks to Karl Chevrolet in New Canaan, CT, which has generously provided her with a brand-new 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS, Daphne is hitting the open road to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption and sustainability. Buckle up as we follow her coast-to-coast adventure!

From New Canaan to Tacoma:  Daphne Dixon’s Mission

Daphne Dixon’s mission is clear: she aims to raise awareness about EVs, showcase their benefits, and inspire others to make the switch. Her journey began in New Canaan, Connecticut, where she charged up her Equinox EV—a symbol of clean energy and innovation. From there, she set her sights on the Pacific coast, with Tacoma, Washington, as her final destination. You can follow Daphne on LinkedIn.  And you can check out the full list of the 2024 Coast-to-Coast EV Road Trip Schedule of Events.

Daphne in her 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS giving the thumbs up as she leaves Karl Chevrolet in New Canaan, CT

Daphne has the following objectives for this trip:

1. Development of model EV Zoning Regulations for local municipalities
2. Development of EV Charging Station Site Assessment standards
3. Complete at least one EV Charging Station Assessment at each stop along the way.
4. Identify current problems with the EV Charging User Experience
5. Identify EV Zoning Regulations that address problems of accessibility
6. Share Solutions with Local Coalitions & Municipality officials

Life on the EV Highway: Social Media Updates

1. Facebook: Life on the EV Highway

Follow Daphne’s journey on the Life on the EV Highway Facebook page. This page provides real-time updates, photos, and insights from the road. Whether she’s exploring charging stations, meeting fellow EV enthusiasts, or sharing scenic views, Daphne keeps her followers engaged.

First stop …. Boston, MA

2. Instagram: @KarlChevyCT

Along the way, Karl Chevrolet will be posting a series of updates we’re calling “Where in the USA is Daphne today?” ….. follow us to stay up to date and learn about some sights and cities you may not have visited but may want to soon!

3. Equinox EV RS: Key Features

The new Chevrolet Equinox EV is America’s most affordable 315+ mile range EV, offering an impressive array of standard features and opening up a whole new world of electric driving to consumers everywhere.

• The Future is Electric …. and Economical!  Explore how Chevrolet is making EV ownership and driving more affordable than you’d ever guess.
• Range: The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS boasts an impressive range of 319 miles on a single charge. That means Daphne can cover substantial distances without worrying about running out of battery power.
• Charging Speed: Equipped with DC fast-charging capabilities, the Equinox EV RS can recharge in less than 20 minutes, getting Daphne back on the road swiftly.
• Interior Comfort: With spacious seating for five passengers and ample cargo volume, Daphne enjoys both comfort and practicality during her cross-country adventure.
• Safety Features: Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, and multiple airbags all work to ensure Daphne’s safety throughout her journey.
• Super Cruise: Daphne’s Equinox RS is equipped with GM’s advanced Super Cruise hands-free driving capabilities.  Will she give Super Cruise a try?  Stay tuned to find out!

4. Google On-Board Infotainment System

Daphne’s Equinox EV RS comes equipped with Google built-in technology. Here’s how it enhances her journey:

• Google Assistant: Daphne can control her GM vehicle with her voice, adjusting settings like HVAC and accessing real-time information.
• Google Maps Integration: Seamlessly integrated with Google Maps, Daphne receives live traffic updates, locates charging stations, and even finds Super Cruise (TM)-compatible roads
• EV Routing: The system provides specific EV routing, ensuring Daphne takes optimal routes based on charging availability

5. Tesla Supercharger Network Integration

Chevrolet is bridging the gap between its EVs and Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network. The Official GM NACS Adapter, which will soon be available to order, will allow GM EV owners to access over 15,000 Supercharger stations. Starting in 2024, compatible GM EVs gain access to Tesla’s network via this adapter, and by 2025, GM will fit the NACS inlet directly to its vehicles, eliminating the need for an adapter.

6. Karl Chevrolet’s Involvement and Commitment to Sustainable Solutions

Why is Karl Chevrolet involved with this Cross-Country Road trip? Locally, we are committed to helping to make the EV life more convenient and hassle-free for all drivers. That’s why, for many years, we have sponsored local events like the Annual Westport EV Road Rally and the installation of public charging stations at various locations around Fairfield County, including at the Tri-Town Teachers Federal Credit Union in Westport, Norwalk Community College in Norwalk, and the New Canaan YMCA in New Canaan.  While most EV charging takes place in private home garages overnight, there are occasions when an EV driver needs a ‘charge on the road’.  Having the visibility of public charging stations locally is one way to reassure EV drivers that there will be other public charging stations along the way should they decide to take a longer trip. One of the first things we hear from customers who are considering the purchase or lease of an EV is always about Range Anxiety (also known as the fear of running out of charge….. or, the fear that you can’t get from here to there, wherever ‘there’ may be).  On the question of Range Anxiety, we can emphatically say:

• Today’s EV’s, particularly GM’s new Ultium Battery powered models like the Chevy Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV, all have exceptional range – most over 300 miles on a charge, with the Silverado EV now up to 450 miles on a charge which is one of the longest-range EV models available on the market today.
• The speed of charging has been improving rapidly, with the Ultium battery pack now capable of adding 70 miles of range in just 10 minutes on a Fast Charger.
• The availability of high quality, functional public charging is increasing on an exponential basis, with new charging stations beginning added weekly across the country.  And within months, Chevrolet EVs will have access to the Tesla Super Charger network, adding significantly more opportunities to recharge on the road.
• Chevrolet’s newest EV models come standard with location-based charging powered by Google maps. This intuitive software knows the current range of your EV’s battery, and it knows your home location. Whenever you are traveling more than half of the range away from home, the software knows that you’ll need to get a charge along the way to get you back home. So, Google maps instinctively suggest places for you to plug-in.  It’s just another example of how driving an EV is becoming easier than ever!

This Cross-Country EV Road trip is designed to help dispel some of the myths that long-distance EV driving is not possible, because today, it is!  And it will keep getting more and more convenient and hassle-free.

Daphne Dixon’s cross-country EV road trip is more than just a drive—it’s a movement. As she charges through America’s heartland, she’s charging up conversations about sustainability, innovation, and the future of transportation. Follow her journey, join the conversation, and let’s accelerate towards a greener tomorrow!  Karl Chevrolet is proud to sponsor this EV Road Trip and help Daphne prove that today’s EV’s are ready for anything. #TogetherLetsDrive #LifeOnTheEVHighway