Connecticut EV road trip pairs fall foliage with charging showcase

The Clean Transportation Coalition – Western Connecticut is hosting its 4th Annual Leaf Peeping EV Road Trip and EV Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 24, with stops in Norwalk, Ridgefield and Kent. The event is designed to spotlight Route 7, electric-vehicle adoption and new charging access in northwest Connecticut.

Why it matters: - The event links EV education with a visible, public drive through western Connecticut, giving residents and media a hands-on look at electric driving. - The Kent stop highlights new charging access in northwest Connecticut as EV infrastructure expands along Route 7. - Route 7’s status as a federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridor makes the route a practical example of regional EV travel.

What happened: - The Clean Transportation Coalition – Western Connecticut is inviting the media and public to the 4th Annual Leaf Peeping EV Road Trip & EV Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 24. - The road trip runs from Norwalk to Kent along Route 7 and includes stops in Ridgefield. - Participants can join at any point on the route in an electric, hybrid or gasoline-powered vehicle.

The details: - The kickoff is scheduled for 9:00–9:30 a.m. at ShopRite, 360 Connecticut Avenue in Norwalk. - The Ridgefield EV Showcase runs from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Nod Hill Brewery, 137 Ethan Allen Highway. - The Ridgefield stop will let attendees meet EV owners, see electric vehicles and learn about the EV driving experience. - The Kent EV Gathering & Charging Celebration is set for 2:15 p.m. at Webster Bank, 50 North Main Street. - Kent’s newly installed Level 2 Voltpost charger will offer complimentary charging on Oct. 24 in celebration of the event. - Daphne Dixon, executive director of the Clean Transportation Coalition – Western Connecticut, will lead the drive in a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV from Karl Chevrolet. - Dixon has driven the vehicle across the country and on numerous regional road trips. - The coalition helped secure Route 7’s federal Alternative Fuel Corridor designation. - The event is meant to spotlight western Connecticut’s scenic landscapes, historic villages, restaurants, shops, parks and local businesses. - Drive Electric Connecticut is promoting connections to preferred EV dealers.

Between the lines: - The event is part road trip, part public demonstration of how EV travel works in a corridor that already has federal charging recognition. - The combination of foliage tourism, local businesses and charger access suggests the coalition is trying to make EVs feel practical, not niche. - The Kent charger promotion also gives the event a concrete infrastructure angle beyond publicity.

What's next: - Media interviews are available with Daphne Dixon, EV owners and participating drivers. - Coverage opportunities include vehicle photography, scenic fall driving footage and Kent’s new charging infrastructure. - The coalition says the event will help people experience electric driving while celebrating western Connecticut destinations. - Media inquiries and interview arrangements can be made with Daphne Dixon at 203-536-4695 or Daphne@livegreenct.org. - More information is available through Dixon’s social profiles on LinkedIn and Facebook.

The bottom line: - Western Connecticut is using a fall foliage drive to showcase EVs, charging access and Route 7 as a real-world electric travel corridor.