How General Motors Is Converting to Electric Vehicles

Automakers

Whether you’re running errands or commuting to work, you have probably noticed the increased presence of electric cars on the road. Despite the recent coronavirus pandemic, electric car sales have been on the rise. Just last year, global sales rose by 43%, which equates to more than three million electric cars sold in 2020.

Even the steep prices of some electric vehicles have not deterred people from giving them a go. The technology behind these vehicles seems to justify and outweigh their higher purchase cost. After all, electric cars are extremely quiet, generate no pollution and have no gas fuel costs. The latter means that buyers save money they would otherwise spend on gas.

As the world continues to move toward a safer and greener future, the goal of the automotive industry is to spearhead this movement by producing millions of electric vehicles, with vehicle options for every type of person and business.

GM Is on Its Way to an All-Electric Future

General Motors, one of the manufacturers trying to lead the charge in electric vehicle technology, is committed to releasing 30 new global electric vehicles by 2025. GM is shaping up to be one of the trailblazers in designing, engineering and producing EVs for every style and customer. The company is building a competitive advantage in batteries, software, vehicle integration, manufacturing and customer experience.

The Detroit automaker has adopted a bold all-or-nothing strategy. GM has set an ambitious target to completely phase out gas and diesel engines for all light-duty vehicles by 2035. Additionally, 2035 will also be the year when GM goes completely carbon neutral at all facilities worldwide.

GM’s Ultium Batteries and Platform

GM’s focus on innovation and efficiency may be what sets them apart from competitors. The manufacturer’s Ultium batteries are big step forward in the EV industry. These large-format, pouch-style batteries can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack. This can significantly optimize battery energy storage and layout for different vehicles, such as Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC.

The battery packs can house six, eight, 10, 12 or up to 24 modules depending on what the vehicle type requires. This grants more freedom in the product design process. With no need to design around gas tanks, engines, radiators or exhaust pipes, the Ultium battery packs can be arranged to optimize the vehicle’s design, comfort, quality of driving and storage.

Moreover, Ultium energy options range from 50 to 200 kWh, which could enable an estimated range of up to 400 miles or more on a full charge and 0 to 60 mph acceleration in as little as 3 seconds.

As GM further improves their Ultium battery solution, vehicles manufactured with them will be increasingly efficient, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and benefit from prolonged battery life.

GM Fleet

GM’s plans to go all electric include enticing businesses to transition from traditional fleet vehicles to electric vehicles only. No matter their size or segment, GM promises businesses many benefits to investing in their products:

  • Versatile electric vehicles for any business segment
  • Front, rear and all-wheel drive options
  • Low battery costs
  • Outstanding vehicle performance

GM’s multi-faceted strategy emphasizes cost efficiency. As long as electricity continues to be more affordable than fossil fuels, electric fleet vehicles that boast adequate range will become increasingly appealing.

Shop for Used Electric Vehicles at Easterns Automotive Group

Have you considered test driving an EV to see what the hype is all about? Or maybe you’ve already made the decision to transition from a fuel-powered vehicle to an electric-powered car?

Whether you’re just curious or are resolute in your decision, Easterns Automotive offers a diverse array of used electric and hybrid cars for you to explore.

If you’re in Maryland, Virginia or the DMV, call us at call us at (877) 867-0641 or visit one of our dealership locations.

Pay It Forward – Blessings Box

Community, Uncategorized,

Residents in a Capitol Heights neighborhood joined together to create what they call the “Blessing Box.” It is a large box in their community full of food for others to take when in need. Maureen Umeh met with two community members to learn more about the different things they do to help each other. One neighbor shared that she has a garden and often gives away fresh vegetables to others in the community.

Inspired by these neighbors coming together to help one another Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group joined with a special surprise, “You guys show that blessings begin with a heart to give! We want to be a blessing to you and your neighbors by giving each household a $100 gift card to help with their Thanksgiving day shopping!” The neighbors lit up with joy and excitement as they heard the good news!

Helping Hands – St. Stephens Baptist Church & Project Bright Future

Community, Uncategorized,

Every Tuesday, St. Stephens Baptist Church in Temple Hills has a massive food distribution for those in need in the community. “We’re excited about serving the community. We’ve got all kinds of food. We’ve got produce. We’ve got chicken. We’ve got pork chops, apples. We’ve got sweet potatoes, and we’re giving it all away until it’s gone. We do it every Tuesday consistently,” said Bishop Lanier Twyman, Sr., Senior Pastor at St. Stephens Baptist Church.

Driven by volunteers, they have about 60 volunteers every week to help distribute food but could use the help of others. Serving the community doesn’t stop with food distribution. About ten years ago, St. Stephens Baptist Church in Temple Hills, Maryland, started a mentor program called “Project Bright Future.” The program mentors young children and prepares them to be a better part of their community and pursue college degrees.

Their great deeds of service got the attention of our 7News Helping Hands campaign.

Joel Bassam joined virtually to share a special message for St. Stephens Baptist Church, “Hi there, I’m Joel Bassam from Easterns Automotive Group. We were blown away by what you guys are trying to do—feeding people and giving people clothes. Helping them in any way they need without anything in return is the best way to give. We want to help you continue to do that by donating $2,000, so you can continue to help those in the community. Thank you,”

Blown away by this donation, St. Stephens Baptist Church cheered in excitement! We are honored to be able to help such a fantastic cause.

Helping Hands: Ellie’s Hats

Community, Uncategorized

Ellie was a kindergartner at Jay Coakley’s school diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the spring of 2013. She had lost most of her hair by the time she was in kindergarten and wore hats every day to school.

Coakley bought her many hats and later set up a non-profit organization called Ellie’s Hats to help other pediatric patients. “What I learned along the way is the hats are great for the kids,” Coakley said. “But there is a financial burden from families due to their child being treated for cancer.”

Ellie’s Hats has evolved beyond hats to support families financially. Through Ellie’s Hats, they created a program that gives $1,000 to 5 families in need a month and has helped 175 families with a monetary donation.

As a part of this 7 News Helping Hands, Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group joined with a special surprise for Jay Coakley and Ellie’s Hats.

“Ellie’s Hats is such an amazing story, started by helping one person and blossoming into a way to help as many people as possible by granting wishes,” Bassam said. “The way you are sticking to your singular goal of brightening a child’s day is incredible. We want to help you continue to do that by donating $2,000 to your cause to continue to brighten as many kids’ days as possible. Continue doing the amazing work.”

Instead of helping five families next month, this allows them to help seven. They have currently given away $150,000 to families in need, which puts them one step closer to their goal of giving away $200,000!

Helping Hands: Operation Renewed Hope Foundation

Community, Uncategorized,

The Fairfax County non-profit, Operation Renewed Hope Foundation, is on a mission to end veteran homelessness by helping veterans get back on their feet, one home at a time.

Deborah Snyder is a former army helicopter pilot and the President of Operation Renewed Hope Foundation. She says the work to end veteran homelessness never stops, and giving back is in her blood. In this Helping Hands segment, she is renovating a four-bedroom home for a veteran family.

Snyder’s dedication to helping veterans led Easterns Automotive Group to make the non-profit a 7 News Helping Hands recipient. 7 News met with her inside the Alexandria home that she will be giving to the next veteran family on Veteran’s Day.

“What Operation Renewed Hope Foundation is doing, providing quality housing for the nation’s veterans who are experiencing homelessness, is incredible,” Bassam said. “We want to help you continue to break that cycle for those who have selflessly served this nation by donating $2,000 to your cause. Please continue doing the amazing work that you are doing and helping those who are in need.”

“Usually, it’s us giving the surprise to the veterans, but thank you so much to Easterns for the surprise. This is fantastic!” Snyder laughed.
Snyder.

Helping Hands: Aaliyah in Action

Community, Uncategorized,

A former Washington, D.C. teacher who delivered a stillborn baby last year is now on a journey herself to help others. Having lost her own child in December 2020, Elizabeth O’Donnell launched a nonprofit called Aaliyah in Action to assist mothers who have lost a child at birth. O’Donnell explained that she is now a stillbirth advocate full-time.

The organization partners with local hospitals to provide free self-care packages to families grieving. Most of the items in the box are items from local businesses or items created by families who have experienced loss. Supporting small businesses was also very important to O’Donnell as she gathered ideas for what to include in the boxes. Each box has a pair of fuzzy socks, lip balm, a face mask, and lavender shower steamers.

“They are not meant to make anybody feel better because that’s not possible,” O’Donnell said. “But it’s a gentle hug from someone who knows the pain.”

From Easterns Automotive Group, Joel Bassam learned about O’Donnell’s work in the community and decided to make her a 7News Helping Hands recipient.

“When Helping Hands brought us the story of the way you have turned this life experience of a way to help other individuals who are going through something so traumatic, we were blown away. We want to donate $2,000 to Aaliyah in Action to help support those individuals going through this terrible time, help them take the next steps in their lives with the boxes you are giving to them, and the bereavement support as well.”

Elizabeth was blown away and shared that this donation would help her reach more families and hospitals.

Meet the Easterns Team: Michael Johnson

Uncategorized

Meet Sales Manager Michael Johnson! He has been with the Easterns team for seven years and enjoys working at Easterns because of its fun culture and family atmosphere.

Outside of Easterns he loves being a husband and a father to his 18-year-old, 10-year-old, and 6-year-old. They enjoy creating art, going to museums and sporting events, specifically the Washington Football Team because they are big fans.

When helping customers find the perfect car, Micheal explained the goal is always to help them find a vehicle that fits their needs. “We never want our customers to go into debt, so we want to find something that best fits them.”

Thanks for being a part of the Easterns family, Michael! We appreciate all of your hard work at Easterns of Baltimore!

Helping Hands – Homes Not Borders

Community, Uncategorized,

Recently an empty Maryland apartment was transformed into a home for two women to start their new life in the U.S. If it weren’t for volunteers and Homes Not Borders, they would come home to an empty apartment. Homes Not Borders’ mission is to provide the refugee, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), and asylum-seeking population of the D.C. area with what they need to thrive and feel at home in the United States.

Laura Osuri, the groups executive director, said her home setups for those in need tripled as Afghan refugees entered the United States and continue to be in high demand.

Moved by the hard work Homes Not Borders has put into making sure the families are comfortable in their new homes, Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group joined with a special surprise.

“We were blown away by what you were able to achieve at Homes Not Borders, helping individuals and families when they need it most by helping them find homes and employment. It’s absolutely incredible,” said Joel Bassam with Easterns Automotive Group. “We wanted to donate $2,000 to your cause to help those most in need. Continue to do everything you are doing.”

Laura was overwhelmed by Eastern’s generous gift. “It’s wonderful,” she replied. “We are looking to hire more staff. We have a lot to do, so this can help with that.”

Meet the Easterns Team: Jared Gos

Uncategorized

Meet more of our Easterns family! Jared Gos has been with the Easterns Automotive Group of Baltimore team for a year and a half now, but he has been helping customers find the right vehicle for three years!

Jared is a big fan of Mazdas, especially the Mazda 6. His favorite car feature is Apply Play because of how easy it makes his life while driving.

Jared loves to play the latest video games in his free time and has found a gym buddy in fellow Easterns team member Justin Wells. “The big difference from other dealerships is the people. Everybody that works here is good people, and I get along with them,” says Jared about his favorite part working at Easterns.

We are proud to have Jared on our team! Thank you for all of your hard work and for giving our customers the best car buying experience!

Pay It Forward – Manizi Azizi Helps Families Who Fled Afghanistan

Community, Uncategorized,

For the past month, thousands of Afghans have been fleeing Afghanistan. Some of these refugees are starting a new life here in America with nothing but a Maryland resident named Manizha Aziz has decided to pay it forward and help.

Aziz understood how these families felt since she came to this country as a refugee with her family years ago. She first volunteered with local groups and helped distribute donated items, but soon, refugees reached out to her directly because she spoke Farsi.

They felt comfortable with Aziz because she was once in their shoes. Aziz worked for weeks and had a trailer full of items ready for the families until it was stolen from a parking lot in College Park, Maryland. 

Aziz didn’t let that stop her with the help of family and friends; she started over and began to collect more donations and distribute items needed to families. Many families asked for things like diapers and winter clothes because of the upcoming winter months, and that has been her current goal.  

Heartbroken by what happened to Aziz’s trailer, we wanted to help replace some of the stolen items. Joel Bassam, President of Easterns Automotive Group, told Azizi that the company would be donating to help clear her wish list on Amazon. Manizha was speechless and grateful as she received the check for $2,000.

If you know someone who should be featured on Pay It Forward, you can nominate them by emailing wttgpayitforward@foxtv.com. In your message, be sure to include who they are and why they deserve to be recognized.