IBM technology drives GM Volt

New electric vehicle is a jewel in IBM smarter products crown

GM is transforming its organization and the way it develops and delivers cars with IBM’s help. Designed and developed with more than 10 million lines of code – more than any rocket launched into Space – the GM Volt is the new extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) on the market, thanks to IBM.

Using IBM Rational Software technology, with battery testing performed on an IBM Supercomputer based on IBM POWER7 technology, GM is utilizing a software-centric platform that allows it to standardize vehicle designs on fewer software tools utilizing a common, collaborative design process that allows global engineering teams to work together more effectively. The result is quicker response to consumer demands and slashing new vehicle development time in half. With IBM’s help, GM designed and engineered the Volt in 29 months, compared to the auto industry’s typical five to 10-year, or longer, development cycle for new vehicle technologies.

"We haven’t done a vehicle this complex in the history of GM,” said Micky Bly, executive director of electrical systems, hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries at GM. “The software – the control side – is what ties together the mechanical components. It really is the heart and soul of how the car performs.”

Equipped with its own IP address and smartphone-inspired built-in controls, each Volt has the ability to download its own software updates without trips to dealers. This technology not only makes the vehicles smarter, but it saves consumers’ time since a significant amount of the time the average car currently spends in the dealership is for software updates.

“IBM is focused on providing our clients with capabilities that enable them to transform the way they develop and design not just the products they deliver, but innovate in the markets in which they compete,” said Robert LeBlanc, senior vice president, Middleware Software, IBM. “The Chevy Volt represents the convergence of the manufacturing and digital environments that are at the core of building smarter products.”

IBM supercomputers were used to test the Volt's battery packs, providing the high performance the test teams needed to meet thousands of specifications and validate each of the Volt battery’s 161 components. The supercomputer supported tests on the battery in areas like short circuit, corrosion, dust, impact, water submersion, crush and penetration, and extreme temperature variations.

That innovation was on full display when the General Motors ‘Volt Unplugged’ tour rolled into IBM’s Research Triangle Park campus. As the only corporate stop on the 12-city tour, more than 650 members of the IBM workforce were on hand to experience the power and innovation of the IBM technology that built the Volt. In addition to viewing demonstrations and test-driving the new Volt, GM executive director Micky Bly and IBM executives Robert LeBlanc and Gina Poole were on hand to talk to employees about the partnership between the two companies that embodies the convergence of the manufacturing and digital environments that are at the heart of a smarter planet.

For more information about the GM Volt and IBM’s role in developing, building and testing the vehicle, please click here.

“The GM Volt is a premier example of a smarter product or ‘system of systems’ that integrates the electric drive system with powertrain and body controllers,” said Gina Poole, vice president of marketing, IBM Rational Software.