The announcement of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt highlights the recent work between General Motors and IBM, showcasing the Rational products used to develop the software system on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. GM is one of the first U.S.-based automobile manufacturers to produce a next-generation "plug-in, range-extended electric vehicle." It is directly propelled by an electric motor, for up to 40 miles, with a gasoline engine that will drive the vehicle up to an additional 300 miles. The Chevy Volt features 10,000 lines of code, and each car has its own IP address. IBM's software and simulation tools helped GM engineers develop the software in the advanced control systems on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, which was designed and engineered in just 29 months, a record for GM, a company spokesman said. GM engineers used IBM products to develop some of the Volt's critical electronic controls for the vehicle's innovative battery system, electric drive unit and cabin electronics. The Volt's unique propulsion system required the design of an unprecedented "system of systems," centered on software that seamlessly integrates the Volt's 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack with its highly sophisticated electric drive system. IBM Rational software tools were used to help GM engineers model the interactions of the Volt's embedded systems, helping to increase the quality and efficiency in developing this systems approach.
IBM, GM Collaborate on Technology for Chevrolet Volt Electric Car
Posted on Friday Nov 5th 2010 by Darryl K. Taft. Filed under: Application Development
IBM, GM Collaborate on Technology for Chevrolet Volt Electric Car
by Darryl K. Taft
IBM and GM Ride TogetherIBM's Robert LeBlanc, , senior vice president of middleware software at IBM, takes the driver's seat as Micky Bly, General Motors' executive director of global electrical systems, hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries, rides along. GM built the Chevy Volt in record time using IBM's Rational software.
Smarter PlanetThe Chevy Volt is the kind of product IBM hopes to help its customers create using the company's Smarter Planet strategy, tools and systems.
Crowd-PleaserThe Chevy Volt appears to be a crowd-pleaser as IBM employees gawk at the automobile.
Micky BlyGM executive Bly introduces the Chevy Volt at an event at IBM's Research Triangle Park facility Nov. 1.
Robert LeBlancIBM executive LeBlanc discusses IBM's role in the making of the Chevy Volt.
Handshake
LeBlanc and Bly shake hands over their companies' mutual success with the Chevy Volt.
Packed CrowdThe parking lot at IBM's Research Triangle Park Software Group facility is packed with folks who came to see the new Chevy Volt.
The FirstThe first Chevy Volt in line for test drives pulls around awaiting a driver.
Side ViewA side view of the Chevy Volt. Note the round cover for the electric charging socket in front of the driver's side door.
ChargingA view of a Chevy Volt charging.
Charge It!A Chevy Volt taking a charge before hitting the road.
Back View ChargeThe rear view of a Chevy Volt electric car charging. Notice the Michigan license plates. These cars just came off the manufacturing floor.
Four-Seater
The Chevy Volt offers a full four seats.
The ChargerPictured here is the Chevy Volt charging supply source.
Battery IndicatorA view of the battery power available to the car on the auto's console.
Climate ControlA view of the climate control system on the Volt's console.
SpeedometerA look at the Chevy Volt speedometer.
Charge ModeA view of the charging mode and how long it will take until the battery is fully charged.
Under the HoodHere is a view of what it looks like under the hood of the 2011 Chevy Volt.
A Closer LookThe Chevy Volt engine in greater detail.
PacesIBMers put the Chevy Volt through its paces, kicking the tires and checking out its look and feel.
Back SeatHere is a look at the back seat in the Chevy Volt.
Charger StorageThe Chevy Storage charger in its storage compartment under the rear hatch.
The RulesA GM staffer holds a placard displaying the rules for test driving the car.
The QueueIBM's RTP staffers line up to take a test drive in a Chevy Volt.
Gas OptionThis view of the Chevy Volt shows the door to the gas tank behind the rear passenger door, as the car also runs on gasoline when the electricity is off.
Scale ModelA scale model of the IBM RTP facilities and a view of the test driving course for the Chevy Volt.
OnStarThe Chevy Volt comes with OnStar as a standard feature. With the Volt's iPhone app and OnStar, users can remotely turn on and warm up their cars, among other things.
Keyless StartAlthough the Chevy Volt supports keyless ignition startup, it also features a key fob with an alarm system.
Development LaneIBM's Software Group has a sense of humor when naming roads on its RTP campus. The building where IBM showed off its collaboration with GM resides near the intersection of IBM Drive and Development Lane.
IBM Research Triangle ParkThe entrance to the IBM RTP facility.
IBM DashboardA view of the display of the Chevy Volt dashboard.
Chevy Volt BatteryThe 2011 Chevrolet Volt's lithium-ion battery.
Battery Interior
A cross-section view of the Chevy Volt battery in the car.
Volt InteriorAnother look at the interior of the 2011 Chevy Volt.
Assembly LineA Chevy Volt in production on GM's assembly line.
