IBM, GM Collaborate on Technology for Chevrolet Volt Electric Car

by Darryl K. Taft

IBM’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.

The Chevy Volt is the kind of product IBM hopes to help its customers create using the company’s Smarter Planet strategy, tools and systems.

The Chevy Volt appears to be a crowd-pleaser as IBM employees gawk at the automobile.

GM executive Bly introduces the Chevy Volt at an event at IBM’s Research Triangle Park facility Nov. 1.

IBM executive LeBlanc discusses IBM’s role in the making of the Chevy Volt.

LeBlanc and Bly shake hands over their companies’ mutual success with the Chevy Volt.

The parking lot at IBM’s Research Triangle Park Software Group facility is packed with folks who came to see the new Chevy Volt.

The first Chevy Volt in line for test drives pulls around awaiting a driver.

A side view of the Chevy Volt. Note the round cover for the electric charging socket in front of the driver’s side door.

A view of a Chevy Volt charging.

A Chevy Volt taking a charge before hitting the road.

The rear view of a Chevy Volt electric car charging. Notice the Michigan license plates. These cars just came off the manufacturing floor.

The Chevy Volt offers a full four seats.

Pictured here is the Chevy Volt charging supply source.

A view of the battery power available to the car on the auto’s console.

A view of the climate control system on the Volt’s console.

A look at the Chevy Volt speedometer.

A view of the charging mode and how long it will take until the battery is fully charged.

Here is a view of what it looks like under the hood of the 2011 Chevy Volt.

The Chevy Volt engine in greater detail.

IBMers put the Chevy Volt through its paces, kicking the tires and checking out its look and feel.

Here is a look at the back seat in the Chevy Volt.

The Chevy Storage charger in its storage compartment under the rear hatch.

A GM staffer holds a placard displaying the rules for test driving the car.