These Are The Advantages Of The GM Global B Electronic Architecture
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General Motors is hard at work developing the technologies it’ll need to stay competitive well into the future. One of these is the new Global B electronic architecture, which promises a long list of advantages and benefits. But what exactly are those advantages and benefits?
Before we answer that question, let’s first discuss what Global B actually is. Think of it as a vehicle’s digital “nervous system,” connecting the various digital features through software and hardware to keep everything running smoothly. First debuted on the 2020 Cadillac CT5, the system is now finding its way across the GM lineup, including standouts like the new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 and the 2020 Cadillac CT4.
With that covered, let’s talk about what Global B has to offer. According to GM President Mark Reuss, who spoke at the recent GM Capital Markets Day event, one of the biggest advantages is more range for GM’s upcoming all-electric vehicles. Not only that, but the architecture will enable GM to actually produce more EVs as well.
Further advantages offered by the Global B architecture include the potential for over-the-air (OTA) updates, whereby a vehicle’s software is updated via a wireless web connection. This means software-related recalls are handled quickly and efficiently, while software-related systems like the GM Super Cruise feature will be on the latest patch, regardless of whether or not the vehicle has been to a dealer recently.
What’s more, Global B offers improved communications between various in-vehicle systems, allowing for a more integrated approach to electronic features. Additional processing power – up to 4.5 terabytes of data processing power per hour, a fivefold increase in capability over GM’s current electrical architecture – is another staple of Global B, with better, smoother, and more natural infotainment and other digital user experience and user interface elements.
Although Global B runs in the background, it’s essential for GM’s success going forward, especially with the proliferation of new digital systems and the advent of the EV segment. If you want to learn more, make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for ongoing GM news coverage.
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I hope that new platform will use a simpler and cleaner cabling system that the “rat’s nest” image you have shown here. I have worked with many electrical systems in different brands, and the GM system is still the easiest to understand, having a set of standards for colors and sizes across several models.
I bet the dealers wont like the over the air re-flashes that is a common issue that gets you into the service dept. its easy money plus you may need an oil change or they will find something upon inspection
Of course not. This tech was ready a decade ago. It wasn’t until Tesla and Jaguar Land Rover forced everyone’s hand that the auto makers even considered doing it.
Not to mention that it caused people to hate their rides and wear out much more rapidly. Planned obsolescence at its finest.
You can say that’s a knock against capitalism, but had GM done this a decade ago – Tesla might not be the world’s most valuable automaker today. All that market cap came from things like incremental automatic software updates – that improved cars after they were sold automatically, and regularly. And with capitalism, Tesla forced everyone else to do it through competition.
Toyota recently said Tesla’s hardware is 6 years ahead of them. I wonder where GM’s electronic systems stand?
still waiting for GM.s answer to Ford.s Transit Van.
They have one in the works, but it’s electric and using BEV3.
There will be a panel van version, but it’s mostly targeting the Pacifica Plug-in with an all-EV alternative.