As advanced computer processing becomes the backbone of all things mobility, General Motors (GM) is implementing a new software architecture called Ultifi. This intelligent, connected platform that gets its name from GM's Ultium battery technology will underpin the automaker's next generation of electric and non-electric vehicles.
Ultifi is an end-to-end platform that harnesses software with new features and capabilities to improve the vehicle ownership experience. Using over-the-air (OTA) technology, Ultifi wirelessly delivers software updates, cloud connectivity, vehicle-to-everything communication, apps, and other services. The software platform gives owners greater access to all the functions of a vehicle and beyond, from safety systems and infotainment to driving dynamics and sensors. Examples include:
The philosophy behind Ultifi is to make the vehicle an extension of the owner's life in multi-faceted ways, whether they are behind the steering wheel or not.
Developed in-house, GM bases its Ultifi platform on the widely used Linux operating system, enabling authorized third-party developers to innovate on behalf of GM customers. Inviting developers into the GM ecosystem resembles how Apple or Google allows outside entities to create supporting software.
To integrate Ultifi, the automaker must equip the vehicle with GM's recently launched Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP) electrical architecture, which provides OTA capability, data bandwidth, cybersecurity, and processing power. The company expects most vehicles in its portfolio to use the VIP system by the time the Ultifi platform deploys.
Although GM plans to market nearly 30 electric-vehicle (EV) models by 2025 and an all-EV product portfolio by 2035, Ultifi is not limited to EVs. The software platform will also be available for internal combustion engine (ICE) models, provided they have the VIP electrical system. It's possible the automaker could fit many non-EV models with VIP as GM transitions from ICE to electric propulsion.
Whether GM integrates Ultifi into an ICE or EV, the platform will address several major areas of automotive cognitive assistance:
Together, these areas form the core of Ultifi's present and future vision for a more holistic mobility experience. Part of Ultifi's effectiveness is how it enables frequent and seamless software updates in vehicles, meaning consumers can quickly have technological advancements in safety, security, customization, and convenience at their fingertips. GM can now deploy updates to new cars in a fraction of the time. Pricing for GM Ultifi features and services will vary from vehicle to vehicle and from feature to feature.
In addition to its core areas of development, GM is exploring artificial intelligence (AI) voice-assistant technology for future implementation into Ultifi. An AI voice assistant would enable clear and intuitive communication between the driver and the vehicle and allow GM to improve cars over time as they evolve through software updates. While GM has not confirmed any specific plans to deploy an AI voice assistant, the automaker is studying all machine learning possibilities.
The Ultifi platform, which GM plans to deploy on its next-generation electric and ICE models, will allow for the frequent and seamless delivery of software-defined features, apps, and services. Customers can expect regular updates and will be able to choose from a suite of personalization options and new apps, thereby strengthening the ownership experience.
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Jessica Shea Choksey is an experienced writer in the automotive field. In addition to JDPower.com, she was a correspondent for PBS's MotorWeek. Her work has also appeared in AutoTrader.
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