General Motors (GM) has unveiled a next-generation centralized computing platform that will transform how its electric and gas-powered vehicles are designed, updated, and driven — starting with the Cadillac ESCALADE IQ electric SUV in 2028.
The announcement marks a pivotal moment in GM’s shift toward a software-defined and electric-first future, promising smarter performance, faster updates, and seamless integration between vehicle systems.
Powering the Next EV Revolution
The new architecture consolidates dozens of electronic control units into a single, high-speed computing core, functioning much like a smartphone’s processor that manages multiple functions simultaneously. This innovation will enable 10 times more over-the-air software updates, 1,000 times greater data bandwidth, and 35 times more AI computing power, laying the groundwork for future autonomous and AI-driven EV features.
Built to support both EVs and internal combustion vehicles, the platform allows innovations developed for electric models to be quickly scaled across GM’s lineup. With this unified system, GM’s upcoming EVs will continuously evolve — receiving real-time intelligence, performance enhancements, and safety improvements long after they leave the showroom.
Smarter and Simpler Design
At the heart of the system lies a liquid-cooled central compute unit powered by next-generation NVIDIA Thor processors. It connects to three “aggregators” — simplified smart junction hubs that manage sensors and actuators across the vehicle. This structure eliminates hundreds of point-to-point connections, drastically simplifying wiring and software integration.
This approach offers hardware freedom — meaning GM can upgrade components like cameras, braking systems, or displays without rewriting base software — allowing faster innovation cycles and flexible supplier options.
Future-Proofing Electric Intelligence
The centralized platform builds upon GM’s existing Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP), launched in 2020, which already powers secure over-the-air updates for millions of vehicles. More than 4.5 million GM vehicles are currently capable of receiving software updates, a figure increasing by 2 million annually.
With the new system, GM aims to deliver real-time safety and autonomous updates that react within milliseconds, enhancing reliability and responsiveness — crucial for its upcoming eyes-off driving technology planned for the 2028 Escalade IQ EV.
Connecting GM’s EV Ecosystem
The architecture also strengthens GM’s broader EV ecosystem — including its Ultium-based electric models and GM Energy Home System, which will allow bi-directional charging and vehicle-to-home power in 2026. Together, these advancements reflect GM’s vision of connected electric mobility supported by intelligence, speed, and adaptability.
Driving Toward a Smarter Electric Future
By merging its global manufacturing scale with cutting-edge AI and computing, GM is setting the stage for electric vehicles that learn, adapt, and improve over their lifetime.
Our new centralized platform is the digital brain of the next generation of GM vehicles, the company said in a statement. It connects every system, every update, and every driver to a smarter, faster, and more connected electric future.
