PTC Windchill+ Powers HOLON Level-4 Autonomous EV Development

HOLON leverages PTC’s Windchill+ SaaS PLM to accelerate the development of its Level-4 autonomous electric mover, replacing manual workflows to meet automotive standards and five-year production goals.

PTC has announced that HOLON, a subsidiary of the BENTELER Group, selected its Windchill+ product lifecycle management (PLM) solution. This software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform is currently supporting the development of a new autonomous Level-4 electric vehicle (EV). The implementation aims to ensure the vehicle complies with rigorous automotive industry requirements.

Highlights

  • HOLON utilizes Windchill+ to develop the autonomous, inclusive HOLON urban EV.
  • Cloud-based PLM replaces manual processes to accelerate development cycles.
  • The system connects teams in Germany and the U.S. for real-time collaboration.
  • Digital workflows support a five-year timeline for scalable mass production.

Redefining Public Transportation

HOLON is dedicated to reshaping public transit through inclusive and sustainable mobility solutions. The company’s primary vehicle, the HOLON urban, features fully barrier-free access. It offers capacity for up to 15 passengers.

The platform supports a variety of operational models, including:

  • Scheduled routes for fixed public transit.
  • On-demand services for flexible mobility.
  • Ride-pooling to maximize efficiency.
  • Goods transport for logistics applications.

To support these variations, HOLON introduced a flexible production concept. This allows multiple vehicle variants to undergo assembly on a single line. This approach improves manufacturing efficiency while advancing corporate sustainability goals.

Accelerating Digital Transformation

HOLON completed the implementation of Windchill+ in six months. This transition established a fully digital product development environment. It effectively replaces legacy manual and paper-based workflows with modern automated processes.

Cloud-based PLM provides teams with real-time access to accurate product data. This connectivity facilitates efficient collaboration across development centers and manufacturing sites. These sites span locations in both Germany and the United States.

This digital foundation enables HOLON to move rapidly from design to production. The increased agility supports the company’s five-year vision for scaling sustainable mobility.

Strategic Industry Implications

The shift toward electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles presents complex challenges for automakers. Robert Dahdah, Chief Revenue Officer at PTC, notes that Windchill+ provides the foundation to manage this complexity. It helps manufacturers drive toward visions of transformed public mobility.

Dr. Sven Herzig, Chief Sales Officer at HOLON, emphasizes the company’s evolution. Building on BENTELER’s automotive expertise, HOLON is positioning itself as a next-generation OEM. The adoption of Windchill+ marks a critical milestone in delivering EVs that redefine community mobility.

Intelligent Product Lifecycle

PTC continues to execute its vision for the Intelligent Product Lifecycle. The company enables manufacturers to build a product data foundation within engineering. This extends the value of that data across the entire enterprise.

With a robust data foundation, companies can accelerate AI-driven transformations. Broader utilization of product data allows for faster market entry and better management of product complexity. It also aids in meeting regulatory and compliance standards.

For further technical details, visit the Windchill+ product page.

Self Drive News
Self Drive News Staff

Self Drive News is the trade publication of record for vehicle autonomy. Published by Hagman Media and edited by founder Brian Hagman, it covers autonomous vehicles, robotaxis, ADAS, self-driving software and hardware, and L4 commercial deployments for an audience of AV engineers, software safety professionals, and mobility investors.