GE has taken a big step in its alternative-fuel vehicle goals.

In a collaboration announced Tuesday, GE is buying 2,000 new Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrids for its fleet, which would put GE a fifth of the way toward its alt-fuel target.

With the 2,000 C-MAX Energi units coming into the fleet, GE will have 5,000 total alternative-fuel units in its fleet. It is aiming to eventually have 25,000.  The cars will begin rolling into GE’s fleet this month.

“We are focused on providing our customers and our fleet with more economically and environmentally efficient vehicles. The Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid is a great addition to our expanding fleet of alternative fuel vehicles,” stated Mark Vachon, GE vice president of ecomagination.

Also part of the deal, the automaker will help promote GE’s lineup of alternative fuel infrastructure solutions. 

Specifically, Ford said it will market the following GE products to its commercial customers: WattStation charging station and CNG in a Box natural gas fueling station.

Additionally, Ford will offer alternative fuel vehicles for test driving at GE’s Vehicle Innovation Center. 

“Ford is launching six new electrified vehicles – a big bet that fuel prices will continue rising and lead to more demand for advanced fuel-efficient vehicles,” says Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service. 

“We are pleased to partner with GE, a company that is charting a similar course, to promote advanced technology and energy savings,” he added.

Some statistics on the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, according to officials:

• 21-mile electric-only range
• 108-mpg city EPA rating
• 620-mile single-tank driving range

Also, Ford and GE are teaming up with Georgia Tech researchers in examining GE’s fleet to help electric driving and charging become more efficient. 

They will look at GE employee driving and charging behaviors, while also employing the MyFord Mobile app.  

“Understanding driving and charging habits is key to advancing vehicle and charging infrastructure,” said Bert Bras, a profession in the Sustainable Design & Manufacturing laboratory at Georgia Tech. “Through access to vehicle data, we can accelerate research and development of new technologies to further improve efficiency, driver satisfaction and environmental benefits.”

Research will be shared with commercial customers.