General Electric (GE) has announced plans to purchase 25,000 electric vehicles. This historically large acquisition will begin with an initial purchase of the 12K GM-made Chevy Volts, which will see the company reach its goal of converting about 50% of its fleet to electric. The company has not announced what exactly these vehicles will be.

This momentous event will help to drive down prices of electric cars, making them more affordable for more people. The benefits of the purchase do not just accrue to consumers and the environment. It represents excellent PR, as well as long-term fuel savings, for the company. In addition, it will drive the rapid and large-scale sale of infrastructure components that service such cars. One such component is WattStation, the manufacturer of the electric car charging station.

“Electric vehicle technology is real and ready for deployment, and we are embracing the transformation with partners like GM and our fleet customers”, said GE’s Chairman and CEO, Jeff Immelt.

The purchase will form part of GE’s ecomagination business strategy. The other components are electric vehicle customer experience centres, in Michigan and Minnesota, which will give customers and employees the chance to learn about the latest developments in electric vehicles.

“By electrifying our own fleet, we will accelerate the adoption curve, drive scale and move electric vehicles from anticipation to action.”