Fairfield, Conn.-based General Electric (NYSE: GE) announced today that it has poured more than $20 million into A123Systems, a Massachusetts-based battery supplier, as well as $4 million into Norwegian electric car maker Think Global, which just signed a supply agreement with A123Systems.

GE said the investment from its Energy Financial Services division into A123Systems makes GE the largest cash investor in the lithium-ion battery maker.

"Our work with A123 and Think taps GE's unique combination of venture capital, engineering, process and commercial expertise to help burgeoning, next generation technology companies bring their innovative products to market," said Kevin Walsh, managing director and leader of renewable energy investing at GE Energy Financial Services.

In addition to the investment and supply agreements, Think Global unveiled a five-seat crossover concept car at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva today.

A123Systems' president and CEO David Vieau said, "The GE Global Research Center has been working with A123 on the development of safe and reliable battery-powered transportation, and this has allowed us to accelerate delivery of advanced battery solutions to Think."

"Our newest collaboration with Think helps us achieve the large-scale production of batteries and integrate them into commercially available electric vehicles."

Think Global's crossover, called the Think Ox, is close to the size of a sport utility vehicle, but which the company said is lighter and more aerodynamic.

The company's Think City vehicle, a plug-in electric car with an over 100 mile range, is available now. Think Global is delivering its first cars in Norway, with international sales to follow later in the year.