General Motors is pinning some of its future hopes on the Chevrolet Volt - a so-called "plug-in hybrid" that can run up to 40 miles on pure electric power. Though relatively expensive for a five-seat family sedan, it benefits from a $7,500 federal green energy tax credit, which it qualifies for as a "zero-emissions" electric vehicle.
One thing that may hold the Volt back is the lack of a built-up infrastructure for plug-in electric vehicles. While the cars only need a regular household socket to get their juice, most parking garages and street corners lack a handy extension cord.
To that end, General Motors will install some of Envision Solar's "Solar Grove" parking systems at markets in California, Michigan, Texas, New York and Washington D.C. It's a pilot program - but it may help drive further investments.
The solar canopy that is at the heart of the Solar Grove is a sophisticated piece of green technology, which employs trackers that allow it to surpass a fixed array's limitations by keeping the panels at an optimum angle to the sun's rays.
Volt drivers can simply pull up, park their car under the canopy and plug in, pulling green energy to power their electric vehicle.
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General Motors is pinning some of its future hopes on the 
