SAN DIEGO - Envision Solar International Inc., which specializes in sustainable energy infrastructure design and development, said General Motors has selected the company to install its CleanCharge solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at a number of prominent locations. 

"We are pleased to have been selected by General Motors for these strategic installations that will enable Chevy Volts to leverage clean solar power to recharge their batteries without relying on carbon fuel-generated electricity," said Bob Noble, CEO of Envision Solar. "We applaud GM's commitment to clean energy as well as green job creation through this initiative." 

The Chevy Volt extended-range electric car is expected to hit showrooms next month and will be rolled out initially in California, Michigan, Washington, D.C., Texas and New York. New Jersey and Connecticut will join in mid-2011. 

"GM is committed to reducing carbon emissions and reliance on petroleum," said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman for global product operations. "We chose Envision Solar because its clean-charging infrastructure allows us to maximize the environmental benefits of our electric vehicles through the use of clean renewable energy and further demonstrates our commitment to the proliferation of sustainable EV charging infrastructure." 

The stations will be integrated into the company's Solar Tree with EnvisionTrak, a parking lot solar array that is 20 to 25 percent more productive than conventional fixed solar arrays because dual-axis tracking enables the canopy to follow the sun throughout the day, the company said. 

"We have designed this technology with an architectural focus that enhances the overall aesthetic of corporate and commercial campuses," Noble added. "The addition of our CleanCharge system makes this a truly comprehensive design and technology package, offering a value-added investment for businesses anticipating the dramatic growth in the electric vehicle market over the next decade." 

Pike Research forecasts that the market for plug-in hybrid and battery-electric passenger cars and light-duty trucks will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 106 percent between 2010 and 2015, resulting in sales of more than 3.24 million vehicles during that period.