Also, how do family owned convenience stores get their goods? It seems that they would have to buy less than the brand name stores like 7/11, so i figured they would have an alternative source?

Any knowledge on the topic is appreciated.

There is a large demand for alternative fuel cars worldwide. Currently, the europeans are buying the most fuel efficient cars. Filling up on electric is cheaper then gas worldwide. Fuel cells have a long way to go before mass production and get their energy from dirty and expensive fossil fuels. They still have to find a place to put all the leftover carbon. Japan has built Elliica with 200 mile range and top speed of 230 mph. Is the electric car market large enough to allow japan to surpass the american economy if these cars were built? Will GM change in time?

I have a feeling that as alternative energy becomes a bigger deal, existing gasoline stations will be retrofitted with solar panels, capacitor and battery banks, natural gas tanks, and hydrogen fuels. This is a much more efficient alternative to building brand new fueling stations. What companies are prepared to do the retrofitting?