Policy Oriented Techno-Economic Evaluation of Off-Grid Electric Vehicle Charging Station Powered by Renewables

Abstract

Electric vehicles play an important role in reducing the consumption of fossil fuel resources, adding much to mitigate environmental concerns like carbon dioxide and other pollutant gas emissions compared with internal combustion engine vehicles. Operation and maintenance charges are also at their lowest. However, they are required to charge batteries placed inside that propel the electric vehicle (EV) with the help of motors. Therefore, a charging infrastructure is required so that people can travel over longer distances without any hindrances in charging their EVs. The study aims to analyze the technical and economic parameters to integrate off-grid charging stations powered by renewable energy resources like solar, wind, and hydrogen in Islamabad the capital territory and Karachi, the biggest cities in Pakistan. As Pakistan ranks fifth in the Global Climate Risk Index, these resources help move up its number. The study employed HOMER software to design and obtain the proposed model and the data on solar irradiance and wind speed. Moreover, the study has performed a comparative analysis of these two big cities in Pakistan. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders planning for off-grid EV charging station infrastructure.