Techno-economic optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems for low-carbon EV charging station

Abstract

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) requires charging infrastructure that is sustainable, power-electronically efficient, and grid-compatible. This study presents a techno-economic and environmental optimization of a hybrid renewable energy-based EV charging station near Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College (GNDEC), Ludhiana, India, as a sustainable alternative to conventional petrol stations. Unlike studies based on assumed EV load profiles, the proposed framework integrates real-world e-rickshaw utilization data, inverter efficiency, and sensitivity analysis within a HOMER Pro optimization framework. The system combines solar photovoltaic (PV), battery storage, and grid supply through a bidirectional inverter to manage dynamic charging demand. Local solar irradiance (~5.6 kWh/m²/day) and actual e-rickshaw usage data were used as simulation inputs. Configurations were evaluated using net present cost (NPC), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), inverter efficiency, and CO₂ emissions. The optimal PV-battery-grid configuration achieved an NPC of $28,500, LCOE of $0.11/kWh, inverter efficiency of 95%, and approximately 95% lower CO₂ emissions than grid-connected configuration, with a 6.5-year payback period. The findings highlight the importance of power-electronic efficiency and energy management for economically viable, low-carbon EV charging infrastructure, supporting SDGs 7 and 9.