Feasibility of Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle: A Case Study for Saudi Arabia

This study investigates the feasibility of deploying solar-powered systems to foster electric vehicle (EV) adoption in major urban centers of Saudi Arabia, focusing on Riyadh as a representative case study. Utilizing RETScreen software, three distinct models were evaluated: Model 1 (solar PV plant only), Model 2 (solar PV plant with charging stations), and Model 3 (solar PV plant with charging stations and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration). A comprehensive techno-economic analysis was conducted across varying EV uptake scenarios (low, medium, and high). Results indicate that Model 3, incorporating V2G technology, presents the most promising avenue for emissions reduction, particularly under high EV uptake scenarios, with an estimated reduction of approximately 5.5 mtCO2. Furthermore, the study underscores the economic incentives associated with V2G technology, revealing potential annual earnings of SAR 2850 (~$760) per EV through surplus electricity exports to the national grid. Projections suggest V2G export payments could amount to $3.5 million annually, accompanied by an incremental contribution of 449 GWh of electricity to the national grid. These findings highlight the significant potential of EV integration in facilitating the assimilation of large-scale PV energy into the Saudi grid. The study recommends the incorporation of charging stations and V2G technology into solar PV plants as an economically viable strategy to enhance grid integration and promote sustainable transportation initiatives in Saudi Arabia. Based on the Low Utilization Scenario (LUS), Medium Utilization Scenario (MUS), and High Utilization Scenario (HUS), our model predicts the following annual revenue potentials: $256,388 for LUS, $512,776 for MUS, and $46,615 for HUS. Additionally, the model estimates the potential for electricity transport to the grid to be 112,259 MWh for LUS, 224,615 MWh for MUS, and 449,230 MWh for HUS.