Techno-economic optimization and environmental analysis of a solar-powered Electric Vehicles (EVs) charger system for a greener transportation ecosystem

As the electric vehicle (EV) sector continues to grow, the environmental benefits of EVs increasingly depend on the energy sources powering charging stations, which are often supplied by the conventional electrical grid. Therefore, the adoption of sustainable charging solutions is becoming essential. This study investigates the integration of solar energy into EV charging infrastructure as a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13. Focused on a 7 kW Level 2 charger, the analysis addresses optimal solar system sizing, energy output, economic feasibility, environmental impact, and sensitivity considerations. The proposed system including a 34 kW photovoltaic (PV) array, a 192-unit battery storage system, and an 8 kW inverter delivers consistent performance under real-world conditions, factoring in system losses, seasonal solar variations, and battery efficiency. The PV system generates 62,294 kWh annually, meeting an EV demand of 38,325 kWh/year and yielding a surplus of 31.54 %. The battery storage provides 66.4 hours of autonomy, ensuring energy availability during low solar generation periods. Economically, the system’s net present cost (NPC) is $192,420, with an initial capital cost of $94,800, 60.76 % of which is attributed to battery investments. Battery replacements constitute 97.34 % of total replacement costs, while operation and maintenance (O&M) expenses total $38,567. A salvage value of $12,638 helps reduces overall lifecycle costs. Environmentally, the solar-powered system achieves an 87.5 % reduction in GHG emissions, emitting only 1917 kg CO 2 /year compared to 15,330 kg CO 2 /year for grid-based charging. These findings demonstrate that solar-powered EV charging offers both a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution, contributing meaningfully to global sustainability efforts.