A Comprehensive Assessment of Electric Vehicle Adoption: Carbon Footprint, Economic Feasibility, and Photovoltaic Charging Solutions in Bangladesh

The adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is presented as a solution to address significant air quality concerns. The city often experiences "Very Unhealthy" US Air Quality Index levels due to substantial vehicular emissions; in 2018, the transportation sector alone was responsible for 12.66 megatons of CO2 out of a total of 90.42 megatons emitted. This study explores replacing gasoline-powered vehicles with EVs, which have zero tailpipe emissions but require cleaner energy sources for charging to maximize environmental benefits. A specific focus is placed on the public transport sector by proposing the replacement of conventional buses with electric buses, conducting a detailed feasibility study on the Hatirjheel circulating bus service that includes cost and carbon footprint analyses. Additionally, this paper proposes developing photovoltaic (PV) based recharging stations that can be integrated into existing fuel stations and residential rooftops. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of environmental, economic, and practical aspects related to adopting electric buses in Dhaka, offering key insights for policymakers and stakeholders to make informed decisions about sustainable urban transport.