Driving a Green Future: Assessing the Feasibility of Solar Powered EV Charging Stations in Bangladesh

The depletion of fossil fuels and increasing environmental concerns have expedited the shift from conventional vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). The rising demand for EVs and the push toward electrifying the transportation system have increased pressure on national electricity demand. To support this transition, EV owners require convenient access to a well-distributed national charging station network. This study examines the design and performance of EV charging stations, focusing on the deployment of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems on the rooftops of existing fuel stations. PV-based charging stations are constructed in eight divisional cities-Barishal, Chattogram, Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Sylhet-and their techno-economic performance is evaluated using annual PV production, net metering-based grid export, system net present value (NPV), payback period and Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and carbon reduction value. This approach offers a sustainable solution for converting existing fuel stations into PV-based stations, supporting investors and policymakers in achieving their targets for Bangladesh's green energy transition.