Towards sustainable transportation: Optimizing hybrid renewable energy systems for EV charging in Bangladesh

The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in Bangladesh—particularly three-wheeler auto-rickshaws—has increased pressure on the national grid amid limited charging infrastructure. This study aims to develop a decision-oriented framework for designing optimized, region-specific hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) for EV charging stations (EVCS), aligning system optimization with planning levers including site prioritization, tariff/incentive implications, demand response (DR) operation, and investment screening. Deterministic simulations were conducted for four high-EV-penetration regions—Gazipur, Khulna, Cox's Bazar, and Bhola—using HOMER Grid to optimize PV–battery–grid and PV–wind–grid configurations, with Gazipur also including a PV–diesel–battery–grid case, under site-specific resource and charging-demand profiles. EV charging sessions are analyzed by vehicle type and location, integrating EV-specific parameters such as charging frequency and energy per session. Grid-interactive operation was assessed through peak shaving, demand charge reduction, and energy arbitrage, alongside DR simulations for incentive-based curtailment. Across the four regions, Net Present Cost (NPC) ranged from $87,404 to $267,869 and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) varied between $0.0515/kWh and $0.0695/kWh, with Khulna yielding the most cost-effective results. Renewable-dominant configurations indicate higher CO 2 offset potential, supporting decarbonization-oriented planning. DR simulations indicate peak grid demand reductions of 30–70% during high-tariff hours, with demand-reduction revenue via battery dispatch or renewable contribution. Favorable Payback Period (PP), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Return on Investment (ROI) indicate investment feasibility, while sensitivity analyses capture variations in charging frequency and electricity pricing. This study provides novel insights for planning clean, cost-effective, and grid-responsive EV charging infrastructure for policymakers, energy planners, and investors in Bangladesh. • Conducted a multi-location analysis of high EV-penetration regions in Bangladesh to optimize HRES-based EVCS design. • Utilized HOMER Grid software for precise EV load modeling and system optimization, ensuring accurate energy demand representation. • Performed a techno-economic analysis, evaluating system costs, energy savings, and financial metrices for the most cost-effective hybrid EVCS configurations. • Analyzed EV charging profiles and provided a comprehensive evaluation of EV charging stations' performance under various climatic conditions. • Conducted sensitivity analysis on daily EV charging sessions, charging prices, and renewable resources to assess system optimization impacts.