Techno-economic and policy analysis of solar-wind powered EV charging for sustainable E-mobility

In this study, the techno-economic viability of electric vehicle charging stations using a combination of solar photovoltaic and wind turbine technologies is examined, with specific reference to identifying the optimal configuration of wind turbine, solar photovoltaic, battery, and power conversion equipment. The cost of energy, net present cost, and initial capital cost are examined in varying climatic conditions in India. A total of 26 sites are examined to assess the viability of solar photovoltaic, wind turbine, and battery-based electric vehicle charging stations. Key findings of the study reveal that solar photovoltaic, wind turbine, and battery configurations are the most cost-effective for 11 sites, with the lowest cost-effectiveness in Pune and the highest in Bhopal. For the remaining sites, solar photovoltaic and battery configurations are the most viable, with the highest cost-effectiveness in Jodhpur and the lowest in Srinagar. The study also reveals that wind turbine and battery configurations are not viable for any of the sites, as the cost of energy is high. It is also revealed through sensitivity analysis that higher electric vehicle load makes the systems unreliable, while aligning electric vehicle charging capacity with available resources enhances reliability and cost-effectiveness.