Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment of a Photovoltaic-Based Fast-Charging Station for Public Utility Vehicles

Abstract

The characterization of electric vehicles as environmentally friendly means of transportation hinges, on the one hand, upon the manner in which the energy for their charging is generated and, on the other hand, on the recyclability of the materials composing them, with primary emphasis on the recycling of batteries. Given that we are still in the early stages of electrification in road transportation, it can be argued that at least a decade is required for the development of a sustainable battery recycling industry. Conversely, the progressively increasing number of electric vehicles makes the necessity of charging them with clean, green energy imperative. In this context, this study examines the energy and economic aspects of replacing 50% of the public passenger vehicle fleet, which currently relies on internal combustion engines, with electric vehicles on the island of Zakynthos, Greece. Specifically, it calculates the energy needs of these vehicles and proposes methods for environmentally friendly electricity generation to meet the electrical demand. To assess the benefits for the owners of the charging stations and the electric vehicles, the Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) method is employed for various scenarios regarding (a) the pricing of the supplied electrical energy for electric vehicle charging and (b) the evolution of fossil fuel prices. The study concludes by highlighting the environmental advantages of such an investment.