Cost-benefit and net zero impact analysis of PV-grid-battery systems for EV charging stations in Bangladesh

The transition to sustainable energy solutions is critical for achieving net zero emissions, particularly in the transportation sector. This study presents a comprehensive cost-benefit and net-zero emission impact analysis of hybrid photovoltaic (PV)-grid-battery systems designed for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Bangladesh, which evaluates various configurations of PV systems, battery storage, and grid connectivity during the preliminary design phase, optimizing energy provision and system reliability based on demand load profiles reflecting anticipated EV usage patterns. The proposed system supports up to 54 EVs within 24 h, with a total demand load of 2800 kW. The study focuses on five locations—Dhaka, Sirajganj, Faridpur, Cumilla, and Habiganj—selected based on solar irradiance levels and urban density. Using the HOMER Pro database, the analysis identifies significant seasonal variations in solar radiation, with Sirajganj achieving a peak of 6.05 kWh/m²/day in April. Energy performance analysis across the five locations shows that generic flat-plate PV systems contribute nearly 100 % of the total annual energy production, with specific yields ranging from 67,882,490 kWh/yr in Cumilla to 75,474,534 kWh/yr in Sirajganj. The three different variant configurations for the EVCS were evaluated in order to determine the best scenario for efficiency, each being composed of PV generation, grid connectivity, and energy storage combinations. In Case 3, grid sales exceed purchases, with Dhaka reporting the highest grid sales at 39,025,459 kWh/yr. The renewable fraction stabilizes at around 90.5 % in Case 3 across all locations, demonstrating balanced integration of renewables. Simpler system configurations yield higher ROIs, with Case 1 in Cumilla achieving 171.8 %. The study recommends a grid-connected net metering system to optimize excess PV energy contributions. The proposed system can reduce energy costs by up to 30 % compared to grid-only solutions. This research underscores the role of PV-grid-battery systems in advancing Bangladesh towards a net-zero emissions future with a decrease of approximately 910,395.488 kg CO₂ per year, offering a scalable and economically feasible model for EV charging infrastructure. Deploying EV charging stations in Bangladesh presents challenges, including site selection based on population densities and travel patterns and integrating PV systems into EVCS networks without proper sizing guidelines. The intermittent nature of solar energy necessitates hybrid energy management solutions, highlighting the need for strategic planning to ensure reliable and sustainable EVCS operations.