A Novel Doubly-Green Stand-Alone Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Saudi Arabia: An Overview and a Comprehensive Feasibility Study

Abstract

In Saudi Arabia, the energy sector is presently the most significant contributor to carbon emissions, followed by the transportation sector, which contributes about 26% of the gross greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the transportation sector worldwide is one way to bring about a global green solution that can support the decarbonization of the environment, which now constitutes a new electric power demand for the utility grid network. To preserve the environment, and reduce the pressure on the existing grid network, we propose the utilization of EV charging stations (EVCSs) in off-grid locations. It is essential to have an alternative stand-alone renewables-based electrification framework to secure the charging demand needed for the electric vehicles. The present study performs a techno-economic investigation of a novel off-grid scheme that combines renewable energy resources to provide clean electricity for EV charging stations. The optimized system for the EVCS is compared with the alternative option of grid extension using economic criteria evaluation metrics and distance limitations. The optimization and comparative analysis results reveal that the option of an optimum stand-alone hybrid charging station is an economical, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative to the option of grid expansion.