Electric Vehicles Charged with Solar-PV: A Brazilian Case Study for 2030

Abstract

Electric vehicles and photovoltaic power stations can play an important role in replacing fossil fuels. This article presents a case study on the placement of charging stations powered by photovoltaic energy along an important highway in Brazil. A demand model was adopted to elaborate three scenarios for 2030 with different participation levels of electric vehicles in the Brazilian market. An optimized allocation model was used to derive the location and number of charging stations required to meet the charging demand. The results provided a list of adequate locations for installing the charging stations and offered insights into the consumed electricity and greenhouse gas emissions that could be mitigated by these actions. A financial analysis was conducted, and it was determined that the charging costs, based on the Internal Rate of Return calculation, were 10%. These costs were compared to the fueling costs of other traditional vehicles. The results showed that the costs can be 72% lower than the cost of refueling current conventional automobiles. The results of this study can serve as a reference in the public policy debate, as well as for investors in fast charging stations.