Opportunities and Challenges in Solar Photovoltaic-Based Electric Vehicles Charging Stations: A Step Toward Smart Cities Development

Abstract

Electric vehicles are gaining popularity due to its environment-friendly and energy-efficient nature as compared to internal combustion-based vehicles in many countries around the world, including developing countries like India. However, there are certain challenges associated with the deployment of electric vehicles, particularly, in developing countries. With the rise in demand for electric vehicles, it becomes essential that proper infrastructure arrangements like charging station services are made available appropriately before the deployments. The charging station is supported by fossil fuels that end up within the emission of different gases like carbon monoxides, NOx, and SOx which result in environmental issues that can have adverse effects on human health. On the contrary, the charging stations which are based on solar photovoltaic will provide a sustainable and eco-friendly environment. It also reduces the burden on the prevailing electrical networks. Hence, the time is ripe for the research to be conducted within the domain of solar photovoltaic-based charging stations. This paper presents the feasibility analysis and a few of the essential aspects of various modes of operation of photovoltaic-based electric vehicles charging stations. Some recommendations and future directions are also provided in this paper.