Solar PV-based electric vehicle charging stations in Bangladesh : a study on its status and challenges | |
| Author | Baker, Muhammad Ali |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.SE-22-04 |
| Subject(s) | Battery charging stations (Electric vehicles)--Bangladesh Photovoltaic power systems--Bangladesh |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Engineering in Sustainable Energy Transition |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Global road mobility is undergoing a paradigm shift towards clean energy alternatives. Almost all countries have a similar outlook on the future of road mobility through electrification of road transportation. So, identifying the issues in this area is critical for all counties. In Bangladesh, easy bikes are the most popular electric vehicle, which serves the transportation needs of around 15% of the population of Bangladesh. But several power quality issues arise for charging those using grid electricity, and the solar-powered electric vehicle charging station is a unique and eco-friendly answer to this issue as well as to the present energy crisis. As PV and EVs both operate on DC, solar photovoltaic-based EV charging stations are a good way to use sustainable energy. But the number of solar-based EV (easy bike) charging stations in Bangladesh is still very small and the development of this sector is almost stagnant. So, this research is aimed to study and assess the challenges involved in the expansion of solar-based EV (easy bike) charging stations in Bangladesh. The challenges in this sector were identified in different countries through a detailed literature review, which were then examined in the context of Bangladesh with a two-step semi-structured interview with twenty experts and representatives of five different stakeholder groups (Easy bike owners & drivers, existing grid-connected easy bike charging station owners, existing solar-based easy bike charging station operation personnel, electricity distribution utility officials, and policymakers). The feedback was analyzed by using a descriptive statistical analysis method and the most critical barriers were identified. Lack of business model, lack of financial incentives, high cost of PV system & batteries, high subsidy on fossil fuels, lack of available space, lack of favorable pricing policy, etc. were identified as the main hurdles to expand solar PV based EV charging stations. These prioritized barriers were also validated by discussion with a solar-based charging station operator during their installation period. Estimations on the possible emission reductions and the PV panel area due to the intervention of solar based charging stations at different penetration levels of PV supplying electricity was also done. The recommendations received from the interviewees were analysed to find the possible options to address the prioritized barriers. This observations from the study suggests using good quality lithium-ion batteries for solar charging with a battery swapping mechanism can improve the performance of batteries and provide a positive financial outlook for the charging stations. Furthermore, the government could provide incentives to solar charging stations, such as, VAT refund for battery purchases, eliminate/reduce fossil fuel subsidies, and provide low-interest loans available to make solar charging more affordable and lucrative for entrepreneurs. |
| Year | 2022 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Sustainable Energy Transition (SE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kumar, Sivanappan |
| Examination Committee(s) | Weerakorn Ongsakul;Singh, Jai Govind |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Joint Japan / World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) |
| Degree | Research report (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2022 |