Green mobility infrastructure: A techno-economic analysis of hybrid wind–solar PV charging stations for electric vehicles in Germany
Rahil Dejkam, Reinhard Madlener
Abstract
In the context of Germany’s national energy transition and growing electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the development of cost-efficient, region-specific EV charging infrastructure powered by renewable energy is crucial for achieving decarbonization targets. This study conducts a techno-economic assessment of stand-alone, battery-buffered EV charging stations powered by hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine (WT) energy systems in four major German cities: Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich. Using the HOMER PRO simulation and optimization platform, the study identifies optimal system configurations that meet daily EV charging demand under location-specific meteorological conditions. Key economic indicators —Net Present Cost (NPC) and Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) are evaluated to determine cost-effective solutions. Results indicate that hybrid PV/WT/battery systems are optimal for Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich as they are able to minimize net present cost (NPC) and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) while meeting daily charging demand and environmental targets. In Cologne, in contrast, due to higher wind availability, WT/battery systems emerge as the most cost-effective option. A sensitivity analysis quantifies the impact of varying load demand, storage capacity, solar irradiance, and wind speed on system performance, with NPC values ranging from €524,836 to €1,640,000 across various load scenarios. The findings demonstrate that economic feasibility can be further enhanced through PV tracking systems, increased wind turbine hub heights, and offshore wind deployment. The study provides actionable insights for designing regionally tailored, renewable-powered EV charging infrastructure in support of Germany’s energy transition.