Last modified: 2026-04-07
Abstract
The rapid electrification of the transport sector has positioned electric vehicles (EVs) as a key solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving urban air quality. However, the sustainability of EVs is strongly dependent on the electricity sources used for charging. Integrating renewable energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind energy, into EV charging infrastructure has emerged as a critical strategy to achieve full decarbonization of the mobility sector. The study analyses the main system architectures used in practice, including grid-connected, off-grid, and hybrid microgrid configurations, and discusses the role of key components such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), power electronics, and advanced energy management systems (EMS). Special attention is given to the complementarity between solar and wind resources, which can significantly improve system reliability, reduce intermittency, and decrease dependence on storage and grid support. Furthermore, the paper reviews current design methodologies, including energy demand modelling, renewable resource assessment, and system sizing techniques, highlighting the importance of site-specific parameters such as solar irradiation and wind capacity factor. The analysis identifies key challenges associated with the implementation of renewable-powered charging infrastructure, including variability of renewable generation, high initial investment costs, space requirements, and grid integration issues. Overall, the paper concludes that hybrid renewable energy systems represent the most effective approach for powering EV charging stations, offering a balance between efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. These systems are expected to play a central role in the transition toward smart, low-carbon energy and transport systems, particularly when integrated into urban energy networks and supported by advanced control strategies.