Social, economic, technological, and environmental impacts of the development and implementation of solar-powered charge stations

This work focuses on aspects related to the development and implementation of solar-powered charge stations (SPCS), analyzing specifically the social, economic, and technological challenges associated with increasing the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and the availability of SPCS. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by the electrification of transportation and the generation of electricity with sustainable energy, including solar energy at SPCS. The charging infrastructure for EVs can be improved by adding SPCS to many parking lots so that EV owners can plug in at work, shopping centers, events, and home. Results from a Kansas State University survey indicate that the limited charging infrastructure is a present concern when considering a purchase of an EV. Smart grid developments with real time prices for electricity have many positive features that support SPCS installations and EV sales, including higher values for the electricity generated at SPCS and reduced cost for night time charging of EVs. There is the potential to improve urban air quality by replacing internal combustion vehicles that have emissions with EVs that do not have carbon emissions. When all costs are considered, SPCS and EVs have a favorable outlook, and advances in battery technology have the potential to reduce EV costs and increase their range. (c) 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1808-1813, 2015