International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST)

Impact of Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Environmental, Economic and Social Perspectives

The rapid electrification of road transport is a central pillar of global climate action, but the true environmental benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) depend critically on how the electricity used for charging is produced. Solar-powered EV charging stations (solar EVCS) are an attractive, practical solution that pairs distributed renewable generation with charging infrastructure, reducing lifecycle emissions, improving energy resilience, and creating economic and social value. This paper synthesizes evidence from an in-house impact report on solar EVCS prepared by Dr. Sachin Y. Shigwan and Green India Initiative, alongside peer-reviewed studies, government handbooks and industry analyses. It documents the greenhouse gas and air-pollutant reductions achievable with solar EV charging, evaluates techno-economic viability and business models, explores employment and social impacts, examines technological integration needs (including storage and smart charging), and identifies policy and implementation recommendations for scaling solar EVCS in India and comparable markets. The evidence indicates that solar EVCS can materially advance climate, public-health and development goals, but meaningful scale will require coordinated policy support, tailored financing, and continued technical innovation. NITI AAYOG