On the suitability of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) charging infrastructures based on wind and solar energy

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are recently being widely touted as a viable alternative to conventional vehicles due to their environment friendly and energy-wise features. Assuming that moving into the future, a large number of PHEV users will exist, the overall influence of charging the on-board ESS is non-negligible. Instead of charging from grid, renewable energy, such as wind energy and solar energy, is a potential alternative. In this paper, a review of wind energy for PHEV is provided. Also, based on the photovoltaic potential of certain locations in Canada, the sizing of the PV panel, required for charging a PHEV, for operating in an all-electric mode for 40 miles daily, is discussed, as a case study. More importantly, scenario-based case studies based on different vehicle structures are carried out to evaluate the possibilities of reducing the costs. Finally, a comprehensive comparison is carried out to summarize the advantages from different points of view.