Cost Analysis of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and Estimation of Payback Periods with Artificial Neural Networks

In this study, the current number of electric vehicles charging stations (EVCS) and the projected increase in their numbers for two different scenarios, as outlined in the literature, have been analyzed, taking into consideration all kinds of charging station costs, to determine their payback periods. Cost calculations and revenue projections have been conducted based on the high growth scenario for charging stations to establish their respective payback periods. Artificial neural networks (ANN) were developed using these data, and payback periods were predicted according to the medium growth scenario. An equation was formulated using the current numbers of electric vehicles and the growth rates specified in the literature to determine the number of electric vehicles in the near future. Moreover, the energy consumption of electric vehicles currently utilized in the automotive industry was identified using the data obtained. All of these data were employed in the training of artificial neural networks. The source of income covering the charging station costs is derived from electricity sales made at the stations. The calculated payback periods based on the number of charging stations per vehicle provided in the study and the forecasts made using artificial neural networks indicate that the charging station payback periods will significantly decrease in the future, warranting careful consideration of the initial costs.