Baku State University demonstrates how universities can deliver truly zero-carbon EV infrastructure
As electric mobility accelerates worldwide, the environmental burden of the electricity behind the charge remains a critical – and often overlooked – challenge. Researchers at Baku State University (BSU) have developed a solution that directly targets this problem: “Clean-Charge”, a 22 kWh AC charging station powered entirely by on-site solar and wind energy, eliminating indirect carbon emissions from electric vehicle (EV) use on campus.
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Global EV adoption has surged, rising from 26 million vehicles in 2022 to more than 55.8 million by mid-2024. Azerbaijan mirrors this trend: according to national customs statistics, imports of EVs and plug-in hybrids have grown 30-fold in the last four years.
However, in most countries—including Azerbaijan—EVs rely on electricity produced primarily from coal and natural gas. This leads to substantial “indirect carbon emissions”: CO₂ released at power plants to generate the electricity consumed by EVs.
A coal-powered EV can generate up to 140g of indirect CO₂ per kilometre—a figure comparable to emissions from a modern petrol car such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla (162g/km). As EV numbers climb, so too will these indirect emissions unless energy sources change.
The Clean-Charge station was developed at BSU precisely to address this issue. Its goal: produce all charging electricity exclusively from renewable sources, ensuring each kilometre driven from a campus charge produces zero carbon emissions.
Wind turbines play a critical role in Baku’s evening and night-time conditions: strong nighttime winds prevent batteries from discharging to zero, stabilizing 24/7 renewable supply even when solar production drops.
Installed on BSU’s main campus, the Clean-Charge station currently provides free, zero-emission charging for faculty and students. The system supports a broad range of electric mobility options—including EVs, e-bikes and e-scooters—encouraging low-carbon transport choices across the university community.
A dedicated mobile application allows users to remotely monitor charging status, track duration, and manage their vehicles’ connection in real time, improving efficiency and user experience.
Clean-Charge demonstrates how universities can pioneer practical climate solutions while supporting emerging mobility ecosystems. By proving that a fully renewable EV charging station can function reliably within an urban environment, BSU has produced a replicable blueprint for campuses, municipalities and private operators across the region.
As EV adoption grows and indirect emissions rise, BSU’s Clean-Charge system offers a tangible pathway toward truly zero-carbon transportation—redefining what sustainable electric mobility can look like in practice.