Optimizing campus EV infrastructure: A techno-economic comparison of distributed and semi-public centralized charging

University campuses are increasingly recognized as early adopters of sustainability initiatives. As electric vehicle (EV) adoption expands, academic institutions face growing need to develop effective on-campus charging solutions. This study presents a techno-economic evaluation of two EV charging infrastructure designs, developed as a case study for the University of Jordan. The first design involves a distributed network of 120 kW DC fast chargers across five campus zones. The second design proposes a centralized semi-public station near a main gate, equipped with 150 kW DC chargers accessible to both staff and the public. Technical and economic analyses were performed using survey data, transformer load conditions, and site-specific installation requirements, specifically addressing challenges related to grid capacity limits, transformer loading, and the extensive cabling infrastructure. Design one showed strong internal service benefits but carried a high total cost of $1.80 million and a breakeven point at 3.73 years. Design two achieved the same core functionality at a cost of $661,029, reaching breakeven in just 1.78 years, and a net revenue of approximately $1.10 million over five years compared to $0.62 million for design one. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) was calculated at 0.04934 USD/kWh and 0.032294 USD/kWh for designs one and two, respectively. While the distributed layout offers convenience, the centralized design is more financially efficient and better suited for immediate implementation. Both options support institutional and national goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting EV adoption.