Formic Acid-Powered DC Fast Charging for Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure: A Techno-Economic Scenario Analysis from Hungary to Global Emerging Markets

Hungarian legislation—TÉKA 280/2024 and ÉKM 9/2023, effective January 2025—requires hospitality properties to install operational EV charging infrastructure. This study develops a techno-economic scenario model assessing DC Fast Charging (DCFC) powered by formic acid (HCOOH)-based proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell microgrids as an alternative to conventional grid-tied AC charging in energy-constrained rural tourism destinations. Three containerized HCOOH-PEM configurations (100 kW, 500 kW, 1 MW) are modelled using published technical parameters and secondary market benchmarks, and results are interpreted through Porter’s competitive advantage theory and Ritchie and Crouch’s destination competitiveness framework. All reported values are simulation outputs derived from predefined assumptions rather than empirically validated findings. Under these assumptions, the DC-HCOOH configuration projects annual EBITDA of €72,946 per unit (284% above the modelled AC baseline) with a comparable simple payback period, while ancillary guest spending during DCFC dwell-time (‘Charge and Spend’) is projected at roughly 5.3 times the AC level. Sensitivity scenarios show that payback estimates are highly responsive to CAPEX scope and ancillary-margin assumptions. Findings offer a conceptual basis for destination managers, investors, and policymakers, while underscoring the need for empirical validation with primary operational data.