Attributes of Electric Mobility Integration into Urban Planning: Perspectives and the Brazilian Context

Abstract

Electric mobility has been widely discussed as a viable solution for decarbonizing the transport sector and promoting urban sustainability. However, the integration of electric mobility into urban planning still requires further in-depth research. This article aims to identify the key attributes linking electric mobility with urban planning through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and to provide an overview of the Brazilian context regarding policies and guidelines for electromobility. The findings indicate that the primary attributes connecting electric mobility to urban planning include the alignment of existing plans and guidelines, sectoral integration, transport infrastructure, multi-sectoral engagement, environmental sustainability, urbanism, user profiles, technologies, and governance. In Brazil, despite the existence of national guidelines, there is still a gap in updating public policies to fully integrate electromobility into urban planning. The study concludes that a stronger integration between electric mobility and urban planning policies is necessary, along with more robust incentives for the electrification of public transport. By identifying these attributes, this study provides a structured framework for policymakers and urban planners to enhance regulatory mechanisms, infrastructure planning, and governance strategies, contributing to more sustainable, resilient, and efficient urban mobility systems.

1. Introduction

In 2015, the United Nations (UN) [1] introduced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the “Agenda 2030” action plan. This plan outlines 17 objectives and 169 global targets to be achieved by 2030. Among these goals, key priorities include significantly increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, improving access to research and technologies related to clean energy, particularly in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and promoting safe, accessible, and sustainable transport systems. Additionally, the SDGs emphasize the need to reduce the per capita environmental impact of urban areas, with a particular focus on improving air quality.

The transport sector accounts for approximately 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a major contributor to climate change [2]. As urban populations continue to grow, the increasing demand for mobility within cities poses significant challenges for urban transport systems [3]. The global predominance of road transport underscores the urgent need to adopt alternative technologies to combustion vehicles that are powered by clean energy sources [4]. Efforts are underway to reduce the transport sector’s dependence on carbon and enhance its energy efficiency, contributing to the achievement of climate goals [5].

In this context, the electrification of road transport plays a crucial role in the energy and technological transition, requiring substantial capital investments [6]. Additionally, infrastructure investments and related requirements vary widely across urban areas, influenced by factors such as existing infrastructure, land use, energy systems, mobility culture, and market-specific characteristics [7]. Recent discussions emphasize that achieving a successful transition to electromobility requires an integrated approach that aligns vehicle electrification with urban planning and regulatory policies [2].

Although the factors influencing the adoption of electric vehicles have been a significant focus in research, the perspective of urban planning has largely been over-looked, particularly concerning the built environment and travel behaviors [8]. Urban planning plays a key role in shaping and promoting more compact cities. Through aligned legal, administrative, and technical frameworks, it facilitates the development of strategies that improve urban mobility, economic efficiency, public health, and environmental sustainability [9].

The unique morphological characteristics of cities contribute to the diversity of urban mobility systems, requiring that transport solutions be guided not only by technical forecasts but also by economic, social, and environmental factors to ensure effective implementation [10]. Several recent studies have explored the relationship between electric mobility and urban planning from different perspectives. Pietrzak and Pietrzak (2020) [3] analyzed the environmental impacts of electromobility in urban public transport, highlighting its benefits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Jiang et al. (2024) [8] examined the challenges of electric vehicle adoption in Beijing, emphasizing the essential role of urban infrastructure in facilitating the energy transition within the transportation sector. Nigro et al. (2021) [7] proposed a data-driven approach to promote the sustainable development of electromobility in urban areas, stressing the importance of integrating it with other intelligent transportation systems. De Abreu et al. (2023) [6] introduced an Action Plan Focused on Electric Mobility (APOEM), providing a framework for assessing the environmental benefits of urban electric mobility, reinforcing the need for structured policy implementation. Finally, Zhang et al. (2021) [11] analyzed the long-term impacts of vehicle electrification on urban decarbonization processes, emphasizing the importance of well-structured public policies to ensure efficient planning.

Although this study focuses on the Brazilian context, many of the challenges faced in integrating electromobility into urban planning are common worldwide. Countries such as Norway, Germany, and China have implemented diverse strategies to promote electric mobility, offering valuable insights that can be compared to Brazil’s experience. For example, European governments have established clear electromobility plans, setting infrastructure targets and vehicle adoption estimates until 2030 [12]. In North America, Mexico has leveraged nearshoring and trade policies to strengthen its electric vehicle industry [13]. These international cases highlight different governance models, regulatory approaches, and economic strategies that can provide relevant lessons for Brazil’s transition towards sustainable urban mobility.

Despite the contributions of these studies, significant gaps remain in the literature:

• There is no structured framework identifying the key attributes linking electromobility to urban planning, making it difficult to establish guidelines for cities seeking to implement sustainable mobility solutions;
• The influence of urban morphology and travel behaviors on electric vehicle adoption is still not well understood, limiting the potential for tailored policies and infrastructure planning;
• The existing research lacks a comprehensive analysis of policies and regulations governing electromobility in Brazil, particularly regarding the integration of electric vehicles with urban infrastructure.

The issues identified in the literature, such as the lack of a structured framework for electromobility integration, the insufficient understanding of urban morphology influences, and fragmented policies, are particularly relevant in the Brazilian context. The documentary analysis highlights that Brazil faces similar governance and regulatory challenges to those observed in other emerging economies, where national policies exist but their municipal implementation remains inconsistent [14,15]. While studies on global electromobility efforts emphasize the importance of infrastructure planning, cross-sectoral collaboration, and policy consistency [12,13], Brazil still struggles with aligning national regulations with local strategies, making it a compelling case for further investigation.

Given these gaps, this study aims to answer the following research question: How do key attributes link electric mobility to urban planning, particularly in the Brazilian context? To address this question, the study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to map these attributes and examines Brazilian policies and legislation through a documentary research approach. To ensure a comprehensive review, the study selected articles indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. These platforms were chosen due to their extensive coverage of high-impact scientific publications and their relevance for studies on transport policies, urban planning, and electromobility. The selection criteria aimed to include recent and high-quality research, ensuring a robust foundation for the analysis.

By filling these gaps, this research will contribute to identifying the essential elements for integrating electric mobility into urban environments, offering insights into infrastructure planning, policy development, and governance strategies. Moreover, by analyzing the Brazilian context, it provides valuable recommendations that can be adapted to other regions facing similar challenges, reinforcing the importance of sustainable transport solutions in urban planning.

2. Method

To fulfill the purpose of this research, the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) framework was followed. This approach consists of a structured review process designed to identify, assess, and synthesize significant evidence on a given subject, as well as to detect gaps in existing knowledge [16]. The formulation of the research question, the structuring of the methodological approach, and the screening of studies in the SLR represent the first steps to ensure that the results obtained are valid and replicable, following established guidelines [17].

For ensuring research rigor and comparability within the SLR process, two databases were consulted: Scopus and Web of Science, as illustrated in Figure 1. The search terms were defined based on the review’s objective, following preliminary searches to refine the keywords. As a result of this process, the search phrase used was: “e-mobility” OR “electric mobility” OR “electric vehicles” AND “urban planning” OR “urban mobility” OR “urban management”. The search was restricted to articles in English, excluding conferences, books, chapters, and theses.

The review procedure was subsequently applied to the databases, yielding a total of 654 articles, of which 524 remained after duplicate removal. Furthermore, inclusion and exclusion criteria were established, as the selection of articles was carried out through practical screening. During the initial filtering, the articles were reviewed, and exclusion criteria were applied to distinguish those capable of answering the research questions from those that did not provide relevant information for the study.

A total of 524 articles were initially analyzed based on title, abstract, and keywords. Articles that did not explicitly address the integration of electric mobility with urban planning or focused solely on vehicle components were excluded. The flow diagram and checklist, according PRISMA guidelines, detailing the SLR process, are attached as Supplementary Materials. After applying these criteria, 53 articles were selected for the final analysis, as detailed in

Table 1. Attributes that relate electric mobility into urban planning and their respective references.

Attributes	References
Alignment	[6,10,18,19,20,21]
Sectoral Integration	[8,10,11,19,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37]
Transport infrastructure	[5,6,7,8,10,11,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,26,27,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60]
Multi-sectoral Engagement	[10,11,21,22,28,31,33,35,41,42,46,49,54,61]
Environmental sustainability	[6,10,11,19,20,23,24,25,26,29,31,33,34,35,37,39,41,42,43,44,45,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,56,57,58,60,61,62]
Urbanism	[7,8,10,11,21,23,24,29,30,33,34,36,39,40,43,44,45,51,53,54,59,61,62]
User profiles	[8,22,24,27,28,32,33,34,37,38,40,43,48,50,57,60,63]
Technologies	[5,19,31,36,41,45,46,48,52,60]
Governance	[5,19,27,28,32,37,41,46,47,49,52,53,54,55,57,58,61,62,63]

.

3. Results

The studies analyzed in the SLR facilitated the identification of a set of attributes that establish the connection between electric mobility and urban planning. These attributes encompass structural, political, and social factors that impact the adoption of electromobility in urban areas, including the availability of adequate transportation infrastructure, governance challenges, and the necessity of multi-sectoral participation. Table 1 summarizes the key attributes identified, along with their respective references in the literature, offering a structured basis for understanding the main factors influencing the integration of electric mobility into urban contexts.

3.1. Alignment

The adoption of urban mobility plans plays a crucial role in optimizing resource allocation and improving energy efficiency in transportation [19]. These plans should serve as a strategic tool to integrate sustainable mobility into urban planning [10], promoting the integration of different modes of transport [18], and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to clean and affordable energy, sustainable cities, and climate change mitigation [6].

3.2. Sectoral Integration

Electric mobility can only be truly sustainable if incorporated into an integrated urban and transport planning strategy that considers multiple interests and environmental impacts [54]. Integrated transport planning is an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses social, ecological, economic, and political aspects to promote sustainable urban mobility [28] and develop optimized solutions [34]. A transdisciplinary perspective enables the integration of knowledge from various disciplines and stakeholders, allowing for a more effective response to real-world sustainability challenges [31].

The integration of transport, urban planning, environment, security, and energy is crucial to promoting urban sustainability [10]. Local safety perceptions significantly influence the adoption of electric vehicles [8]. Additionally, electric vehicles can contribute to energy systems by supporting grid balancing and enabling the greater integration of renewable energy sources [23]. Moreover, the planning of charging station locations requires a multidisciplinary approach that combines urban planning and territorial analysis [41].

International experiences reinforce the importance of sectoral integration in electromobility policies. European governments, for example, have set clear electromobility targets, integrating vehicle adoption goals with infrastructure expansion and policy incentives [12]. In Mexico, nearshoring policies have contributed to the development of an electric vehicle industry, demonstrating how industrial policies and international trade can shape electromobility transitions [13]. These cases highlight how multi-sectoral collaboration enhances electromobility adoption and provides insights into strategies that could be adapted to the Brazilian context.

3.3. Transport Infrastructure

Strategic planning of resilient and efficient infrastructure is essential to accommodate the increasing demand for urban mobility and integrate different transport modes [45]. A well-integrated transport system enhances accessibility and reduces congestion [39].

Strategies aimed at fostering denser and more integrated urban development, shortening travel distances, and expanding support for public transport, walking, and cycling are fundamental to promoting sustainable mobility [53]. Multi-modal analysis, which includes pedestrians and public transport, enhances urban infrastructure planning for electric vehicles [29]. The expansion and modernization of public transport systems, such as metro networks and light rail lines, alongside the development of bicycle-friendly infrastructure, encourages active transportation and is a key component of urban planning strategies designed to reduce automobile dependence [47].

Non-motorized transport modes, such as walking and cycling, should be systematically integrated into urban planning, as they complement electric transport solutions and contribute to greater energy efficiency [19]. Achieving synergy between electric mobility and urban transport requires the integration of public transport networks, parking infrastructure, and intermodal transport hubs [33].

3.4. Multi-Sectoral Engagement

Integrated planning relies on the active participation of citizens and stakeholders, ensuring that human needs remain at the center of decision-making processes [28]. The successful adoption of electric mobility is strongly influenced by social acceptance [22], making it crucial to develop projects that align with local demands and encourage wider adoption [10]. Thus, effective collaboration among governments, the private sector, and civil society is indispensable for the implementation of electric mobility solutions and the development of sustainable urban infrastructure [41]. Cross-sector partnerships can accelerate policy adoption, optimize investment strategies, and foster long-term engagement, ensuring that electromobility becomes an integral component of urban development.

Comparative studies suggest that public participation plays a crucial role in shaping electromobility policies. Research on European and North American experiences highlights that public consultation processes, citizen education campaigns, and transparent decision-making contribute significantly to policy acceptance and long-term sustainability [14]. In Brazil, increasing public engagement could enhance policy effectiveness and ensure a greater social acceptance of electromobility initiatives.

3.5. Environmental Sustainability

Electric vehicles are recognized as a key solution for reducing local pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a healthier urban environment and improved public health [33]. Additionally, their adoption plays a crucial role in fostering the transition to a low-carbon economy [11], aligning with global sustainability goals and long-term energy transition objectives.

However, to maximize environmental benefits, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles must be supported by a clean energy matrix, prioritizing renewable energy sources. Additionally, the implementation of efficient battery recycling and reuse strategies is essential to minimize environmental impacts throughout the entire life cycle of these technologies. Addressing these factors ensures that electric mobility remains a genuinely sustainable solution in urban contexts.

China has advanced significantly in electromobility by integrating large-scale renewable energy deployment with its electric vehicle policies, ensuring that EV adoption directly contributes to emissions reductions [64]. These insights highlight the need for Brazil to align electromobility policies with its energy transition goals.

3.6. Urbanism

Urbanism links land use with mobility patterns, guiding sustainable urban planning and the redesign of urban areas [7]. As part of an integrated planning model [24], electric mobility requires urban transformations to accommodate electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and new standards for sustainable urban mobility [23].

The integration of electric mobility into urban infrastructure presents challenges, particularly in cities with limited space and high population density [62]. Moreover, the adoption of electric mobility can influence urban expansion, affecting the distribution of the population and workforce and driving land conversion for residential and commercial purposes [11].

3.7. User Profiles

Demographic and regional factors, such as age, income, and urban or rural residency, influence the adoption and use of electric vehicles [63]. Population density plays a key role in determining optimal locations for charging stations, as densely populated areas typically experience higher transportation demand [38].

The effectiveness of electric mobility policies varies between central and peripheral regions, requiring tailored planning approaches [11]. Ensuring inclusivity across all social groups is essential for promoting accessibility and social cohesion [24], preventing an unequal transition that could exacerbate environmental and social inequalities [43].

3.8. Technologies

The advancement of electromobility is directly related to the use of innovative technologies that enable more a efficient and sustainable management of urban transport. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) play a fundamental role in the analysis and optimization of traffic flow, enabling dynamic route planning and the integration of transport modes [5,35].

Furthermore, the use of open transportation data enables the development of intelligent mobility systems, promoting greater energy efficiency and reducing congestion. Among the technological solutions applied to electromobility infrastructure, the following stand out wireless charging roads, which allows electric vehicles to be recharged while they are traveling, and solar parking systems, which use solar energy to power charging stations, expanding the use of renewable sources in the sector [39,40]. These innovations represent significant advances in the consolidation of electric mobility integrated into urban planning.

3.9. Governance

The implementation of public policies that discourage private car dependency and promote sustainable transport modes is essential for fostering more efficient and environmentally friendly urban mobility [5]. Policies aimed at encouraging the electrification of both public and private transport can play a key role in integrating electric vehicles into sustainable mobility strategies [27].

3.10. Relationship Between the Attributes of Electric Mobility Integration into Urban Planning

The integration of electric mobility into urban planning does not rely on isolated fac-tors but rather on the interaction between different structural, technological, social, and political elements. The analysis of the identified attributes reveals that some play a central role in influencing others. Transport infrastructure, for instance, is directly linked to environmental sustainability, urban planning, and sectoral integration, as the availability of adequate networks for electric mobility affects both energy efficiency and the distribution of urban activities, while also aligning transport policies with territorial planning strategies [48]. Moreover, the implementation of resilient infrastructure for electric vehicles requires urban planning that aligns with the principles of sustainable mobility, such as reducing travel distances and prioritizing public and active transport [9].

International case studies reinforce the significance of these interconnections. A European Commission-led initiative, the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), demonstrated that aligning public transport electrification with strategic urban planning led to a 22.5% increase in public transport usage and a reduction of over 511,000 daily kilometers in private vehicle travel [12]. The lessons from SUMP highlight how urban planning, sectoral integration, and governance can shape effective electromobility policies, providing relevant insights for Brazil’s transition.

Another essential factor is governance, which impacts sectoral integration, user pro-files, and multi-sectoral participation. Effective governance guides public policies, eco-nomic incentives, and regulations, which can either facilitate or hinder the implementation of electric mobility in cities [51]. Governance also plays a crucial role in defining incentives for electric vehicle adoption, regulating charging infrastructure, and incorporating innovative business models based on shared services and renewable energy [7]. Additionally, the user profile directly influences the technologies adopted and how mobility solutions are implemented. Densely populated regions, for example, require different planning approaches compared to less populated areas, impacting decisions on charging station locations and the availability of electrified public transport [14].

Technology is a transversal element, reinforcing both transport infrastructure and the consistency of public policies. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics enables the more efficient management of urban flows, optimizing resource distribution and reducing waste [35]. Furthermore, the application of emerging technologies, such as wireless charging and solar-powered charging stations, contributes to environmental sustainability and the resilience of urban infrastructure [39]. Consistency, in turn, ensures that the implemented strategies remain sustainable in the long term, avoiding fragmented solutions that hinder the adoption of electric mobility [48].

Figure 2 illustrates the connections between the main discussed attributes, highlighting how each one relates to the others. This integrated perspective helps to understand the challenges and opportunities of electric mobility in different urban contexts, reinforcing the need for strategic policies and planning approaches that consider these interdependencies.

Thus, analyzing electric mobility from a systemic perspective reveals that its successful implementation depends on the convergence of multiple factors, ranging from infrastructure and technology to governance and social engagement. Understanding these interrelations enables the formulation of more effective strategies to promote the energy transition in the transport sector and its integration into urban planning, making cities more sustainable, efficient, and resilient [19].

The challenges for integrating electromobility into urban planning, as identified in the global literature, present both similarities and distinct characteristics when compared to the Brazilian context. Countries like Norway and Germany have demonstrated that well-planned infrastructure and consistent government incentives are fundamental for large-scale adoption [12]. However, in Brazil, the fragmentation of public policies and the absence of continuous investment hinder the replication of these strategies [65]. Furthermore, while Europe increasingly focuses on integrating electromobility with renewable energy sources, Brazil still faces structural challenges within its urban electricity network, impacting the feasibility of a rapid transition to electric vehicles [66]. These differences highlight the need for tailored policies that address the country’s unique socioeconomic and regulatory landscape.

4. Brazilian Context

In 2012, Law No. 12,587 [67] established the National Urban Mobility Policy (PNMU) in Brazil, aiming to integrate different modes of transport and ensure universal access to cities for both people and goods. This policy promotes the democratic management of the National Urban Mobility System, which is structured around three pillars: transport modes, transport services, and urban mobility infrastructure.

Additionally, the legislation mandates that municipalities develop an Urban Mobility Plan (PMU), a strategic instrument that outlines short-, medium-, and long-term actions to improve urban mobility. The PMU must consider local cultural factors as well as investment and financing alternatives, guiding initiatives and resources toward the sustainable development of urban transport [68].

From the documentary research, it was observed that among Brazil’s 27 state capitals, 14 have a Mobility Plan approved by the legislative branch, six have a consolidated plan that has not been formalized through decree or law, six are in various stages of development, and one capital, located in the northeast region, has yet to initiate the process.

Additionally, the analysis indicates that the National Urban Mobility Policy has not undergone updates to incorporate new transport-related technologies that have emerged over the years. As a result, guidelines related to electromobility were either not considered or not integrated into mobility plans during their development or updates. This creates a lack of cohesion between policies established at different government levels.

The study also revealed that most decrees and laws on electromobility in Brazilian cities primarily focus on private electric vehicles. This highlights the need for greater financial incentives from economic and social development agencies to support the acquisition of electric buses, either for fleet expansion or replacing existing combustion-powered vehicles.

In recent years, the federal government has taken preliminary steps to incentivize the electrification of the country’s public bus fleet, which still predominantly relies on combustion engines. Notably, Draft Law No. 1743-A of 2023 proposes support for the renewal and expansion of the electric vehicle fleet for urban public transport [69]. In Brazil, organized public transport services operate in 2703 municipalities, with a fleet exceeding 107,000 buses [70]. The sector has an annual renewal rate of approximately 15,000 vehicles. Projections indicate that by the end of 2024, around 780 of these buses will be electric, accounting for only 0.73% of the total urban bus fleet [71].

To provide technical guidance and training for public managers, several official guides have been published, including the “Electromobility Guide” [72], the “Technical Reference Notebook for Electromobility in Brazilian Cities” [73], and the “Guide for Federal Electric Bus Programs in Brazil” [74]. These materials serve as technical references for the planning, structuring, and implementation of electromobility projects in public transportation. Additionally, they aim to support decision-makers in the Federal Government and local managers in designing and implementing policies that foster sustainable and efficient urban mobility.

Prioritizing the electrification of public transport through the implementation of electric buses and urban rail systems constitutes a highly effective strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the adoption of public transportation as an alternative to motorized individual mobility [53]. Furthermore, directing investments toward public charging infrastructure, in conjunction with policies aimed at limiting the excessive use of private vehicles, is essential to ensuring that the transition to electric mobility effectively contributes to the development of more sustainable, compact, and accessible cities.

In 2024, the Green Mobility and Innovation Program (MOVER), established by Law No. 14.902 [75], established forth guidelines for the commercialization and importation of new vehicles in Brazil, with a focus on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The program’s main provisions include the implementation of mandatory requirements related to energy efficiency, the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, vehicle recyclability, environmental labeling, and the incorporation of assistive driving technologies.

Additionally, the program provides incentives for research and development in the automotive sector, as well as the creation of the National Fund for Industrial and Technological Development (FNDIT), with the objective of fostering the decarbonization of the automotive industry and promoting the country’s integration into global value chains. Furthermore, it establishes penalties for non-compliance with energy efficiency and emission control targets, encouraging the adoption of cleaner technologies and contributing to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Also, The New Industry Brazil Program (NIB) [76] exerts significant influence on electric mobility in the country through strategic initiatives aimed at sustainable industrialization. Among the implemented actions, the development of a national production chain for electric batteries stands out, with the establishment of progressive targets for local production, setting a percentage of 3% by 2026 and 33% by 2033. This measure aims to reduce dependence on imports and stimulate technological innovation in the sector.

Moreover, investments totaling R$ 1.6 trillion, primarily from the private sector, have been announced to modernize infrastructure and promote sustainable mobility, contributing to the development of environmentally responsible cities. In parallel, the federal government has adopted incentive policies, including tax benefits and specific lines of credit, with the objective of fostering decarbonization and improving energy efficiency in the automotive industry.

Given this scenario, successful international experiences can provide valuable insights for public policy development in Brazil. In Canada, for example, in 2008, the government implemented an initiative aimed at expanding public transportation availability, promoting the adoption of electric vehicles, encouraging active transportation (such as cycling), and increasing parking fees to discourage private car use [47]. These measures were implemented in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) by Metrolinx, a government-funded agency that also relies on public–private partnerships (PPPs) to develop infrastructure projects. This case highlights the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, a model that could inspire similar approaches in Brazil.

As part of previous planning studies in Spain, between 2009 and 2012, a comprehensive sizing model was proposed and used to identify the ideal infrastructure for electric vehicles [34]. This model considered the urban topology of the city under analysis, as well as aspects related to mobility, such as the number of inhabitants, congestion levels, peak times, and transport usage matrix distribution. Additionally, the input data for the simulation included the types of electric vehicles selected for the intersection analysis in the system, as well as the existing infrastructure.

Another initiative led by the European Commission is the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), conceived as a strategic planning tool designed to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability in urban contexts [10]. The implementation of SUMP in Genoa yielded significant results by integrating public transport electrification with strategic planning aimed at reducing emissions and increasing public transport use. The results showed a 22.5% increase in public transport usage and a reduction of over 511,000 daily kilometers in private vehicle travel, demonstrating its effectiveness as a tool for sustainable mobility transition.

To Colombo et al. (2023) [24], the integration of electric mobility into urban planning requires a set of best practices to ensure energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and accessibility. These practices include the development of integrated mobility plans and the gradual replacement of conventional vehicles to mitigate economic impacts. As well, selecting vehicles suited to the topography and population density, promoting shared and alternative mobility, and aligning electric mobility with sustainable urban policies are essential strategies for reducing emissions, improving air quality, and fostering a more resilient and efficient urban environment. For Budnitz et al. (2025) [57], the integration of sustainable transport modes, such as electric bicycles and public transport, along with the implementation of awareness campaigns to educate the population, are outlined as effective guidelines for local policies fostering an innovative and inclusive transition to urban electric mobility. Moreover, it is crucial to adapt policies to each city’s historical and geographical context, adopt proactive regulatory approaches for emerging transport technologies, and align electromobility policies with sustainability and social justice principles to ensure fair benefits across different social groups.

Brazilian institutions should base their electromobility strategies on successful and innovative international best practices, many of which have been in operation for over a decade. However, it is essential to adapt these models to local cultural and contextual realities to ensure their effectiveness. Additionally, effective investments in R&D are needed to advance technological and regulatory solutions, strengthening the integration between urban planning, mobility, and sustainability policies. Ensuring multidisciplinary collaboration in strategic decision-making is also crucial, given the economic and social implications of these policies.

Greater transparency in urban mobility planning is necessary, and public participation should be encouraged by disseminating guidelines through official government channels, allowing citizens to actively engage in decision-making and oversight. By integrating active and electric public transport, Brazil can significantly improve road system management and reduce environmental impacts. However, an important gap remains for future studies, particularly regarding the integration of electromobility into existing urban infrastructure and exploring new planning approaches for sustainable cities.

5. Conclusions

This study highlights that electric mobility is a key component of the sustainable transition of cities; however, its integration into urban planning still faces significant challenges. The research aimed to identify the key attributes linking electromobility to urban planning and analyze their implications within the Brazilian context. To achieve this, a systematic identification of attributes was conducted, followed by an analysis of their interrelationships.

This structured approach provides a clearer understanding of the essential elements required for integrating electric mobility into urban environments and supports the development of targeted public policies. The main findings of this study indicate the following:

• Electromobility integration depends on adequate transport infrastructure, efficient governance, sectoral integration, and environmental sustainability to be effectively incorporated into the urban ecosystem. The analysis of electromobility attributes underscores the importance of these factors in shaping policies and strategies that support the electrification of urban mobility.
• While electromobility has progressed in several countries through integrated policies and strong incentives, Brazil faces a gap between national guidelines and their effective implementation at the municipal level. The documentary analysis revealed that the National Urban Mobility Policy (PNMU), established in 2012, still does not fully incorporate new transport technologies, such as electromobility. Additionally, only 14 out of 27 (52%) state capitals have an Urban Mobility Plan formally approved by law, highlighting both a delay in adapting cities to sustainable guidelines and a lack of synergy between urban and energy policies.
• Existing regulations primarily focus on individual electric vehicles, while strategies for public transport electrification remain insufficiently robust. Current incentives and policies prioritize personal vehicle adoption, whereas large-scale, city-wide electromobility transitions demand a broader approach, including public and shared transport solutions.
• Stakeholder engagement and public awareness play a crucial role in the adoption of electromobility policies. Social acceptance and information dissemination about the benefits of electric mobility are critical factors for a successful transition. The study identified a lack of integration among the transport, urban planning, and energy sectors in Brazil, which hinders the advancement of electromobility initiatives, reinforcing the need for coordinated strategies across different levels of governance and industry stakeholders.
• By systematically identifying key attributes and analyzing their interconnections, this study provides a structured framework that enhances the understanding of how electromobility can be effectively integrated into urban planning. This framework serves as a foundation for developing more efficient policies that address infrastructure planning, regulatory mechanisms, and governance strategies.

This research provides a theoretical framework for future studies on the integration of electromobility into urban planning and contributes to the development of more sustainable public policies. The findings highlight that achieving a resilient and efficient urban mobility system requires well-structured policies aligned with technological advancements and infrastructure investments. Based on these findings, it is recommended that future research adopts empirical approaches to assess the implementation of electromobility in different urban contexts. Additionally, further studies should investigate how governance models and financing strategies can accelerate this transition, ensuring that cities are prepared for the ongoing digital and energy transformation in the transport sector.