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Advances in Efficient and Sustainable Transport Using Electric Vehicles and Energy Storage in Transport

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 4556

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Management, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Interests: renewable energy; methanol vehicle; life cycle assessment; energy policy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to contribute to our Special Issue entitled "Advances in Efficient and Sustainable Transport Using Electric Vehicles and Energy Storage in Transport". As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to merge into the mainstream, their role as transport solutions and dynamic components within the broader energy ecosystem becomes increasingly significant. EVs are not merely conveyances, but pivotal components in the achievment of energy efficiency and management. Accelerating towards a future of eco-friendly transport, this Special Issue stands at the vanguard of research on intelligent transportation systems and the pivotal role of EVs in achieving energy sustainability.

The imperative to minimize humanity’s carbon footprint and foster an environmentally friendly transport ecosystem propels the narrative of this Special Issue. It is a dialogue of discovery that challenges the status quo, seeking to redefine mobility through technological innovation in electric drive systems, battery efficiency, and renewable energy integration, coupled with examining the intricate dynamics of EVs as active participants in energy storage and distribution.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • The development and optimization of efficient electric propulsion systems;
  • Enhancements in the battery technology, lifespan and performance of EV applications;
  • The integration of renewable energy sources with EV charging infrastructure;
  • Explorations of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) systems as energy storage and regulation mechanisms;
  • Policy and economic analysis related to EV deployment and the transition to sustainable transport models;
  • Case studies on innovative applications of EVs within public and private transportation sectors;
  • Technological advancements that bolster the reliability and scalability of EVs in the context of smart grids and smart cities.

As we herald a new era of transportation, the insights garnered from this Special Issue will chart the course toward a more sustainable, efficient, and interconnected future. We welcome the submission of original research papers, reviews, and case studies that will ignite discourse and enrich understanding on this topic, paving the way for greener transport and research focused on electric vehicles and their multifunctional role in energy storage and conservation.

I/We look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Dr. Chengjiang Li
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • electric vehicles
  • energy storage
  • intelligent transportation systems
  • vehicle-to-grid
  • energy sustainability
  • efficient electric propulsion systems
  • smart grids

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 2965 KiB  
Article
Multi-Objective Optimal Energy Management Strategy for Grid-Interactive Hydrogen Refueling Stations in Rural Areas
by Burak Şafak and Alper Çiçek
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2663; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062663 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 548
Abstract
The transportation sector is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, thus necessitating a transition toward renewable energy sources (RESs) and electric vehicles (EVs). Among EV technologies, fuel-cell EVs (FCEVs) offer distinct advantages in terms of refueling time and operational efficiency, thus rendering [...] Read more.
The transportation sector is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, thus necessitating a transition toward renewable energy sources (RESs) and electric vehicles (EVs). Among EV technologies, fuel-cell EVs (FCEVs) offer distinct advantages in terms of refueling time and operational efficiency, thus rendering them a promising solution for sustainable transportation. Nevertheless, the integration of FCEVs in rural areas poses challenges due to the limited availability of refueling infrastructure and constraints in energy access. In order to address these challenges, this study proposes a multi-objective energy management model for a hydrogen refueling station (HRS) integrated with RESs, a battery storage system, an electrolyzer (EL), a fuel cell (FC), and a hydrogen tank, serving diverse FCEVs in rural areas. The model, formulated using mixed-integer linear programming (MILP), optimizes station operations to maximize both cost and load factor performance. Additionally, bi-directional trading with the power grid and hydrogen network enhances energy flexibility and grid stability, enabling a more resilient and self-sufficient energy system. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first in the literature to present a multi-objective optimal management approach for grid-interactive, renewable-supported HRSs serving hydrogen-powered vehicles in rural areas. The simulation results demonstrate that RES integration improves economic feasibility by reducing costs and increasing financial gains, while maximizing the load factor enhances efficiency, cost-driven strategies that may impact stability. The impact of the EL on cost is more significant, while RES capacity has a relatively smaller effect on cost. However, its influence on the load factor is substantial. The optimization of RES-supported hydrogen production has been demonstrated to reduce external dependency, thereby enabling surplus trading and increasing financial gains to the tune of USD 587.83. Furthermore, the system enhances sustainability by eliminating gasoline consumption and significantly reducing carbon emissions, thus supporting the transition to a cleaner and more efficient transportation ecosystem. Full article
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16 pages, 30049 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Airflow Organization in Buses Air-Conditioned by Direct Evaporative Coolers
by Wenhe Zhou, Mengdie Liu and Lin Duan
Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1647; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041647 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 569
Abstract
Considering the energy-saving advantages of the direct evaporative cooler (DEC) compared to the traditional air conditioning system (TAC), this study aims to indicate its ability to improve the thermal comfort and the indoor air quality of the bus compared to the bus air-conditioned [...] Read more.
Considering the energy-saving advantages of the direct evaporative cooler (DEC) compared to the traditional air conditioning system (TAC), this study aims to indicate its ability to improve the thermal comfort and the indoor air quality of the bus compared to the bus air-conditioned by the traditional compressor system. Taking a bus in Lanzhou as the object, the numerical model and method were first verified by an experimental method. Then, numerical analyses were simultaneously carried out in both bus models, which were air-conditioned by TAC and DEC, respectively. The results showed that the thermal comfort of the bus air-conditioned by DEC is more satisfactory, and the indoor air quality is better. Additionally, the bus air-conditioned by DEC achieves a 43.7% improvement in the temperature efficiency and a 31.3% improvement in the ventilation efficiency compared to the bus air-conditioned by TAC. The conclusion will provide valuable insights into the application of DEC in buses in dry regions. Full article
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13 pages, 3435 KiB  
Article
Factors Influencing Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations and Policy Implications: Empirical Lessons from Seoul Metropolitan Area in Korea
by Hyunjoong Kim and Gyeong Seok Kim
Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020745 - 18 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1516
Abstract
The growth of electric vehicle (EV) demand in Korea is closely tied to the challenge of optimal charging station placement. Despite the quantitative increase in charging stations, their uneven spatial distribution remains a significant issue, as highlighted by several related studies. This research [...] Read more.
The growth of electric vehicle (EV) demand in Korea is closely tied to the challenge of optimal charging station placement. Despite the quantitative increase in charging stations, their uneven spatial distribution remains a significant issue, as highlighted by several related studies. This research analyzes the factors influencing the location of public electric vehicle fast-charging stations (PEVFCSs) in Korea’s Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA). Our analysis reveals that the SMA has yet to implement a systematic urban planning approach for PEVFCS placement. Interestingly, traffic volume is negatively correlated with PEVFCS location, contrary to expectations. Through a comprehensive diagnosis of the current situation, we offer valuable insights and lessons learned from the SMA experience. These findings contribute to the development of plausible policies for more effective PEVFCS distribution in urban areas. Full article
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16 pages, 3308 KiB  
Article
Does “Dual Credit Policy” Really Matter in Corporate Competitiveness?
by Liang Liang, Qian Mei and Chengjiang Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6991; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166991 - 15 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1379
Abstract
Developing the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry significantly reduces pollutant emissions in the transportation sector, promotes high-quality carbon peaks, and reduces dependence on oil imports. Industrial policies also support the NEV industry, constantly enhancing its international competitiveness. The Dual Credit Policy, implemented in [...] Read more.
Developing the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry significantly reduces pollutant emissions in the transportation sector, promotes high-quality carbon peaks, and reduces dependence on oil imports. Industrial policies also support the NEV industry, constantly enhancing its international competitiveness. The Dual Credit Policy, implemented in 2017, has pressured automotive manufacturers to transform their production models, reduce the output of traditional fuel vehicles, and increase the production of NEV. This study analyzes the effects of the Dual Credit Policy on corporate competitiveness before and after implementing it, using listed companies in China’s NEV industry as the research subjects. The results indicate that the Dual Credit Policy significantly enhanced corporate competitiveness through substantial innovation. Additionally, the difference-in-differences (DID) model results reveal that the policy’s promotional effect is more pronounced in traditional vehicle companies due to higher pressure. Heterogeneity tests show that the policy has a more significant effect on state-owned enterprises and that regional marketization differences lead to a greater promotional impact on enterprises in the central and eastern regions. Full article
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