Electric Vehicle Technology Development, Energy and Environmental Implications, and Decarbonization: 2nd Edition

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Aramco Americas, Aramco Research Center—Detroit, Novi, MI, USA
Interests: connected and automated vehicles; transport energy and emissions modeling; traffic simulation; machine learning; mobility digitalization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Civil Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
Interests: smart and sustainable mobility; electric and autonomous transportation; optimization; machine learning; automatic control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Aramco Research Center—Detroit, Aramco Services Company, Novi, MI 48377, USA
Interests: mobility and energy transition analysis; techno-economic and life cycle analysis of transport technologies; advanced vehicle and clean fuel technologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue (SI) is open for submissions on the technological development, energy consumption, life cycle emissions and costs, and critical material supply and recycling of electric vehicles (EVs), alongside these aspects’ integration with other mobility technologies, such as connected and automated vehicles and shared mobility. Submissions should address topics in one or more of the following areas:

  1. EV technology development: history, trends, challenges, and market analysis;
  2. EV life cycle costs and emissions and comparison with other fuel technologies, such as internal combustion engines (ICEs) and hydrogen fuel cells;
  3. EV critical material supply, demand, and recycling, and the associated environmental and geopolitical challenges;
  4. The impact of mixed mobility technologies (i.e., vehicle electrification, connectivity, automation, sharing) on fuel choice, energy consumption, and emissions;
  5. Transportation decarbonization policies and their implications for national or global energy demand and emissions, and strategies to decarbonize the transport sector under limited battery critical material supply;
  6. Co-optimization of the transportation system with the existing refuel and charging infrastructure.

Dr. Jinghui Wang
Dr. Hao Yang
Dr. Ran Tu
Dr. Xin He
Guest Editors

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. World Electric Vehicle Journal is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 1400 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 vehicle
  • connected and autonomous vehicle
  • life cycle analysis
  • energy and emissions
  • critical material supply and recycling
  • transport decarbonization

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

21 pages, 3026 KiB  
Article
Study on Long-Distance Electric Mobility on a Multinational Route
by Velizara Pencheva, Asen Asenov and Mladen Kulev
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(4), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16040204 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 216
Abstract
This study explores the challenges associated with long-distance travel exceeding 2000 km using an electric vehicle (EV) on a route spanning multiple countries, from Bulgaria to France. A dedicated research methodology was developed, selecting a specific route and EV for analysis. The findings [...] Read more.
This study explores the challenges associated with long-distance travel exceeding 2000 km using an electric vehicle (EV) on a route spanning multiple countries, from Bulgaria to France. A dedicated research methodology was developed, selecting a specific route and EV for analysis. The findings indicate that the energy consumption along the entire route averaged approximately 0.18 kWh/km under a load of around 240 kg. Furthermore, the study identified key challenges faced by EV drivers, particularly in locating charging stations and securing electric energy supply. Based on the results, several recommendations are proposed to enhance charging infrastructure conditions and mitigate driver uncertainty. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 11120 KiB  
Article
A Four-Party Evolutionary Game Analysis of Retired Power Battery Recycling Strategies Under the Low Carbon Goals
by Lijun Yang, Shuangxi Zhong and Zhenggang Ding
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(3), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16030187 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 433
Abstract
Under the low carbon goal, recycling power batteries (PBs) from new energy vehicles (NEVs) is a crucial measure to address resource shortages and reduce carbon emissions. This study examined the insufficient collaboration among the responsible entities and the imperfections in market mechanisms within [...] Read more.
Under the low carbon goal, recycling power batteries (PBs) from new energy vehicles (NEVs) is a crucial measure to address resource shortages and reduce carbon emissions. This study examined the insufficient collaboration among the responsible entities and the imperfections in market mechanisms within the PB recycling system. We overcome the limitations of traditional tripartite evolutionary game models by developing a four-party evolutionary game model that incorporates the government, manufacturers, recyclers, and consumers to investigate the strategic interactions within the extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework. Using MATLAB 2023a numerical simulations and Lyapunov stability analysis, we found that the system’s stability and efficiency depend on stakeholder collaboration and effective government policy guidance. The system evolves toward a Pareto optimal state when all parties adopt proactive recycling strategies. Meanwhile, ensuring substantial profits for manufacturers and recyclers is critical for the feasibility and stable operation of compliant recycling channels. While manufacturers and recyclers are more sensitive to subsidies than consumers, consumer decision-making is key to market stability. Long-term excessive subsidies may lead to diminishing marginal benefits. Strategic recommendations are provided for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the PB recycling system. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 1568 KiB  
Article
The Road Ahead for Hybrid or Electric Vehicles in Developing Countries: Market Growth, Infrastructure, and Policy Needs
by Mohamad Shamsuddoha and Tasnuba Nasir
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(3), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16030180 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 917
Abstract
Developing nations like Bangladesh have yet to adopt hybrid (HEVs) or electric vehicles (EVs) for goods carrying, whereas environmental pollution and fuel costs are hitting hard. The electrically powered cars and trucks market promises an excellent opportunity for environmentally friendly transportation. However, these [...] Read more.
Developing nations like Bangladesh have yet to adopt hybrid (HEVs) or electric vehicles (EVs) for goods carrying, whereas environmental pollution and fuel costs are hitting hard. The electrically powered cars and trucks market promises an excellent opportunity for environmentally friendly transportation. However, these countries’ inadequate infrastructure, substantial initial expenses, and insufficient policies impeding widespread acceptance hold market growth back. This study examines the current status of the electric car market in low- and middle-income developing nations like Bangladesh, focusing on the infrastructure and regulatory framework-related barriers and the aspects of growth promotion. To promote an expanding hybrid and EV ecosystem, this article outlines recent studies and identifies critical regions where support for policy and infrastructural developments is needed. It discusses how developing nations may adapt successful international practices to suit their specific needs. At the same time, the research adopted system dynamics and case study methods to assess the transportation fleet (142 vehicles) of a livestock farm and find the feasibility of adopting HEVs and EVs. Several instances are improving infrastructures for recharging, providing incentives for lowering the adoption process cost, and creating appropriate regulatory structures that promote corporate and consumer involvement. Findings highlight how crucial it is for governments, businesses, customers, and international bodies to collaborate to build an affordable and sustainable EV network. The investigation concludes with recommendations for more research and appropriate regulations that may accelerate the adoption of EVs, reduce their adverse impacts on the environment, and promote economic growth. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 2694 KiB  
Article
Factors Influencing Purchase of Advanced Intelligent Driving Vehicles in China: A Perspective of Value-Based Adoption Model
by Yanlu Yang, Yiyuan Wang and Xiaohan Bi
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(3), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16030154 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 700
Abstract
Although Chinese consumers show an increasing acceptance of intelligent driving, their purchase intentions have declined. Advanced intelligent driving technologies play a crucial role in helping users transition from traditional driving to fully autonomous driving. However, low purchase intention may delay the market adoption [...] Read more.
Although Chinese consumers show an increasing acceptance of intelligent driving, their purchase intentions have declined. Advanced intelligent driving technologies play a crucial role in helping users transition from traditional driving to fully autonomous driving. However, low purchase intention may delay the market adoption of advanced intelligent driving technologies, further influencing the research and innovation of autonomous driving technology. This study, from the perspective of consumer perception, collected survey data and constructed a structural equation model to explore the mechanisms by which key variables—such as perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, perceived fee, perceived risk, and brand credibility—affect consumers’ purchase intentions. The results indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment significantly enhance consumers’ perceived value. In contrast, perceived fee negatively impacts perceived value. Unlike previous studies, perceived risk does not have a significant impact on perceived value in the current stage of advanced autonomous driving. Perceived value has a significant positive impact on purchase intention, confirming its central role in consumer behavior models. Moreover, brand credibility significantly affects purchase intention but does not have a notable influence on perceived value. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5909 KiB  
Article
Driving Sustainability: Analyzing Eco-Driving Efficiency Across Urban and Interurban Roads with Electric and Combustion Vehicles
by Tasneem Miqdady, Juan Benavente, Juan Francisco Coloma and Marta García
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(3), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16030143 - 3 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 998
Abstract
Eco-driving is a key strategy for reducing energy consumption and emissions in electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, research gaps remain regarding its effectiveness across different driving environments, vehicle types, transmission systems, and contexts. This research evaluates eco-driving efficiency [...] Read more.
Eco-driving is a key strategy for reducing energy consumption and emissions in electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, research gaps remain regarding its effectiveness across different driving environments, vehicle types, transmission systems, and contexts. This research evaluates eco-driving efficiency in urban and interurban settings, comparing small (Caceres) and large (Madrid) cities and assessing EVs ICE with direct, manual, and automatic transmissions. The authors conducted a large-scale driving experiment in Spain, with over 500 test runs across different road types. Results in the large city show that eco-driving reduces energy consumption by 30.4% in EVs on urban roads, benefiting from regenerative braking, compared to 10.75% in manual ICE vehicles. Automatic ICE vehicles also performed well, with 29.55% savings in local streets. In interurban settings, manual ICE vehicles achieved the highest savings (20.31%), while EVs showed more minor improvements (11.79%) due to already optimized efficiency at steady speeds. The small city showed higher savings due to smoother traffic flow, while single-speed transmissions in EVs enhanced efficiency across conditions. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing eco-driving strategies and vehicle design. Future research should explore AI-driven eco-driving applications and real-time optimization to improve sustainable mobility. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5502 KiB  
Article
Adoption of Electric Vehicles and Forecasting Air Emissions in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City by 2050
by Rodolfo Sosa Echeverría, Graciela Velasco Herrera, Pablo Sánchez Álvarez, Elías Granados Hernández, Gilberto Fuentes García, Victor Manuel Velasco Herrera, Rogelio González Oropeza, William Vicente Rodríguez, Jaime Gandarilla Ibarra and Rodrigo Rivera Rivera
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16010033 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1177
Abstract
Densely populated urban megacities, such as the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City, face the ongoing deterioration of air quality. Emissions from industrail factories and internal combustion vehicles are the main sources of pollutants. We have evaluated different transition trends from internal combustion engine [...] Read more.
Densely populated urban megacities, such as the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City, face the ongoing deterioration of air quality. Emissions from industrail factories and internal combustion vehicles are the main sources of pollutants. We have evaluated different transition trends from internal combustion engine vehicles as bus, truck and van, and motorcycle to electric vehicles through 2050. The total vehicle growth follows a second-degree polynomial trend. Bus growth exhibits a linear trend. Truck and van growth display a second-degree polynomial trend. Motorcycle growth also follows a second-degree polynomial trend. We found that the most significant reductions in transportation emissions are observed in CO2, followed by NOx, volatile organic compound (VOC), and particulate matter, with light and heavy vehicles being the primary contributors to total emissions. Mexico City serves as a pilot laboratory where both the challenges and potential solutions to an issue affecting millions of citizens can be observed. If proven effective and practical, these solutions could be applied to other megacities. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 673 KiB  
Article
Economic Sustainability of Scrapping Electric and Internal Combustion Vehicles: A Comparative Multiple Italian Case Study
by Angelo Corallo, Alberto Di Prizio, Mariangela Lazoi and Claudio Pascarelli
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16010032 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1705
Abstract
The transition to sustainable mobility is one of the most pressing and complex challenges for the automotive industry, with impacts that extend beyond the mere reduction of emissions. Electric vehicles, while at the center of this evolution, raise questions about the consumption of [...] Read more.
The transition to sustainable mobility is one of the most pressing and complex challenges for the automotive industry, with impacts that extend beyond the mere reduction of emissions. Electric vehicles, while at the center of this evolution, raise questions about the consumption of natural resources, such as lithium, copper, and cobalt, and their long-term sustainability. In addition, the introduction of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems, brings new challenges related to the management of components and materials needed for their production, creating a significant impact on supply chains. The growing demand for electric and autonomous vehicles is pushing the industry to rethink production models, favoring the adoption of circular economy principles to minimize waste and optimize the use of resources. To better understand the implications of this transition, this study adopts a multiple case study methodology, which allows in-depth exploration of different contexts and scenarios, and analysis of real cases of dismantling and recycling of internal combustion engines (ICEs) and electric vehicles (EVs). The research includes a financial simulation and a comparison of revenues from the dismantling of ICE and EV vehicles, highlighting differences in the value of recycled materials and the effectiveness of circular economy practices applied to the two types of vehicles. This approach provides a detailed overview of the economic benefits and challenges related to the management of the end of life of vehicles, helping to outline optimal strategies for a sustainable and cost-effective future in the automotive sector. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop