Optimization and energy management strategies, challenges, advances, and prospects in electric vehicles and their charging infrastructures: A comprehensive review

Electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable energy systems. This review comprehensively examines the optimization and energy management strategies for EVs and their charging infrastructure, focusing on technological advancements, persistent challenges, and future prospects. By the end of 2023, the number of electric cars on the road globally reached 40 million, with 14 million new registrations recorded in 2023 alone—95% of which were in China, Europe, and the United States. Governments across the globe have introduced incentives and policies to promote EV adoption, and by 2030, EVs are expected to comprise a significant portion of light-duty vehicles in major regions. Despite these encouraging developments, challenges such as range anxiety, the relatively low energy density of 200–300 Wh/kg in Li-ion batteries (compared to 13,000 Wh/kg for petroleum), and insufficient public charging infrastructure remain key barriers to widespread EV adoption. This review also explores the critical role of smart grid technologies, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, and renewable energy integration in supporting the growing EV market. V2G technologies are projected to enhance grid stability by 20–30% and reduce operational costs by 10–15% through load balancing and real-time energy price forecasting. By thoroughly analyzing optimization techniques such as load balancing, dynamic scheduling, and real-time energy management, this paper offers a roadmap for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to accelerate the integration of EVs into global energy systems and enhance sustainability in urban transportation networks.