Developmental Trajectories of Electric Vehicle Research in a Circular Economy: Main Path Analysis

Tang-Min Hsieh () and Kai-Ying Chen
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Tang-Min Hsieh: College of Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 106, Taiwan
Kai-Ying Chen: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 106, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-40

Abstract: This study explored the development history and future trends of academic research on electric vehicles (EVs) in a circular economy. We collected 4127 articles on circular economy and EVs from the Web of Science database, and main path analysis indicated that academic research in the field of EVs in a circular economy has covered the following topics in chronological order: EVs as a power resource; vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology; renewable energy and energy storage grids; smart grid and charging station optimization; and sustainable development of energy, water, and environmental systems. Through cluster analysis and data mining, we identified the following main research topics in the aforementioned field: recycling and reuse of EV batteries, charging stations and energy management, V2G systems and renewable energy, power frequency control systems, dynamic economic emissions, and energy management. Finally, data mining and statistical analysis revealed the following emerging research topics in this field from 2020 to 2023: microgrids, deep learning, loop supply chain, blockchain, and automatic generation control. Various achievements have been attained in research on EVs in a circular economy; however, challenges related to aspects such as sustainable battery recycling charging infrastructure and renewable energy integration remain.

Keywords: electric vehicles; circular economy; main path analysis; sustainable development; emerging research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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