Electric Vehicles in Modern Power Systems: A Critical Review of Technologies, Integration Challenges and System-Level Implications

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly regarded as a key component of low-carbon mobility and the sustainable energy transition. However, their large-scale deployment raises challenges that extend beyond vehicle technologies and require a system-level understanding of interactions with power networks, energy resources and users. This paper presents a critical review of the literature published since 2012, examining EV development from an integrated energy perspective that includes vehicle technologies, charging infrastructure, power electronics, grid integration, renewable energy coupling and environmental implications. A structured methodology is used to identify and analyze peer-reviewed studies, with particular emphasis on high-impact review articles that consolidate knowledge across disciplines. The analysis shows that, despite significant technological progress, large-scale EV deployment remains constrained by infrastructure limitations, distribution grid readiness, charging coordination strategies, material availability and socio-technical factors. Simulation-based studies play a central role in anticipating these impacts and informing deployment strategies before real-world implementation. Rather than addressing individual components in isolation, this review highlights interdependencies between technologies, control approaches and energy systems. Based on this synthesis, key research priorities and high-level challenges are identified, providing guidance for future research and policy aimed at enabling EVs to effectively support sustainable ambient energy and mobility systems worldwide deployment.