Exploring and comparing the knowledge structures, collaborations and key themes of electric vehicle research in the environment domain

Abstract

Using bibliometric analysis, science mapping, and thematic clustering, this study analyzed the knowledge structure, collaboration network, and key themes in electric vehicle (EV) research in the environment domain (ED) from 2010 to 2022. The analysis reveals rapid growth in knowledge production with continued influence over time. China, the United States, and the United Kingdom led environmental EV research during this period, with cluster analysis revealing associations between international collaboration patterns, geographical attributes, and research performance. Countries with strong qualitative research performance showed corresponding excellence in sustainability indices. Comparative analysis revealed that, among major journals and countries, articles in multidisciplinary journals (AMDJ) demonstrated stronger research performance, while articles in environment-specific journals (AESJ) were characterized by stronger research leadership. Analysis of EV research revealed several core themes, including climate change responses, energy management systems, battery and environmental sustainability, and renewable energy, alongside expanding research on charging infrastructure that parallels EV diffusion Furthermore, AESJ emphasized environmental, economic, and system-level perspectives of EVs, while AMDJ primarily addressed EV value chain development, infrastructure optimization, and challenges associated with technological implementation. This study represents the first thorough analysis of environmental EV research across sub-domains, one which identifies associations between research performance, collaboration, and sustainability measures. This thematic analysis demonstrates the interconnection between environmental themes and EV technological progress, highlighting the effect of environmental concerns on the direction of EV research. These findings provide implications for both scholarly research and policies associated with sustainable transportation development from an environmental perspective.