Ensuring energy security, stopping climate change, and improving urban air quality are the three main challenges of this century that are being addressed by governments globally. The transportation sector contributes significantly to these issues. Sustainable transport involves the consideration of three dimensions—economic development, environmental preservation, and social development—and one of its aspects is the focus on the transition towards electric vehicles. The sustainable transportation is a complex system with multiple relationships and feedback between their elements. Understanding this complexity in an integrated and holistic manner is a challenge that must be addressed. To obtain insight into this complexity, we perform a systematic review of studies in which the demand and supply components of the passenger transportation sector were modelled in an integrated manner along with the dimensions of sustainability. All the reviewed previous studies had taken into consideration both the economic and environmental dimensions; however, only a few had also considered social development. The holistic and systematic integration of the dimensions of sustainability along with their relationships and feedback would facilitate a better understanding of the transportation sector and promote the development of better policies for improving the diffusion of passenger electric vehicles.

The growth in population, economic expansion, and urban dynamism has collectively driven a surge in the use of public and private transport, resulting in increased energy consumption in this sector. Consequently, the transport sector requires an energy transition to meet mobility demands, foster economic growth, and achieve emission reduction. The main objective of this article is to systematically review the literature on energy transition in transportation, categorizing research, identifying barriers, and providing analysis to guide future steps, with a special focus on developing countries. The methodology used in this study follows a sequence for a systematic review based on an evidence-informed approach and specific guidelines for systematic reviews, exploring the concepts, methodologies, and policies within the context of the energy transition, considering transport modes and geographical scope. The findings indicate that electricity is the predominant energy source in this transition, although its prevalence varies by transport mode. Biofuels present an alternative, primarily contributing to emission reduction associated with fossil fuel use. Natural gas emerges as a cost-effective option for heavy transport, while hydrogen represents another alternative, with the challenge of developing recharging infrastructure. Determinants of this transition include recharging infrastructure, tax and nontax incentives, public policies, the generation of electric power from renewable sources, and the management of battery life cycles from mineral extraction to disposal.

The swift global proliferation of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has significantly contributed to the acceleration of the transition to renewable energy. Projections indicate a significant rise in installed capacity by 2050, suggesting that the extensive implementation of solar panels is transforming energy systems while simultaneously highlighting important issues regarding end-of-life waste management and long-term sustainability. The environmental advantages of photovoltaic (PV) systems are overshadowed by the prevalent reliance on landfilling and inadequate recycling practices, revealing a substantial deficiency in sustainable waste management, especially in areas with underdeveloped policy frameworks. This research study examines the solar panel supply chain, highlighting critical stages, sources of waste generation, existing management practices, and potential areas for enhancement. Waste is classified into four categories, solid, hazardous, electronic (WEEE), and environmental, each necessitating specific management strategies. Regions such as Europe exhibit comprehensive legal frameworks and advanced recycling technologies, whereas others, including Latin America and certain areas of Asia, continue to encounter deficits in policy and infrastructure. The research highlights the implementation of the 6R principles—Recycle, Recover, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Refine—within a circular economy framework to improve sustainability, optimize resource utilization, and reduce environmental impact. The findings highlight the necessity for coordinated policies, technological innovation, and international collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for solar energy. This study offers important insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers focused on enhancing circularity and sustainability within the photovoltaic sector.