A new open-access paper released within the GIANTS project explores how sector coupling can accelerate the integration of renewable energy into transport. The publication, “Sector coupling: accelerating renewable energy integration in transport with electric vehicles,” examines how aligning the energy and transport sectors can overcome long-standing inefficiencies created by operating in isolation.

By substituting fossil fuels with renewable electricity and coordinating mobility and energy planning, sector coupling enables decarbonisation in an effective way and strengthens the role of electric vehicles in supporting renewable deployment. Drawing on a systematic literature review and interviews with key stakeholders, the study analyses urban and rural use cases such as controlled charging, bidirectional vehicle-grid interactions, and off-grid renewable-powered solutions.

While highlighting technical, regulatory, and economic challenges, the paper identifies promising pathways for collaboration among policymakers, industry, and civil society. The study concludes that bridging the gap between energy and transport is essential to achieving a more sustainable and low-carbon mobility system.

The paper is available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42055-025-00117-x