Mapping the Global Landscape of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Research: A Scientometric Analysis of Publication Trends, Collaboration Networks, and Thematic Evolution (2020–2024)

Vikram Mobarsha; M Suresh Babu

Vikram Mobarsha Research Scholar Department of Library and Information Science Mandsaur University. India
M Suresh Babu Associate Professor Department of Library and Information Science Mandsaur University. India drsureshsvu@gmail.com

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive scientometric analysis of global research on Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) from 2020 to 2024. Utilizing bibliographic metadata from 431 open access journal articles indexed in the Scopus database, the research maps publication trajectories, key contributors, collaborative networks, and thematic evolution. Analytical tools, including Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and statistical modelling, were employed to assess productivity, citation impact, co-authorship patterns, and keyword cooccurrence. Findings reveal fluctuating yet sustained growth in scholarly output, peaking in 2022, followed by a temporary decline in 2023 and a recovery in 2024, indicating a dynamic and policy sensitive research domain. China, the United Kingdom, and the United States emerge as the leading national contributors, with Chongqing University and Kunming University of Science and Technology dominating institutional productivity. Co-authorship and bibliographic coupling analyses highlight semi-centralized collaboration networks characterized by distinct interdisciplinary clusters focused on battery optimization, energy management, and charging infrastructure. While publication output demonstrates moderate geographic and institutional concentration, author level productivity remains relatively distributed. The citation network underscores the pivotal role of multidisciplinary journals like Energies and IEEE Access in shaping scholarly discourse. Overall, PHEV research is transitioning from a specialized niche into a globally interconnected, multidisciplinary field. The study concludes by recommending future investigations integrate patent data, funding mechanisms, and longitudinal comparisons with full electric vehicles to better inform sustainable transportation policy and technological innovation.

References

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