Advancing energy efficiency in smart transportation through intelligent technologies and policy innovation

Abstract

The transportation sector remains one of the largest contributors to global energy consumption and carbon emissions, particularly in rapidly urbanizing and emerging economies. This study presents an integrative review of intelligent technologies, system optimization approaches, and policy frameworks aimed at improving transportation energy efficiency, with a focused assessment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states. By synthesizing evidence from peer-reviewed literature, international energy databases, and official policy documents, the study evaluates the roles of transport electrification, intelligent transport systems, artificial intelligence–based energy management, and regulatory support mechanisms. The analysis reveals that electrification alone delivers limited efficiency gains unless integrated with artificial intelligence–driven optimization tools such as predictive analytics, real-time traffic management, and coordinated energy–transport system control. Evidence from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia demonstrates notable progress in electric vehicle incentives, manufacturing strategies, and battery supply chain development, while highlighting persistent barriers including inadequate charging infrastructure, fragmented regulations, data limitations, and supply chain instability. The findings further emphasize that alternative fuels and system-level operational strategies remain essential complementary solutions. Unlike previous reviews that examine transport electrification, intelligent transport systems, artificial intelligence applications, or policy measures separately, this study develops an integrated analytical perspective that evaluates their combined influence on transportation energy efficiency. The principal contribution of the review is the development of a unified AI-enabled conceptual framework that positions artificial intelligence as the central coordinating layer linking vehicle technologies, transport operations, energy management systems, and policy instruments. By focusing on ASEAN economies while maintaining broader applicability to emerging regions, the framework provides strategic guidance for accelerating the transition toward intelligent, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient transportation systems.