LAW, ELECTRIC VEHICLES, AND THE ENERGY TRANSITION: NAVIGATING THE INTERDISCIPLINARY LANDSCAPE

The energy transition is a multifaceted transformation requiring not only technological innovation but also deep legal, economic, and societal shifts. Electric Vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a critical enabler of this transition, offering both decarbonization potential and opportunities for grid integration. However, their widespread adoption and participation in energy systems are contingent on suitable legal and regulatory frameworks. This article argues that traditional energy law, often siloed and rooted in narrow disciplinary paradigms, must evolve to meet the complex challenges posed by EVs. It explores how legal systems influence the deployment of EVs, from infrastructure development and market participation to data governance and consumer behavior. Emphasizing the need for principle-guided regulation, the article advocates for an interdisciplinary approach that integrates insights from the social sciences to design more effective, human-centered legal and policy tools. Bridging disciplinary gaps is essential for energy law to fulfill its potential in steering the energy transition toward sustainable and equitable outcomes.