The integration of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) into power systems is crucial for global decarbonization. This review discusses the latest research and technologies for sustainable PEV integration, focusing on battery technology, charging infrastructure, power grids, and their environmental interactions. It outlines strategies for planning PEV charging infrastructure, smart charging and discharging technologies, and how PEVs can promote clean energy adoption and decarbonize interconnected power and transport systems. It also identifies remaining challenges and provides a roadmap for sustainable PEV integration. PEVs can be categorized into battery PEVs and hybrid PEVs. Battery PEVs are fully powered by batteries, while hybrid PEVs use a combination of battery and fossil fuel power. The global PEV market has grown significantly since 2010, with battery PEVs dominating. PEVs reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions, but indirect emissions may occur if electricity comes from fossil fuels. The power sector, responsible for 40% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions, is undergoing decarbonization due to the shift to zero-emission wind and solar power. However, the intermittent nature of these sources requires balancing resources to maintain real-time supply-demand balance. PEV charging profiles should align with zero-emission generation to reduce indirect CO₂ emissions. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allows PEVs to discharge electricity back to the grid, providing balancing resources. Battery technologies, including lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, are critical for PEV performance. Different Li-ion battery types have varying energy densities, cycle lives, and safety characteristics. Battery health and safety management are essential, with methods for prognostics and fault diagnosis being crucial for maintaining battery performance. Charging infrastructure planning is vital for user satisfaction and reducing costs. Charging modes include conductive, battery swapping, wireless, and mobile charging. Conductive charging is the most common, with fast and ultra-fast charging options. Battery swapping is less common due to high costs and lack of standardization. Wireless and mobile charging are emerging but face challenges in cost and efficiency. Smart charging technologies help manage PEV charging and discharging to align with electricity supply and demand, reducing grid stress and costs. Coordinated charging and discharging can provide ancillary services like frequency regulation and operating reserves. PEVs can also support renewable energy integration by balancing supply and demand, improving grid efficiency and reliability. Environmental aspects of PEV integration depend on their interaction with renewable generation. High renewable penetration reduces PEV emissions, but mismatch between charging profiles and renewable generation can increase grid stress and emissions. Integrating PEVs with distributed renewables can improve power quality and provide sustainable charging solutions, especially in rural areas with limited grid access. Overall, sustainable PEV integration requires advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and smart grid management to achieve decarbonization goals.The integration of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) into power systems is crucial for global decarbonization. This review discusses the latest research and technologies for sustainable PEV integration, focusing on battery technology, charging infrastructure, power grids, and their environmental interactions. It outlines strategies for planning PEV charging infrastructure, smart charging and discharging technologies, and how PEVs can promote clean energy adoption and decarbonize interconnected power and transport systems. It also identifies remaining challenges and provides a roadmap for sustainable PEV integration. PEVs can be categorized into battery PEVs and hybrid PEVs. Battery PEVs are fully powered by batteries, while hybrid PEVs use a combination of battery and fossil fuel power. The global PEV market has grown significantly since 2010, with battery PEVs dominating. PEVs reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions, but indirect emissions may occur if electricity comes from fossil fuels. The power sector, responsible for 40% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions, is undergoing decarbonization due to the shift to zero-emission wind and solar power. However, the intermittent nature of these sources requires balancing resources to maintain real-time supply-demand balance. PEV charging profiles should align with zero-emission generation to reduce indirect CO₂ emissions. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allows PEVs to discharge electricity back to the grid, providing balancing resources. Battery technologies, including lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, are critical for PEV performance. Different Li-ion battery types have varying energy densities, cycle lives, and safety characteristics. Battery health and safety management are essential, with methods for prognostics and fault diagnosis being crucial for maintaining battery performance. Charging infrastructure planning is vital for user satisfaction and reducing costs. Charging modes include conductive, battery swapping, wireless, and mobile charging. Conductive charging is the most common, with fast and ultra-fast charging options. Battery swapping is less common due to high costs and lack of standardization. Wireless and mobile charging are emerging but face challenges in cost and efficiency. Smart charging technologies help manage PEV charging and discharging to align with electricity supply and demand, reducing grid stress and costs. Coordinated charging and discharging can provide ancillary services like frequency regulation and operating reserves. PEVs can also support renewable energy integration by balancing supply and demand, improving grid efficiency and reliability. Environmental aspects of PEV integration depend on their interaction with renewable generation. High renewable penetration reduces PEV emissions, but mismatch between charging profiles and renewable generation can increase grid stress and emissions. Integrating PEVs with distributed renewables can improve power quality and provide sustainable charging solutions, especially in rural areas with limited grid access. Overall, sustainable PEV integration requires advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and smart grid management to achieve decarbonization goals.