As essential pillars of passenger mobility and freight transport

road and rail transportation have experienced a rapid increase over the past years. This trend indicates an increase in energy consumption

especially electricity

due to higher energy efficiency and less carbon emission

but it exacerbates the contradiction between the power supply and demand. Nowadays

for additional power sources

increased solar power generation has been widely installed in their own available spaces for road and rail transportation

which has attracted a great deal of attention. This paper reviews the current status of solar power generation and its integrated application in the transport sector. Then

the photovoltaic generation potential of road and rail transportation in China are evaluated. Finally

further developments and perspectives of solar energy-powered road and rail transportation are presented

which not only contributes to lower-carbon and green transportation

but also promotes the development of renewable power generation for energy transformation. It is confirmed that solar energy-powered road and rail transportation is a promising approach for sustainable transportation with more renewable energy and less carbon emission.