###### Abstract  
Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are wireless networks of automotive nodes. Among the strategies used in VANETs to increase network connectivity are broadcast scheduling, data aggregation, and vehicular node clustering. In the context of extremely high node mobility and ambiguous vehicle distribution (on the road), VANETs degrade in flexibility and quick topology, facing significant issues such as network physical layout construction and unstable connections. These challenges make it difficult for vehicle communication to be robust, reliable, and scalable, especially in urban traffic networks. Numerous research investigations have revealed a nearly optimal solution to various VANET difficulties through the application of techniques derived from nature and evolution. On the other hand, as key productivity sectors continue to demand more energy, sustainable and efficient ways of using non-renewable resources continue to be developed. With the help of information and communication technologies (ICT), parameter tuning approaches can reduce accident rates, improve mobility, and mitigate environmental impacts. In this article, we explore evolutionary algorithms to mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), as well as vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). A discussion of three major categories of optimization is provided throughout the paper. There are several significant research works presented regarding parameter tuning in cluster formation, routing, and scheduling of broadcasts. Toward the end of the review, key challenges in VANET and MANET research are identified. VANET; evolutionary algorithms; parameter tuning; clustering; routing; broadcast scheduling; optimization +
Footnote †: journal: _Sustainability_  
The primary cellular technique planned for use in VANETs [3] is WAVE communication centered on IEEE 802.11p. IEEE 802.11p describes various prioritization rates for the transmission of messages. One significant characteristic of WAVE engineering is that roadside units (RSU) are considered stationary entry points, enhancing the network's overall efficiency. Consequently, the VANET acts as a composite network that combines the features of portable networks such as MANET with those of stationary networks such as the internet to constitute a composite network. The node connectivity in VANETs is much greater than MANET mobility. However, highway lanes restrict the movement of vehicles. Therefore, node mobility in a VANET is more dynamic. The mobility models of VANETs have gained much attention because a real VANET mobility system is essential in the simulation evaluation of VANET [4]. To the best of our knowledge, there have not been many comprehensive studies conducted on bio-inspired optimization for parameter tuning in VANETs. As a result of the gaps in knowledge within the research community, this article discusses the development of prospective research fields in VANETs, such as the transmission algorithm, routing, mobility, self-organization, variation in bandwidth utilization, and topology, and discusses the development methods for each of these research areas. It is the primary objective of this article to demonstrate the effectiveness of evolutionary approaches, which are still underutilized when it comes to computer networks and MANETs, which are still not sufficiently investigated. VANETs are mainly suited for security applications such as crash prevention and road barrier alerts as well as traffic data and infotainment facilities such as video streaming [5]. This article is a comprehensive study of various bio-inspired parameter tuning approaches used in the VANET setup. To the best of our knowledge, there is no comprehensive study which outlines works that employed evolutionary algorithms (EA) to solve problems in MANET and VANET. This article characterizes the three primary functionalities of any ad hoc network, namely clustering, routing, and broadcast scheduling, which are optimized by EAs. The remainder of this article is organized as follows. Section 2 discusses the literature review.