## 8 Conclusions  
This paper provides a comprehensive review of the existing research literature and the latest developments in blockchain-based smart grid (SG) architecture, with a particular emphasis on the integration of electric vehicles (EVs). It begins by outlining the essential components of a working SG system model before shifting to the primary focus: identifying the technological barriers and current challenges, and exploring future trends in this evolving domain.  
The article offers an in-depth analysis of the current implementation challenges associated with SG architecture, highlighting issues such as privacy concerns for participants, including EV owners, and the need to enhance blockchain transaction speeds to handle the rapid fluctuations in energy prices caused by the dynamic energy contributions from EVs. Balancing security and transaction speed is critical to the successful application of blockchain technology on a national scale within the energy market. Another significant challenge is managing the diverse objectives of EV owners alongside traditional energy sellers and buyers, while ensuring the stability of the national grid. This involves considering the extent of regulatory control national grid operators are prepared to code to enable a more decentralized energy market inclusive of EVs.  
Future research directions highlighted in this paper include addressing the challenges brought by new EV entrants into the decentralized energy market, such as unpredictable user behavior and fluctuating energy consumption patterns. Additionally, the need to incentivize green energy sources remains crucial, despite the volatility of renewable energy sources (RESs), which can impact SG operations. A critical area for future research is developing mechanisms to reinforce the trust of energy traders, including EV participants, in an environment where government policies might continue to exert monopolistic control over the grid, potentially hindering true decentralization.  
Addressing these challenges will likely involve formulating complex multi-player optimization problems. Solutions will require the application of advanced technologies, such as big data and artificial intelligence (AI), essential for the efficient operation of decentralized energy markets and the integration of EVs. Future work should focus on developing robust AI-based algorithms for load forecasting, dynamic pricing, and real-time grid management, particularly in the context of EVs. Furthermore, enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect the integrity and reliability of blockchain-based transactions in SG systems will be paramount.  
In conclusion, as discussed in this paper, while the path to fully realizing the potential of blockchain-enabled SGs in the context of EV integration is filled with challenges, the opportunities for innovation and improvement are vast. Continued interdisciplinary research and collaboration will be crucial in overcoming these obstacles and advancing the next generation of SG technologies and EV integration.  
Conceptualization, S.Q. and B.A.K.; methodology, A.A. ([PERSON]) and A.A. ([PERSON]); formal analysis, S.Q., B.A.K., A.A. ([PERSON]) and A.A. ([PERSON]); investigation, S.Q. and A.A. ([PERSON]); resources, B.A.K. and A.A. ([PERSON]); writing--original draft preparation, S.Q. and B.A.K.; writing--review and editing, B.A.K., A.A. ([PERSON]) and A.A. ([PERSON]); visualization, S.Q. and A.A. ([PERSON]); project administration, S.Q. and B.A.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research received no external funding.  
No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.