The article begins by the definition of the conceptual essence of multimodal/reconfigurable ground transport platforms, which is followed by elaboration on their application scenarios and significance. Subsequently, it analyzes the background and demands for such platforms and traces their developmental trajectory from both international and domestic perspectives, thereby identifying the opportunities and technical challenges they face. To seize the current flourishing opportunities and address the existing technical challenges, the discussion is conducted across four aspects: configuration design, environmental perception, motion planning, and control algorithms of multimodal/reconfigurable ground transport platforms. Finally, the article proposes forward-looking recommendations from the perspectives of standardized design systems, intelligent control systems, and testing and verification systems.

The unique structure and innovative drive mode of distributed electric drive vehicles can significantly enhance overall vehicle performance, making them a crucial direction for the future development of electric vehicles. The application of distributed electric drive vehicles has greatly promoted technological innovations in high-performance vehicles. It not only improves energy efficiency, driving safety, and maneuverability but also provides new solutions for specialized applications such as the road transportation of oversized and heavy-haul cargo. This paper reviews the century-long evolution of vehicle configurations and highlights the inevitability of the development of distributed electric drive architectures in the context of vehicle electrification and intelligence, as well as the profound transformations they bring to the automotive industry. The paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of the core technologies of distributed electric drive vehicles worldwide, identifying key challenges in their current development. Finally, the paper presents an outlook on the field, proposing future development goals and technological transformation directions for distributed electric drive vehicles, with the aim of providing scientific insights and strategic recommendations for advancing research and application in China.