Recent research in key distribution for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) focuses on designing secure, efficient, and scalable mechanisms to manage cryptographic keys among highly mobile vehicles and infrastructure nodes. Traditional key management schemes struggle in such dynamic environments due to frequent topology changes and low latency requirements, prompting the development of hybrid architectures that combine symmetric and asymmetric cryptography for rapid authentication. Emerging studies also integrate blockchain-based distributed trust frameworks and fog-assisted key management to eliminate single points of failure and reduce communication overhead. Group key distribution schemes using polynomial interpolation, certificateless cryptography, and lattice-based post-quantum approaches are being explored to enhance resistance against emerging threats. These advancements ensure secure message exchange, privacy preservation, and efficient rekeying, strengthening the overall trust and reliability of vehicular communication systems in next-generation intelligent transportation networks.