The spectral and transport properties of strongly correlated metals, such as (SVO), are widely attributed to electron-electron () interactions, with lattice vibrations (phonons) playing a secondary role. Here, using first-principles electron-phonon (-ph) and dynamical mean field theory calculations, we show that -ph interactions play an essential role in SVO: they govern the electron scattering and resistivity in a wide temperature range down to 30 K, and induce an experimentally observed kink in the spectral function. In contrast, the interactions control quasiparticle renormalization and low temperature transport, and enhance the -ph coupling. We clarify the origin of the near temperature dependence of the resistivity by analyzing the and -ph limited transport regimes. Our work disentangles the electronic and lattice degrees of freedom in a prototypical correlated metal, revealing the dominant role of -ph interactions in SVO.