Cambodia’s Electric Vehicle Sector Poised for Growth with Strategic Focus.

Phnom Penh: The electric vehicle (EV) sector in Cambodia has emerged as a high-potential area for contributing to environmental protection, public welfare improvement, economic diversification, and energy security. This perspective was outlined by H.E. Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, during the 3rd Meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee tasked with drafting a legal framework, policy, and national strategy for EV management and development. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Minister Ponea emphasized the global shift from fuel-powered to electric vehicles, driven by increased awareness of the negative impacts of carbon dioxide emissions from combustion engines. These emissions significantly contribute to greenhouse gases, resulting in global warming, climate change, deteriorating air quality, and overall environmental pollution. The upcoming EV Showcase 2024 marks the second collaboration between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and EnergyLab, following their in augural event in 2022. This initiative aims to highlight Cambodia's EV policies and enhance stakeholders' understanding of the transformative potential of EVs in the nation's energy sector. Furthermore, as of October 2024, the General Department of Land Transport reported that Cambodia had registered 7,618,669 vehicles. This includes 6,470,917 motorcycles and tricycles, 847,189 light vehicles, and 300,563 heavy vehicles. Among these, 4,320 are electric vehicles, comprising 2,513 electric cars, 478 electric tricycles, and 1,329 electric motorcycles. The three most popular EV brands in Cambodia are China's BYD, Japan's Toyota, and the U.S.'s Tesla. The country currently hosts EV charging stations at 18 locations, reflecting the growing infrastructure to support this sector. The Cambodian government has set ambitious targets to have 40 percent of electric cars and urban buses, and 70 percent of electric motorbikes by 2050. This commitment aims to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and foster a clea ner environment.