Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 21 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted two key advantages the kingdom has gained from citizens transitioning from gasoline to electric vehicles (EVs), speaking on Thursday (Nov. 21) at the closing of the annual meeting of the Ministry of Mines and Energy at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.

The two advantages are as follows:

First, improved energy efficiency in transportation: Electric vehicles consume approximately five times less energy compared to gasoline-powered vehicles.

Second, reduced carbon emissions in the transportation sector: Shifting to electric vehicles helps reduce emissions, as electricity in Cambodia is increasingly generated from cleaner energy sources.

In this regard, Samdech Thipadei affirmed that the Royal Government has set out a national policy on the development of electric vehicles 2024-2030, which aims to promote the use and development of the ecosystem of the EV sector as a whole.

Additionally, Prime Minister Hun Manet revealed that the Royal Government is negotiating with BYD, an electric vehicle manufacturer, to establish an EV production plant in Cambodia. Currently, many companies are importing electric and hybrid vehicles into the country.

Samdech Thipadei also instructed the Ministry of Mines and Energy, tasked with overseeing and promoting the development of EV charging stations, to ensure these stations are developed according to technical standards. He added that improving the quality and availability of charging infrastructure is critical to encouraging the gradual transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to EVs, providing more options for citizens.

It should be noted that in the first six months of 2024, a total of 200,824 vehicles were registered nationwide, including 170,746 motorcycles, 26,380 light vehicles, and 3,698 heavy vehicles. Among these, 1,479 were electric vehicles, comprising 518 motorcycles, 30 tricycles, and 931 cars.
=FRESH NEWS