Pursat (FN), Apr. 22 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet directed the Ministry of Mines and Energy to accelerate the development of more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across national roads, with a strong emphasis on safety and quality.
The premier spoke on Tuesday (Apr. 22) at the inauguration of new Ford production line and Ford sub-assembly plant of RMA (Cambodia) Plc. in Pursat Province.
Samdech Thipadei underscored, “In Cambodia’s heavy industry sector, particularly in the automotive field, the use of electric vehicles (EVs) has increased significantly. However, their usage remains largely concentrated in cities and towns, likely due to the limited number of charging stations in the provinces. I urge the Ministry of Mines and Energy to work with private companies to expand the deployment of charging stations and encourage further investment in this area."
"At the same time, we must prioritise safety and quality standards. While EVs are generally less prone to catching fire, it is crucial that both the government and private sector pay close attention to safety. We must manage this initiative carefully. Although our progress may be gradual, our direction is clear and that clarity will take us far. However, if safety issues arise, public trust can be quickly eroded. Therefore, technical standards must be implemented with caution and thoroughly reviewed. Safety is essential," Samdech Thipadei further underscored.
At the same time, Samdech Thipadei underlined the importance of clear and thorough technical inspections, noting incidents where vehicles caught fire after being converted from gasoline to gas. Such cases pose serious risks to both drivers and other road users. He repeatedly stressed the need for vigilance, careful planning, and strict adherence to safety standards in his instructions to the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Samdech Thipadei urged the ministry to ensure that the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations along national roads prioritises public safety at every stage.
=FRESH NEWS
