The electric vehicle (EV) sector has been identified as one of the key areas with significant potential to contribute not only to environmental protection and public welfare improvement but also to economic diversification and the promotion of energy security.

Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, made these remarks on 28th November while presiding over the third meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee to draft the legal framework, policy, and national strategy for the management and development of EVs, as well as the EV Showcase.

The Minister highlighted the growing shift in focus and support from fuel-powered vehicles to EVs, both regionally and globally, driven by concerns over carbon dioxide emissions from combustion engines.

These emissions are recognised as a key factor in the increase of greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming, climate change, declining air quality, and overall environmental pollution.

The EV Showcase 2024 marks the second collaboration between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Energy Lab, following the first event held in 2022.

It aims to demonstrate the Royal Government of Cambodia's EV policy and enhance stakeholders' understanding of the impact of EVs and the opportunities for transforming Cambodia's energy sector.

The three most popular EV brands in the Kingdom are China's BYD, Japan's Toyota, and the U.S.-based Tesla. At present, EV charging stations are available at 18 locations across the country.

The government is committed to ensuring that by 2050, 40% of electric cars and urban buses, along with 70% of electric motorbikes, are on the roads in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.