The Royal Government of Cambodia has committed to a significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), aiming for 35 per cent electric cars, 40 per cent electric buses, and 70 per cent electric motorcycles by 2050. This initiative is part of the country’s broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the transportation sector being a major contributor to pollution. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), is promoting the adoption of electric motorcycles as a key step toward achieving these goals.
The transition to electric motorcycles is expected to reduce the operating costs of electric motorcycles, which are much lower than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. The cost of operating an electric motorcycle is roughly 8 times less per 100 km compared to an ICE motorcycle. As of November 2024, Cambodia has registered 2,327 electric vehicles, with popular brands including BYD, Toyota, and Tesla. The government is focusing on gradual adoption, especially in urban areas, where motorcycles are the primary mode of transport.