Oct 21, 2025
Cambodia marked a significant milestone in its transition to electric mobility in September 2025, with 4,997 electric vehicle (EV) registrations, bringing the year-to-date total to 10,568. This includes 7,187 cars, 671 tricycles, and 2,710 motorcycles, reflecting strong alignment with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s (RGC) National Policy on the Development of the Electric Vehicle Sector 2024-2030. The policy aims to promote sustainable transport, increase EV adoption to over 770,000 vehicles by 2030, and improve citizens’ well-being. Incentives include 50% reduced import duties and lower taxes on EVs. Microfinance institutions support new car buyers with accessible loans, while investments in assembly plants (Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Isuzu, SsangYong, GTV, and upcoming BYD, Chevrolet, GAC) are increasing local production. Challenges remain, including limited charging infrastructure in rural areas, high upfront costs, technical skill gaps, and regulatory hurdles.
Cambodia marked a milestone in its transition to electric mobility in September with 4,997 electric vehicle (EV) registrations, taking this year’s nine month number to over 10,000, according to latest governmental data.
As of September 2025, as many as 10,568 electric vehicles have been registered nationwide, including 7,187 cars, 671 tricycles, and 2,710 motorcycles. These numbers are very much in line with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s (RGC) policy to transform the country into a regional hub for sustainable transport system.
Lao Tipseiha, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), said at an expo on automotive industry held in Phnom Penh last week that in the first eight months of 2025, a total of 5,571 EVs were registered, including 4,251 cars, 167 tricycles, and 1,153 motorcycles.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has launched the National Policy on the Development of the Electric Vehicle Sector 2024-2030, which aims to transform Cambodia into a country with an increased level of electric vehicle use to support sustainable development and improve the well-being of its citizens,” said Tipseiha.
He added that the policy sets a goal of promoting the use of more than 770,000 electric vehicles by 2030.
The Royal Government has provided special incentives for importers of electric cars and motorcycles by reducing import duties by 50 percent. In addition, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has adjusted and lowered tax rates on electric vehicles (EVs), including passenger cars, tourist vehicles, and 4-door trucks (pickups), to further promote the use of electric vehicles in Cambodia.
Tan Monivann, President of the Cambodia Automotive Industry Federation (CAIF), said last week that Cambodia’s economy has maintained positive growth, with citizens enjoying improved living standards year after year.
He noted that microfinance institutions (MFIs) have partnered with new car business owners to provide loans at reasonable interest rates and with simplified procedures, driving a continuous increase in demand for new vehicles
“Currently, new car sales are rising steadily, with new vehicles accounting for approximately 60 percent of the market, while used or second-hand cars have declined to around 40 percent,” he said.
Monivann also highlighted that Cambodia has attracted investments in car assembly projects. Currently, the country has seven car assembly plants — Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, SsangYong, Kia, Isuzu, and GTV — already in operation, while three more (BYD, Chevrolet, and GAC) are under construction, with additional projects expected in the future.
Key challenges for EV adoption in the country include limited charging infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and the high initial cost of EVs, making them inaccessible for many consumers, a lack of technical expertise, weak regulatory frameworks, consumer unfamiliarity with the technology, and potential concerns about grid reliability and battery disposal.
