AKP Phnom Penh, May 22, 2026 -- The Royal Government of Cambodia is accelerating the nationwide rollout of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, backed by an initial funding commitment of US$10 million, while more than 170 new charging station permits have recently been approved. 

Electricité du Cambodge (EDC), the state-run electricity utility, has been officially tasked with leading the initiative, according to H.E. Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, in a video posted on Facebook on May 21. 

The move aims to address the growing demand for charging stations while preparing the national grid to support heavy-duty electric transportation, he said. 

The infrastructure expansion is intended to support both private electric vehicles and commercial transport, including city delivery vans, refrigerated trucks, and eventually large container trucks. 

According to H.E. Minister, the first priority is to improve electricity supply and reliability along major national highways to ensure stable power for charging stations and encourage greater investment in the sector. 

Secondly, the Ministry has instructed EDC to prepare a separate financing package for potential high-voltage charging stations along key routes from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk province and Bavet city. 

The Minister explained that once electric-powered container trucks and prime movers become more widely adopted, they will require fast charging systems with high power capacity, making slow and medium charging unsuitable. 

“Technically, it can be done, but the cost is still significant. Waiting for the private sector to invest in fast charging stations for trucks may be a tall order, so I am ready to step in, and this is one instance where I see a strong role for government-led initiatives on EVs,” he said. 

As of early 2026, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport had registered more than 16,000 EVs nationwide, with electric cars accounting for over 11,000 units. 

The most popular EV brands in Cambodia are BYD, Toyota, and Tesla, while Chinese automakers such as BYD and GAC have established a particularly strong presence in the market.

By Chea Vannak