Synopsis: The increase in electric vehicles usage aligns with a rapidly accelerating global trend, and Cambodia is witnessing a parallel development of its own EV sector.
Cambodia Monday introduced an electricity pricing mechanism for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, with rates potentially reaching KHR 1,050 per kwh ($0.26), as the country experiences a surge in EV adoption.
In a statement, the Electricity Authority of Cambodia (EAC) has announced the introduction of the electricity prices for charging stations, with separate rates KHR 1,050 /kwh ($0.26) for AC EV charging and KHR 1,350 ($0.34) per kwh for DC EV charging.
AC charging stations and DC charging stations offer different speeds and are suited for different charging needs.
AC charging, commonly found at homes and workplaces, is slower but more cost-effective for overnight or regular charging, while DC fast charging, primarily used at public charging stations, offers significantly faster charging times but comes at a higher cost.
“The set pricing list is the maximum price. License holders can implement setting electricity prices below the set maximum prices,” the statement, signed by its Chairman Yim Viseth, stated.
The license holders of EV charging stations and EV owners shall implement the pricing list, immediately from the signing date onward until further new notification.
This pricing structure comes amid a notable increase in EV ownership in Cambodia.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport reported a significant jump in EV registrations in 2024, with 2,253 EVs registered, a 620 percent increase over the previous year.
The most popular EV brands in the country are China’s BYD, leading the market, followed by Japan’s Toyota, and America’s Tesla, according to the ministry.
The ministry’s spokesman Phan Rim said that the popularity of EVs has grown significantly in Cambodia, and this growth is part of a remarkable global trend.
“The increase in EV usage aligns with a rapidly accelerating global trend, and Cambodia is witnessing a parallel development of its own EV sector,” Rim said.
As of 2024, Cambodia currently has 21 EV charging stations.
Prime Minister Hun Manet called on all relevant stakeholders to expand the country’s EV charging station network.
He encouraged the Ministry of Mines and Energy to explore the possibility of establishing more charging stations, as this would further promote the use of electric vehicles.
According to the National Policy for the Development of EVs in Cambodia, using EVs costs only 9,633 riels ($2.34) for a distance of 100 kilometres, while using petrol or diesel cars costs up to 35,723 riels ($8.69).
This rapid growth has spurred the need for a formalised and regulated charging infrastructure.
