The government is preparing a policy framework and support structure for electric vehicles (EVs) to encourage their use in Cambodia and strengthen the plan to reduce carbon emissions, according to Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol on November 4.

He pointed out that electric vehicles, which are available to the public in Cambodia, are an essential catalyst for the reduction of CO2 and associated emissions into the atmosphere and their harmful footprint on the environment.

The minister was speaking at a roundtable on “Vehicle electrification for a cleaner Cambodia” in the capital, which was also attended by the director general of Electricité du Cambodge (EdC), Keo Rottanak, the British Ambassador Tina Redshaw and her Australian counterpart Pablo Kang. .

The Minister arrived at the event in a fully electric Jaguar I-Pace crossover SUV, on which he commented: “It has been a wonderful experience. On the one hand, it’s like a normal gasoline-powered car, and on the other hand, it’s a futuristic car – modern, smooth, quiet, efficient and it handles so well on the road.

“We need to make sure that we have a full range of infrastructure and services for electric vehicles in Cambodia, including charging stations, service centers with an immediate supply of spare parts, qualified mechanics and facilities. battery disposal.

“We must also certify that the batteries imported into Cambodia are of good quality,” Chanthol said.

In a joint press release, the Australian and British embassies stressed that electric vehicles could “empower” the future of the Kingdom.

The embassies have called for more charging stations for electric vehicles to be installed in homes, offices and public spaces, in order to allow consumers to easily access the charging of their vehicles in their daily autonomy.

EdC’s Rottanak encouraged the acceleration of synergies between the electrification of transport and the national electricity grid.

“Smart charging infrastructure can enable society to achieve a better balance between supply and demand on the grid, creating economic value for consumers and helping to decarbonise the transport sector.

Australian Ambassador Pablo Kang said Cambodia has a great opportunity to be at the forefront of clean energy and electric vehicles, leveraging its abundant potential for low-cost solar and wind power.

“Australia is proud to share our knowledge and expertise with Cambodia in this exciting new chapter,” he said.

British Ambassador Tina Redshaw highlighted the importance of transport electrification in reducing emissions, as world leaders meet for major climate talks at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26 ) of 2021 in the Scottish port city of Glasgow.

“COP26 must lead the global energy transition towards zero emission transport. As we rebuild our economies, electric vehicles will create new jobs and new supply chains, ”she said.

“I am proud to lead the charge as the first Ambassador with an EV.”