Cambodia pushes electric truck adoption to cut fuel costs, boost green transport

PHNOM PENH, April 13, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia is stepping up efforts to promote electric trucks as part of a wider push to reduce fuel costs, curb emissions and accelerate the transition to green transport, officials said Friday.

At the groundbreaking of the Upper Tatay Pumped Storage Hydropower Project, Energy Minister Keo Rottanak said the country is beginning to see greater use of grid electricity to power electric vehicles, marking the early stages of a broader shift.

He said Cambodia expects a sharp rise in EV adoption, particularly in logistics, where electric trucks could replace diesel-powered vehicles carrying food, sand and other heavy materials.

Chinese investment is driving growth in EV manufacturing, with BYD building an assembly facility in Preah Sihanouk province and another electric truck plant under construction in Pursat. Officials said the projects aim to lower vehicle costs, promote clean energy and expand Cambodia’s EV ecosystem.

The government is preparing policies to encourage businesses to convert logistics fleets, including refrigerated trucks, from diesel to electric power.

Registrations of EVs rose 127 percent in 2025 to 7,971 units, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The momentum is supported by the National Policy on Electric Vehicle Development 2024–2030, which seeks to attract investment, expand charging infrastructure and build a sustainable EV market.

Officials said the transition will reduce reliance on imported fuel, improve energy efficiency and support Cambodia’s clean energy goals, underscoring the country’s commitment to modernizing transport while advancing environmental sustainability and economic resilience.