As part of this vision, the Royal Government of Cambodia has committed to electrifying 70% of motorcycles and 40% of cars and urban buses over the coming decades.  

To support this ambitious transition, the World Bank Group engaged Urban Foresight to assist the Ministry of Mines and Energy in developing a robust roadmap strategy for electric vehicle (EV) adoption. 

Urban Foresight undertook a detailed analysis to project the future demand for EVs in Cambodia. This work included in-depth desk-based research and extensive stakeholder engagement to assess market trends and infrastructure needs. The insights gathered informed the creation of a comprehensive EV roadmap, providing strategic recommendations for future infrastructure and energy providers to facilitate the country’s EV transition. 

The roadmap included actionable policy and market measures to accelerate the integration of EVs into Cambodia’s transport system.  

Prioritising electric two-wheel vehicles, such as scooters and motorbikes, was identified as essential to meeting Cambodia’s net-zero targets. Policies to drive demand for these vehicles were recommended, alongside the introduction of robust standards to ensure the safety and reliability of charging infrastructure. 

Clear governance was another critical recommendation, with a focus on defining leadership roles across government departments to address the complexities of inter-agency coordination. Guidelines for charge point operators were also proposed to clarify the legalities of reselling electricity at public charging stations, ensuring compliance with existing laws. 

To encourage market adoption, the roadmap suggested financial incentives to offset the higher upfront costs of EVs, particularly for two-wheelers. At the same time, disincentives for purchasing new non-electric vehicles were proposed to motivate a shift toward electric alternatives. A scrappage scheme for non-electric three-wheelers was also recommended to stimulate demand for electric models. 

Infrastructure development was highlighted as a priority, with proposals for a network of strategically located charging hubs along major transport routes. The roadmap also emphasized the importance of fleet electrification, encouraging government and corporate fleets to lead by example.  

A comprehensive public information campaign was recommended to raise awareness of the benefits and cost savings of EVs, alongside the creation of a data platform to track trends in vehicle types, usage, and scrappage. 

This project benefitted from Urban Foresight’s global expertise in EV strategy and policy, including previous work with the International Energy Agency and the Scottish Government. Our tailored approach ensured solutions that are aligned with international best practices while addressing Cambodia’s unique needs. 

For more information about this project or Urban Foresight’s expertise in electric mobility, contact Lead Consultant Callum White at hello@urbanforesight.org.