Cambodia’s drive to increase the use of electric vehicles (EV) received a boost with the opening of an EV assembly factory in Kandal province.

Very Words’ CEO, Kim SungWoo, said at Friday’s opening ceremony of the VW&C electric motorcycle assembly,

“We are standing at a critical turning point between going carbon intensive and going the carbon neutral economy way.”

He added that Very Words officially started operations in Cambodia in 2021, offering electric bikes to visitors at Angkor Wat. This year has seen the business expand to supply electric motorbikes across Cambodia. Its latest development is Friday's opening of an electric motorbike assembly plant in the Kingdom.

“This factory is an important place for our growth and innovation. Now, we can make better products at reasonable prices, and contribute to the local economy,” SungWoo said.

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At the opening ceremony, Suy Sem, Minister of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, said the launch of the EV assembly plant forms part of the government’s pledge to combat climate change. It also sits in line with the recently ratified National Policy on Energy Efficiency 2022-2030.

The policy lays out plans for a gradual shift from traditional vehicles to EVs, as well as setting more fuel-efficient and stringent standards for all vehicles, including motorbikes, tricycles, electric bicycles, tourist vehicles, passenger cars, public transport, taxis, and buses.

“In order to fully implement this policy, the Royal Government of Cambodia will prepare relevant regulations to encourage the use of EVs and the establishment of comprehensive charging infrastructure for electric vehicles throughout the country,” the Minister said.

He added that currently, the Government is drafting legal documents, policies, and strategies for the management and development of EVs. This includes roadmaps to develop EV power stations and promote the use of EVs nationwide, as well as a prakas on safety standards for the use of EVs.

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“The establishment of a factory for assembling electric motorcycles will help promote the use of EVs in Cambodia, reduce environmental impact, and lead to more efficient use of energy in the transport sector,” Sem added.

Park Jung-Wook, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Cambodia, said Cambodia and Korea have a close friendship, adding Korea has offered $1 billion of support in the last 25 years in transport, health, education and rural development.

He noted that Korea has always been keen to share its knowledge and experience with Cambodia, with the opening of this factory standing as the latest example.

“This electric mobility manufacturing factory is a showcase of combining Korea’s cutting-edge technology and the immense potential of Cambodia's skilled workforce. This type of collaboration can lead to a successful transfer of expertise, putting the two countries' strengths together,” he said.

“This factory is a great example of our joint efforts between Korea and Cambodia to promote sustainable development and address the challenges of climate change. Electric mobility is one of the key sustainable solutions to advance a cleaner mode of transportation.”