Chinese EV Brands Take Center Stage at Cambodia’s Largest Auto Show as Electric Mobility Gains Momentum

Several Chinese automakers including BYD, Forthing, Changan and GAC took center stage at Cambodia’s largest annual auto show, which opened in the capital Phnom Penh on Friday and drew large crowds of car enthusiasts and potential buyers.

The three-day exhibition has become an important platform for introducing new vehicle models to the Cambodian market, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), as the country increasingly explores cleaner transport alternatives.

Auto dealers say the event offers manufacturers an opportunity to connect directly with customers while showcasing the latest EV technology and innovations.

Lim Sreytouch, sales manager at Forthing Cambodia, said the exhibition provides a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of electric vehicles to Cambodian consumers.

“Forthing electric cars have gained strong support from consumers in Cambodia because they save a lot on operating expenses and benefit the environment,” she told Xinhua.

Sreytouch said the company is showcasing several of its newest models at the show, including both fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid models.

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Lower Costs and Modern Technology Driving EV Interest

Automakers say Cambodian consumers are increasingly interested in EVs due to their lower maintenance costs and modern technological features.

Unlike traditional internal combustion vehicles, electric cars have fewer moving parts and require less mechanical maintenance.

“EVs have very low maintenance costs because they don’t have as many moving parts as an internal combustion vehicle,” Sreytouch said.

She added that the prices of EVs have also become more competitive in recent years, making them more accessible to Cambodian buyers.

Industry players believe affordability and long-term cost savings will play a major role in accelerating EV adoption in the country.

Chinese Brands Gain Strong Market Recognition

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have been expanding rapidly across Southeast Asia, and Cambodia is emerging as an important new market.

Hay Puthearoth, sales manager at GAC Cambodia, said many Cambodian consumers are increasingly turning to Chinese EV brands because they offer practical benefits.

These include lower fuel expenses, quieter driving experiences and reduced air pollution compared with conventional vehicles.

“We have received good results in our sales and the GAC brand is widely recognized by consumers and members of the public in Cambodia,” Puthearoth told Xinhua.

He added that the auto show serves as more than just an exhibition space.

“It’s not only an auto show venue, but also a platform where customers can get the details of the cars and test-drive them,” he said.

Puthearoth noted that modern EVs now feature advanced technologies designed to improve safety, connectivity and driver convenience.

“Modern EVs are packed with advanced technology designed to enhance safety, convenience and connectivity,” he said.

Cambodia’s Growing Electric Vehicle Market

Cambodia’s electric mobility sector is still in its early stages but has been growing steadily in recent years.

According to a report from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, a total of 9,065 electric vehicles, 3,203 electric motorcycles and around 700 electric three-wheelers were registered in Cambodia between 2021 and 2025.

Although these numbers remain small compared with conventional vehicles, they highlight a gradual shift toward electric transport solutions.

Government officials say the transition is being driven by both environmental concerns and economic benefits for consumers.

Electric vehicles can significantly reduce fuel expenses while also lowering greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Government Policies Supporting EV Adoption

Cambodia’s government has been actively encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles as part of broader environmental and economic policy goals.

Phan Rim, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said the government has set an ambitious long-term target.

Cambodia aims to have 40 percent of all cars and 70 percent of motorbikes powered by electricity by 2050.

The strategy is designed to reduce carbon emissions while modernizing the country’s transport system.

To help achieve these goals, the government introduced tax incentives aimed at making EVs more affordable.

Phan Rim said import duties on electric vehicles were reduced in 2021 to about half the tax rate applied to conventional vehicles.

Officials hope the tax reduction will encourage consumers and businesses to shift toward electric mobility.

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Cambodia’s Early Steps Toward Electric Mobility

Cambodia’s formal engagement with electric mobility began taking shape in the early 2020s, driven by growing concerns over urban air pollution, fuel costs and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The government included EVs in the country’s national transport policy, with a focus on cities, recognising that rapid urbanisation creates ideal conditions for electric vehicle adoption.

A sub-decree in 2021 reduced the tax on pure electric vehicles from 30% to 10%, making EVs more affordable for consumers — one of the country’s first major policy incentives for cleaner vehicles. The government further encouraged investments in EV assembly plants in Cambodia.

Cambodia subsequently unveiled the National Policy on Electric Vehicle Development 2024-2030 on May 29, 2024, with the goal of registering 770,000 EVs by 2030 to minimise environmental impact and diversify its economic base.

EV registrations have grown rapidly — from just 63 in 2021 to 663 in 2022 and 1,335 in 2023, reflecting the impact of government incentives and growing consumer interest. While urban areas like Phnom Penh are seeing rapid development of charging stations, rural regions remain underserved.

China’s Expanding Influence in Global EV Markets

The growing presence of Chinese EV brands in Cambodia also reflects China’s broader dominance in the global electric vehicle industry. Over the past decade,   Chinese automakers have rapidly expanded production capacity, supported by strong domestic demand, government subsidies and large-scale investments in battery technology.

Companies such as BYD, Changan and GAC have become major global players in the EV sector, increasingly exporting vehicles to Southeast Asia, Europe and other emerging markets. BYD in particular has become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, surpassing Tesla to claim the top spot in global EV production in 2025. Chinese EV manufacturers are increasingly targeting Southeast Asia as a key growth market due to rising demand, expanding middle-class populations and supportive government policies. Cambodia’s growing EV market therefore represents part of a broader regional trend.

Auto Shows Becoming Platforms for EV Expansion

Auto exhibitions across Southeast Asia have increasingly become important platforms for launching new electric vehicle models and expanding public awareness of electric mobility. As governments and manufacturers push for cleaner transportation options, these events are playing a growing role in introducing consumers to the latest EV technologies.

Industry observers say such exhibitions also help bridge the knowledge gap that still exists around electric vehicles. Many potential buyers remain unfamiliar with how EVs operate, including how charging systems work, how batteries perform over time and what kind of maintenance is required compared with traditional internal combustion engines.

Auto shows provide a practical setting where visitors can interact directly with vehicles, speak with sales representatives and test-drive different models. Dealers say this hands-on experience allows consumers to better understand the technology and evaluate whether electric vehicles fit their needs.

Industry players believe that as EV models become more visible at major automotive exhibitions across the region, consumer confidence will continue to grow, helping accelerate the adoption of electric mobility in emerging markets like Cambodia.

Consumer Awareness Still Developing

Despite growing interest, electric vehicle adoption in Cambodia still faces several challenges. While awareness of EV technology is increasing, the market remains in an early stage compared with more developed EV markets in Asia and Europe.

Charging infrastructure across the country remains relatively limited, particularly outside major urban centers such as Phnom Penh. At the same time, many consumers are still learning about the practical aspects of owning an electric vehicle, including charging requirements, battery lifespan and overall operating costs.

However, industry players say these barriers are gradually diminishing as awareness improves and more EV models become available in the market. Advances in battery technology, falling production costs and supportive government incentives are also helping make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible.

Automakers and policymakers expect that continued expansion of charging networks, along with increased public education about EV benefits, will support stronger market growth in the coming years.

Outlook
Cambodia’s largest auto show highlights how electric mobility is beginning to take root in the country’s transport sector. The strong presence of Chinese automakers reflects both the growing influence of Chinese EV manufacturers and the increasing interest in cleaner transportation across Southeast Asia. 

Government incentives, including reduced import duties and long-term electrification targets, are helping create a more supportive environment for electric vehicle adoption. At the same time, continued investment in charging infrastructure will be essential to support broader EV adoption across the country. 

While Cambodia’s EV market remains relatively small compared with larger regional economies, rising consumer awareness, improving technology and supportive policies could drive steady growth in the coming years. As automakers continue to introduce new electric models and expand their presence in the region, Cambodia may gradually become an emerging market for electric mobility within Southeast Asia.

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By: Rosemary Wambui

10th March 2026