Cambodia’s road transport system mainly relies on fossil fuel vehicles. Increasing transport needs coupled with the country’s economic growth has been the main driver of rising GHG emissions from the transport sector and worsening air quality in urban areas.

Cambodia identified the following limitations as key barriers to the uptake of low-emission mobility in the country: information on to the economic, social and environmental benefits of low-emission mobility; policymaking and planning for incentivizing the uptake of electric vehicles and removing incentives for fossil fuel vehicles; institutional technical expertise to develop national low-emission projects and coordinate and engage stakeholders in the planning and realization of such projects; and commercial markets.

Cambodia sought technical assistance from the CTCN and the GGGI to accelerate the transition to low-emission mobility by addressing the key barriers identified. In cooperation with Envelops Company Ltd., which carried out the CTCN technical assistance, a policy action plan was developed that focused on introducing electric motorcycles given that two- and three-wheeled vehicles are a common mode of transport in Cambodia. An in-depth assessment of Cambodia’s electric vehicle market revealed the lack of awareness and trust in electric vehicle technology as a reason for the low uptake of electric mobility in the country. Cambodia, in partnership with the GGGI, delivered a broad awareness-raising campaign that resulted in a greater social acceptance of electric motorcycles and recognition of their economic benefits.