Ministry Sets Pilot Price for EV Charging
A electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Phnom Penh. Photo: Ministry of Public Works and Transport
- By Nhoek Samoun
- and Meng Seavmey
- July 27, 2023 10:41 AM
PHNOM PENH - Sovan Dara, living in Phnom Penh city, has been using an EV car since July last year. He changed from a fuel-powered car because it saves him money and has quiet engines, making it smooth and convenient to drive.
He said the EV is beneficial and made a big difference from when he was using the fuel-powered car as he now only pays 730 riel per kilowatt-hour if he charges at home.
“I don’t have to spend on changing the engine oil anymore. Compared to the car run by fuel or diesel, the electric car is smooth and convenient to drive,” Dara told Cambodianess.
However, the pilot price was not acceptable for him and people who often travel to provinces.
“It’s too expensive for EVs users, making the expense as high as that on the fuel when we travel to provinces, considering that it takes a long to charge,” he said.
“If the price goes down to 1,000 riel or 1,300 riel, it would help the users spend less. I might consider much buying a fuel-powered car instead if the price remains at 1,600 riel.”
Ministry spokesperson Heang Sotheayuth said the price is a trial to set the proper price later. The ministry would consider setting the price as low as possible.
We are charging 1,600 riel per kilowatt-hour for only the stations under the ministry’s management because we are still experimenting.”
There are four stations under the ministry’s management: four machines at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, one in Siem Reap province, one at Preah Sihanouk province and the other in Battambang province.
Each machine can charge eight vehicles at once. Charging has been free so far.
By July this year, there were 1,078 electric cars registered. There were only 662 EVs in 2022, a dramatic increase from 63 in 2021.
