PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) has been authorized by the Ministry of Economy and Finance to temporarily charge a public service fee for charging electric vehicles at a cost of 1,600 Riels (about 39 cents) per kilowatt.

The fees are meant as a basis for setting specific prices for charging stations between all operators and consumers to be accountable, efficient and sustainable.

"From August 1, 2023 onwards, all use of electric vehicle charging stations under the control and service of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport will be charged at 1,600 riels (one thousand six hundred riels) per kilowatt hour," the Ministry of Public Works said in a statement.

The Minister of Public Works, Senior Minister Sun Chanthol, has stated that in Cambodia, there are nearly 800 electric vehicle users as of January 2023, and there are 13 power stations, including four at the Ministry of Public Works, one in Battambang, one in Siem Reap, one in Sihanoukville, one in Prey Sar, one in Mondulkiri and one in Aeon Sen Sok.

He emphasized that the government is working to increase the use of electric vehicles and motorcycles by 70% by 2050 to reduce carbon emissions. He said that along with this push, the Royal Government has also been building infrastructure, roads, and bridges and expanding and strengthening the quality of other infrastructure in Cambodia.