A new energy vehicle (NEV) assembly plant by Chinese auto giant BYD is set to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2025 within the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ), marking a significant step forward for Cambodia’s electric vehicle (EV) sector.
The announcement was made during a meeting on April 10 between H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), and Mr. Xiao Haiping, Executive Director of BYD Group President’s Office.
H.E. Sun Chanthol welcomed BYD’s expansion into Cambodia and affirmed the CDC’s readiness to provide a supportive and investment-friendly environment for private sector initiatives. He emphasised that BYD’s presence will help strengthen Cambodia’s position in the regional automotive and clean energy value chains.
Mr. Xiao expressed appreciation for the strong coordination and support from the Royal Government and the CDC, noting that site construction is expected to begin by late April. The US$32 million investment is projected to create 200 jobs in its initial phase.
BYD’s entry into Cambodia places it alongside global automotive players such as Ford, Toyota, and Hyundai, all of which have established assembly facilities in the Kingdom.
In addition to the plant, BYD plans to open two service centres and install 200 electric vehicle charging stations nationwide, reinforcing its commitment to building a robust EV ecosystem in Cambodia.
According to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, EV registrations in Cambodia surged from 313 in 2023 to 2,253 in 2024. The Royal Government has set an ambitious goal to transition 40% of cars and urban buses and 70% of motorbikes to electric by 2050 as part of its long-term carbon reduction strategy.
This investment further highlights Cambodia’s growing appeal as a hub for green technology and sustainable mobility in Southeast Asia.
