The government organised a display of electric vehicles (EV) on Saturday as part to efforts to achieve 40 per cent EVs in the country by the year 2050. Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol said on Saturday that the event was in line with the government’s long term strategy. An EV charging station was unveiled at the Public Works Ministry during the event where more than a dozen car makers exhibited their electric cars and related technology. Chanthol said the show was aimed at raising awareness among the people about electric vehicles and their advantages. “The EV show and the launch of EV charging station will help the development and promotion of the domestic use of EVs in Cambodia, which is in line with the Royal Government’s plan to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which lead to global warming, climate change, pollution and a decline in air quality,” he said. There has been a sharp increase in the number of electric vehicles in Cambodia in recent months. In the first three months this year, 47 EVs were registered, a 671 percent increase compared to the same period last year, Chanthol said. The ministry is working with other departments, institutions, and stakeholders to achieve 40 percent EV usage by 2050, he added. “This requires the participation of all ministries, institutions and stakeholders to formulate and implement policies, strategic plans, promote and encourage the development and use of EVs, establishment of EV charging stations and the management of processing and disposal of battery waste safely,” he said. At least ten EV charging stations will be built in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Preah Sihanouk provinces in partnership with petrol stations. According to a study, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from vehicles are one of the main factors behind the increase in greenhouse gases. In response, countries around the world and the region are focusing on increasing the use of electric vehicles. Coal-fired power plants, one of the major sources of Cambodia’s local power generation, causes C02 emission from burning coal. The Ministry of Mines and Energy said that the government will no longer approve new coal-fired power plants and instead it will encourage investment in clean energy.