In a historic milestone for the Kingdom’s industrial sector, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Sun Chanthol met with senior executives from BYD Group on January 30, 2026, to celebrate the official delivery of the first electric vehicles (EVs) assembled in Cambodia. The transition from importing to local manufacturing marks a significant leap in Cambodia’s quest to become a regional hub for green technology and high-tech automotive production.
From Import-Reliance to Local Assembly
The meeting, held in Phnom Penh, included Mr. Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD’s Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division. BYD confirmed that the first units produced at its Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) plant—a 12-hectare facility with an annual capacity of over 10,000 units—have been successfully delivered to Cambodian customers.
This achievement follows the groundbreaking in April 2025 and an investment of over $32 million for the initial phase. The group now plans to:
- Scale Production: Ramp up assembly volumes to meet the surging domestic demand for both fully electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.
- Launch the “Car Centre”: Open Cambodia’s largest automotive service and technology hub in Phnom Penh to provide comprehensive after-sales support.
- Broaden the Supply Chain: Encourage secondary suppliers to enter the Cambodian market, potentially creating a localized ecosystem for EV parts and batteries.
Government Support and National Pride
H.E. Sun Chanthol, who also serves as the First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), described the plant as a “new source of pride.” He reaffirmed the Royal Government’s commitment to providing a pro-investment climate and regulatory facilitation.
“The CDC remains ready to provide all necessary support to ensure business operations proceed smoothly,” the Deputy Prime Minister stated. This partnership is a core pillar of the National Policy on the Development of Electric Vehicles 2024–2030, which aims to have 30,000 electric cars on Cambodian roads by 2030.
Driving a Green Economy and Public Transport Solutions
Beyond passenger vehicles, the discussions explored deploying broader EV solutions, including electric buses and public transport infrastructure, to address urban congestion and reduce carbon emissions. With clean energy already accounting for 63% of Cambodia’s national grid, the shift to electric mobility directly supports the nation’s environmental and socio-economic goals.
For foreign investors, the presence of a global giant like BYD serves as “undeniable evidence” that Cambodia is a safe, profitable, and high-potential destination for advanced manufacturing. The success of this project is expected to trigger further interest from global automotive giants and green-tech firms.
FAQ: BYD’s Local Manufacturing in Cambodia
Initial production focuses on popular electric and hybrid models, including the SEAL 5 and M9 series, designed to meet the specific needs of the local and regional markets.
Yes. Local assembly benefits from significant government incentives, including a reduction in import duties on components (0% for motors and 5% for batteries), which helps lower the retail price for consumers compared to fully imported units.
The plant is located within the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ), strategically chosen for its proximity to the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to facilitate the efficient import of components and export of finished goods.