Introduction
On 20 February 2025, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (the “MME”) issued a new Prakas on the “Principles and Procedures for Managing and Regulating the Development of EV Charging Services” (the “Prakas”), marking a significant step in Cambodia’s transition toward sustainable transportation. This regulatory framework establishes clear rules for the development, licensing, and operation of electric vehicle (“EV”) charging and battery swapping stations across the country. By defining the roles and responsibilities of key institutions, setting out permitting and licensing requirements, and introducing a framework to develop technical and safety standards, the Prakas aims to accelerate the expansion of EV infrastructure while ensuring safety, efficiency, and affordability for consumers.
SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES
The scope of the Prakas covers the development and provision of charging or battery swapping services, and the management of communication between charging stations, customers and the public.
The main objectives of the Prakas are to:
- Promote the rapid development of sufficient EV charging services in all locations and encourage the growth of EV usage in Cambodia.
- Manage the safety, sustainability, efficiency, and reasonable pricing of charging services provided by EV charging stations.
- Ensure the safe, stable, and efficient charging of batteries in EVs.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF RELEVANT INSTITUTIONS
The Prakas outlines the responsibilities of key institutions:
- MME: Responsible for developing plans to promote EV charging development, issuing permits for the development and construction of charging stations, setting technical and safety standards, establishing pricing policies, and monitoring the operation of charging stations.
- Electricitè du Cambodge (“EDC”) and Private Electricity Distributors: Responsible for ensuring supply of electricity from the national grid to all types of charging locations at a reasonable price. They must also participate in the promotion of EV charging development and monitor the supply of electricity to charging stations.
- Electricity Authority of Cambodia (“EAC”): Responsible for issuing, amending, suspending, or revoking licenses for charging and battery swapping services. The EAC also approves the cost of charging and service conditions, and can evaluate and mediate complaints related to license violations.
LICENSING AND PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS
The Prakas establishes a two-tiered system for permits and licenses: a development permit from the MME and a service license from the EAC.
Development Permit: Any individual or legal entity intending to develop or construct an EV charging station or a battery swapping station must first obtain a development permit from the MME.
- An individual can apply for a permit for a small-scale station with no more than three charging devices.
- A legal entity must apply for a permit for stations with more than three devices or for any battery swapping station.
The application for a development permit must be submitted to the One Window Service of the MME. The required documents for the application include:
- A development and construction plan, including details on the electrical load and equipment.
- For a legal entity, a commercial registration certificate. For an individual, a national identification card.
- A project design or blueprint.
Service License: Once a charging or swapping station is constructed, a separate service license from the EAC is required to operate the service. The EAC is responsible for issuing, amending, suspending, or revoking these licenses.
Home Charging Exception: The Prakas makes a specific exception for home charging. A permit or service license is not required for individuals installing a charging device at their residence for personal use, provided they have a proper parking spot and must use a device that complies with technical and safety standards and request a review to EDC or a private electricity distributor of their power connection to ensure it can support the charging needs.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND SAFETY
Grid Connection: Any individual or entity planning to build a charging or battery swapping station must request a review and obtain approval for an electricity source from their electricity supplier, such as EDC or a private electricity distributor. This shall be done prior to obtaining the Development Permit and Service License.
Network Expansion: The Prakas obligates EDC or private distributors to expand or upgrade the electricity network to accommodate the increased demand from new charging stations.
Technical Standards and Certification: All charging stations must comply with existing technical, safety, and environmental standards set by relevant institutions. Stations must be inspected and certified by an independent expert registered with the MME to ensure they can be operated safely.
Please contact us at HBS LAW if you have any questions. Our team at HBS LAW is ready to provide relevant legal advice and assistance pertaining to the above, as well as any other matters in the energy sector in Cambodia. We are committed to delivering services that are tailored to meet your specific legal needs.
