Cambodia Trails Vietnam in EV Sales as ASEAN Market Dynamics Shift

In the first half of 2026, Vietnam has emerged as the leader in the electric vehicle (EV) sales market across Southeast Asia. According to VNexpress, Vietnam sold 115,986 units, marking a 71% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 35.3% of all new car sales in Vietnam, the highest proportion among the four largest automotive markets in Southeast Asia. The VinFast brand contributed almost entirely to BEV sales in Vietnam, with limited sales of models like the Ford Mustang. Thailand ranked second with 104,418 units sold, exhibiting the fastest growth rate in the region at 91%. Indonesia remains the largest automotive market in Southeast Asia, but EVs hold a share of only 16% of new car sales. Malaysia, despite an 85% increase, had the lowest BEV sales volume. The Vietnamese government has actively encouraged the adoption of EVs through measures such as waiving registration fees and providing tax incentives until the end of 2030. This achievement reflects the growing acceptance of electric vehicles and the development of the green automotive industry in Vietnam. Attention will now turn to how Cambodia will respond to this regional shift in the EV market. The adoption rate of EVs in Cambodia's domestic automotive market currently lags behind that of other major ASEAN countries, making future policies and infrastructure development crucial. For Cambodia, where relations with China are a significant factor in economic development, it will be essential to foster domestic industries while balancing international competition and cooperation in the EV sector. Source: Koh Santep Khmer