Cambodia is the 1st country in the world to offer a zero-carbon car factory
If Europe voted on October 27 to ban thermal vehicles from 2030, Yann Vaudin, a Frenchman living in Cambodia since 2013 and the founder of Voltra Motors, did not expect to offer the kingdom’s first electric scooters and be the leader in 100. % electric two-wheelers from 2019, in their new country.
Today, it goes even further by declaring that it has built the world’s only zero-carbon car factory. And 2023 is off to a good start with the release of the latest model.
2 wheels: A central environmental problem in Cambodia
A favorite mode of transportation for Cambodians, the gasoline-powered scooter is ubiquitous in Cambodia, where it is responsible for massive greenhouse gas emissions (1.7 million motorcycles in Phnom Penh, which emit more than three million tons of CO2 each year). Frenchman Yann Vaudin immediately saw the potential to launch a raison d’être for the country, developing the first electric bicycle scooter produced in the kingdom. Since then, the adventure continues and continues to offer something better with different models.
It also took three years to develop the first model of an electric scooter. Voltra Motors had to adapt to Cambodia’s tropical climate, using specially adapted screws and paint to withstand the humidity and monsoon rains. But the biggest challenge was to succeed in offering an affordable electric car while remaining demanding in terms of quality. With a price of $1590, a range of 115 km, a cost of $0.3 per 100 km, two years of insurance offered thanks to the partnership and the lowest interest rate in the Cambodian market, Voltra beats the competition. Honda and Yamaha 110cc are $1800 which is about $2 per 100km. Not to mention bank benefits and insurance.
The latest model is just out. More efficient, has no competitors in the Thai and Vietnamese markets. After the plant’s production goes well, its target markets.
Already a market leader with Cambodia, with prestigious clients such as the Ministry of Transport, the United Nations, Smart Axiata or the French Development Agency, 2023 promises to be important with the launch of this famous factory. .
The environmental holy grail for Cambodia thanks to the Voltra factory
Achieving 0% carbon emissions through construction, manufacturing, recycling and operation is a major challenge. A challenge faced by Yann Vaudy accompanied by Yvonne Schalm, a specialized French architect who has lived in Cambodia for over 20 years.
This factory will be the only 0% carbon factory in the world.
Some information about the plant:
- The opening of the more than 8,000 m2 plant on a 9.24-hectare site will take place at the end of 2023.
- About 150 people (currently about ten) will work at the plant.
- More than 100,000 Voltra cars will be produced annually from locally produced parts.
- 4 tons of plastic will be recycled every day.
Originally from Paris, Yann Vaudin was a renewable energy engineer at large groups such as GDF-Suez or Bolloré. In 2012, he decided to travel the world with an expatriate project. After visiting ten countries, he moved to Siem Reap in March 2013, where he founded Green e-bike, the first electric scooter rental company to visit the Angkor Archaeological Park. Soon, it plans to produce Cambodia’s first electric two-wheeler. A project that resulted in the creation of Voltra Motors and will finally be realized in November 2019. Voltra Motors benefits from the remainder of the support of the United Nations Development Program and the Cambodian Ministry of Environment. It is also developing an electromechanics training system in collaboration with the university and the NGO PSE to work with long-term skilled workers.)
Photo by Vanna Pho on Unsplash
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