Last August I shared that MCC Cambodia was planning to purchase locally manufactured electric motos in a budget neutral by selling our old gasoline motos. The new electric are more affordable than gas motos and, additionally, being made in Cambodia do not have an import tax pushing the cost higher.
So we were able to sell several older motos last year and, in January, finally purchased three electric motos. We had planned to purchase an initial electric moto back in September 2021 but there was a long delay caused by COVID-19 disruptions at Voltra Motors.
The photo above Seng Mesa, a technician from Voltra Motors, trains MCC Cambodia staff Doungchann Uy and Vun Vuthy on how to operate an electric moto. Voltra Motors is a start-up based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia that manufactures electric motos for use in Cambodia and for export to France.
Crystal had begun to use the electric motos regularly and has been taking the girls to/from school on them. She says that the electric moto is much lighter which makes it easier for her to control. The brakes, as I noted before, are also much stronger than the ones on the gasoline moto we were using and there are a number of other reassuring safety features.
One of the strangest things to get use to about the electric motos is how quiet they are. Just listen as you watch the video of Crystal riding by. It makes us so much more aware of the noise pollution that’s been constantly in the background when we’re in transit.
This week Doungchann took the electric motos to a local shop to have a protective cover applied. This will increase their water resistance and add an additional layer of scratch protection. It seems a lot like shrink wrapping to me. She also had the MCC logo affixed to the front of the motos.
In 2022, MCC Cambodia is planning to completely phase out the use of gasoline powered motos in Phnom Penh and transition to the use of locally produced electric motos. MCC Cambodia is committed to supporting local solutions to problems like air pollution, noise pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Hooray!!🛵
Very interesting!
Thanks Glenda. As COVID-19 stabilizes here, we’re hoping to get a tour of the factory for our vocational program participants and/or our primary school program.
very cool! and so in line with your values!
Sweet! Did Crystal take the moto safety course?!! 😉
Excited about your upcoming visit to Fairfield Mennonite Church! If you need a digital projector for the sharing, I can bring one.
It’s strange to think that it’s almost been three years since we were last with you. More than half of Catherine’s life. We’re so excited that we’ll finally – after so many delays and cancelled plans – we will be able to be come.
Thanks for thinking of the digital projector! We would definitely like to use it if possible – we can present without one but it’s just so much better with photos.