Introduction: The Rising Demand for EV Charging Infrastructure
The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States is accelerating at a rapid pace, driven by environmental awareness, government incentives, and advancements in EV technology. Central to this transition is the development of a robust charging infrastructure that is accessible, reliable, and convenient for all users. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we specialize in installing EV chargers and related infrastructure to meet the demands of businesses, homeowners, and public spaces in Los Angeles and beyond. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the current state of EV charging, regulatory changes, future technologies, accessibility challenges, and the implications for communities across California and the nation.
1. California’s Leadership in EV Charger Deployment
California is a national, and indeed global, leader in electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure. According to recent data from the California Energy Commission (CEC), California now boasts significantly more public EV chargers than traditional gas stations, signaling a major milestone in the state’s commitment to clean transportation (CleanTechnica).
Key figures from the CEC show that as of early 2025, there are over 94,000 public and shared private EV charging ports in California, compared to roughly 8,000 gas stations statewide. This extensive network is crucial in addressing range anxiety, one of the primary barriers to EV adoption, and it demonstrates that California’s aggressive climate policies and incentives for both vehicle and infrastructure purchases are working.
Furthermore, the spread of high-speed (DC fast) chargers along major highways and in urban centers enables long-distance travel and convenient daily use. Companies like ours, Shaffer Construction, Inc., are part of the growing ecosystem deploying Level 2 and DC fast chargers in key locations to future-proof residential, commercial, and public properties.
2. Federal and State Support: Navigating Funding and Policy
The growth of EV charging infrastructure is supported by significant federal and state funding programs. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, a $5 billion initiative from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), aims to accelerate the deployment of fast-charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. However, recent political and regulatory challenges have influenced how quickly these programs can be deployed.
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report recently found that efforts by the former Trump administration to pause or obstruct federal EV charger funding were unlawful. The GAO stated that the Department of Transportation violated federal law by halting the NEVI program, which has delayed charging deployments in several states. This decision underscores the importance of steady, bipartisan support for the nation’s clean transportation objectives.
For local governments, property owners, and businesses interested in installing EV chargers, these funding opportunities can significantly reduce project costs and speed up implementation. Our team at Shaffer Construction, Inc. closely monitors these programs and assists clients throughout the grant application and compliance process, ensuring projects align with the latest requirements and maximize available incentives.
3. Technology Trends: Advancements in EV Charging
As EV adoption continues to grow, so does the innovation around charging technologies. One of the most exciting recent developments is the deployment of automated charging solutions. Automotive manufacturers are racing to introduce robots and smart devices that can autonomously connect vehicles to chargers, reducing user effort and standardizing the charging process.
Hyundai and Kia, for instance, unveiled an automated robot that charges EVs without human intervention. This technology is currently being piloted at Incheon International Airport and could represent the future of urban and commercial charging. Such systems promise greater convenience for all users, especially those who have mobility challenges, and could become commonplace in parking lots, apartment complexes, and fleet depots.
Additionally, EV charging rates are becoming dynamic, with software platforms adjusting pricing based on grid demand, time of use, and renewable energy availability. This not only incentivizes charging during off-peak hours but also integrates charging infrastructure into broader energy management strategies, supporting grid stability and the transition to cleaner sources (Transport Topics).
Technological advancements are also being driven by collaborations with public research entities. For example, Hatch Product Development has licensed innovative EV charging technologies developed by Argonne National Laboratory, improving vehicle-grid communications and future-proofing infrastructure against evolving standards (The EV Report).
4. Accessibility Challenges: Ensuring EV Charging for All
While the charging network in California and other states is expanding, accessibility for all users remains a critical issue. Recent reports highlight that the rollout of EV chargers often fails to meet the needs of disabled drivers (Yahoo! Autos).
Many existing charging stations do not comply with the new standards required for disabled driver access—such as sufficient space for wheelchair users, reachable controls, and user-friendly interfaces. This limits the independence and mobility of disabled drivers who wish to participate in the EV revolution.
According to advocacy groups and government guidelines, best practices for accessible EV charger installations include:
- Ensuring charging spaces are wide enough for vehicles equipped with mobility aids to deploy ramps and lifts
- Locating chargers near accessible building entrances and along accessible routes
- Lowering the height of controls for easy reach
- Adding tactile and audible user feedback on charging equipment
At Shaffer Construction, Inc., it is our priority to design and install EV charging solutions that are not only future-ready but also compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant standards. By considering the needs of all users, communities can build inclusive transportation networks that benefit everyone.
5. Integrating Smart Charging: Dynamic Rates and Vehicle-Grid Communication
The economics of EV charging are rapidly changing as utility companies and platform providers introduce dynamic pricing models. Instead of fixed rates, dynamic (also known as time-of-use or TOU) pricing encourages drivers to charge when electricity is least expensive and cleanest, helping balance grid demand and promoting sustainable operations.
With the proliferation of high-speed chargers and sophisticated software platforms, site owners and EV drivers can benefit from integrations that allow for flexible billing, remote monitoring, automated maintenance alerts, and enhanced energy management strategies (Transport Topics).
Additionally, platforms leveraging advanced communication protocols—such as those recently commercialized by Hatch Product Development and Argonne National Laboratory—allow seamless energy exchanges between the grid and vehicles (The EV Report). This not only prepares infrastructure for future growth, including bidirectional charging (vehicle-to-grid or V2G) but also supports renewable integration and energy resiliency.
Property owners who invest in smart charging platforms today are better positioned to benefit from evolving utility programs and participate in demand response initiatives that can generate additional revenues and savings.
6. Future Outlook: What It Means for Los Angeles and Beyond
The ambitious expansion of EV charging infrastructure means that cities like Los Angeles will soon see EV chargers outnumbering gas stations by an even greater margin. With California setting the template for the nation, the proliferation of public, private, and workplace charging is reducing range anxiety and enabling broader adoption across income groups.
For businesses, providing EV charging is becoming an essential amenity to attract and retain customers, tenants, and employees. For multi-family properties and commercial centers, future-proofing parking facilities can drive higher property values, meet new municipal code requirements, and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.
The ongoing rollout of new technologies—from automated charging robots to smart grid-integrated platforms—means the charging experience will become even more seamless, accessible, and resilient in the coming years. Early investment in properly designed, code-compliant infrastructure ensures that properties remain competitive as EV adoption accelerates.
Conclusion: Partner with Shaffer Construction, Inc. for Turnkey EV Charging Solutions
The EV charging landscape is advancing rapidly, bringing new opportunities and challenges for property owners, businesses, and communities. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we are dedicated to providing turnkey solutions that span every step of the process—from feasibility studies and site design to permitting, incentive navigation, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
Our team stays ahead of policy changes, technology trends, and best practices to ensure your investment is resilient, accessible, and efficient. If you are considering an EV charger installation in Los Angeles or Southern California, contact us today for a free consultation:
- Phone: 323-642-8509
- Email: hello@shaffercon.com
- Address: 325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202, Los Angeles, CA 90004
- Website: www.shaffercon.com
Build the future of clean mobility with Shaffer Construction, Inc.—your trusted electrical and general contractor for EV charger installation and infrastructure in Los Angeles.
References
- California Has Far More EV Chargers Than Gas Stations (CleanTechnica)
- Trump move to block EV charger funding illegal, GAO finds (E&E News by POLITICO)
- Hyundai’s new robot that will automatically charge your EV (Electrek)
- EV charger rollout is failing disabled drivers (Yahoo! Autos)
- Hatch Licenses Argonne’s EV Charging Tech (The EV Report)
