EV Charging in the U.S.: Trends, Policy Shifts, and Solutions for Homes, Businesses, and Multifamily Buildings in Los Angeles

Understanding the Current State of EV Charging in the U.S.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity across the U.S., especially in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles. With California leading the charge towards cleaner transportation, reliable and accessible EV charging infrastructure is top of mind for homeowners, multi-unit dwellings, and businesses alike. However, recent developments in policy, technology, and market approaches mean the landscape is constantly evolving.

As a specialized electrical and general contractor experienced in EV charger installation in Los Angeles, Shaffer Construction, Inc. is committed to keeping you informed on the latest industry changes and solutions. In this article, we break down the most relevant trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the EV charging experience.

Policy Shifts and Their Effects on EV Charging Station Deployment

Federal and state policies have a significant impact on how quickly and broadly EV charging infrastructure is deployed. Recently, the Trump administration paused federal funding for new EV charging stations, a move that has slowed expansion, especially for installation at convenience stores and public locations. Retailers and businesses that were planning to host EV charging stations now face uncertainty, potentially delaying critical infrastructure projects.
Source: CSP Daily News

While this funding pause presents short-term challenges, it has also prompted local governments and private businesses in states like California to seek alternative funding sources and innovative partnerships to advance charger deployment. In Los Angeles, state incentives, utility company programs, and city initiatives remain in place to encourage continued growth of EV charging access.

Addressing Pain Points: The Cost and Accessibility of EV Charging

Understanding the cost of charging an EV is often confusing for drivers. Rates can vary widely depending on time of use, charger type (Level 2 vs. DC Fast Charging), location, and even network pricing policies. The bundling of charging fees, power demand spikes, and unclear pricing can sometimes leave EV owners feeling uncertain about the actual cost of charging—in much the same way traditional drivers might feel “pain at the pump.”
Source: Resources Magazine

Researchers and policymakers are working to improve transparency for consumers, suggesting clearer signage and standardized pricing models. For property owners and businesses considering EV charger installation, understanding rate structures, demand charges, and available incentives is crucial for ensuring affordable and sustainable charging solutions.

Innovative Technologies for Smarter Home Charging

One of the major barriers to home EV charger installation is the need for costly electrical panel upgrades, especially in older homes or multi-unit buildings. New technology, such as the ELECQ Power Monitor, allows homeowners to bypass the need for expensive upgrades by balancing the EV charging load with the home’s existing power usage. This not only smartly distributes energy within the household but can dramatically reduce electricity bills—by up to 30% in some cases.
Source: Electrek

Load balancing and integration with home solar systems are at the forefront of EV charger technology, making it easier and cheaper than ever to power your vehicle cleanly. Solutions like these are especially relevant in Los Angeles, where solar adoption is high and many neighborhoods feature diverse electrical infrastructure.

Smart Charge Management: Integrating EV Charging with Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

Tech innovations are not just improving home charging; they are also enabling smarter, grid-responsive charging strategies at the commercial and multi-unit level. Kitu Systems has introduced charge management software that dynamically coordinates EV charging with other distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels, home batteries, and smart thermostats. This kind of coordination helps to optimize energy usage, reduce grid congestion, and can provide cost savings for property owners.
Source: Charged EVs

The integration of EV charging with DERs has profound implications for both grid resilience and sustainability. Building owners and managers in Los Angeles can benefit from participating in utility demand response programs, receiving compensation for shifting EV charging to off-peak hours or temporarily reducing usage during periods of high demand.

Solving the Challenge of Charging in Multifamily Housing

A persistent challenge for widespread EV adoption is the lack of adequate charging solutions for apartment and condominium residents. Unlike single-family homes, multifamily buildings face unique hurdles: limited parking, shared electrical infrastructure, approval from homeowner associations, and the logistical complexities of billing multiple users.

To assist residents, property managers, and HOAs, Plug In America has released a comprehensive EV charging toolkit designed specifically for multifamily housing. This toolkit offers practical solutions for retrofitting existing electrical systems, understanding local codes, managing charger access, and navigating incentives for installation.
Source: Plug In America

For the Los Angeles region, which has a high proportion of renters and multi-unit dwellings, implementing accessible EV charging is critical. Property owners can increase attractiveness to tenants, future-proof their assets, and contribute to citywide sustainability goals by investing in charging infrastructure.

Best Practices for Installing EV Chargers

Whether you are a homeowner, condominium board member, or commercial property manager, planning and executing an EV charger installation involves several key steps:

Site Assessment: Understand your property’s electrical capacity, parking layout, and accessibility needs.
Choosing the Right Charger: Select an appropriate charger type (Level 2 or fast charging, networked or standalone) based on user needs and available power.
Permitting and Code Compliance: Adhere to all local, state, and national electrical codes. Los Angeles requires permits and inspections for all electrical work.
Panel and Circuit Considerations: Assess whether your electrical service can support new chargers, and consider smart load management technologies to limit upgrade costs.
Incentives and Rebates: Take advantage of government and utility programs designed to offset installation costs, many of which are still available in California and Los Angeles despite recent policy shifts.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support: Plan for regular inspection and software updates to ensure chargers remain reliable and safe over time.

How Shaffer Construction Can Help

Shaffer Construction, Inc. leverages deep electrical and general contracting expertise to guide clients from initial assessment through successful EV charger installation and long-term support. Here’s how we can help:

Evaluate your property’s unique requirements and develop a customized solution that balances cost, efficiency, and scalability.
Assist homeowners in adopting the latest smart load management technology for affordable charging—without expensive panel upgrades.
Enable multifamily and commercial property managers to navigate legal, financial, and logistical hurdles, with solutions tailored to multi-user environments.
Integrate EV charging with solar systems or battery storage to maximize local energy use and savings.
Ensure full compliance with Los Angeles permitting and inspection processes.

For help with your next EV charging project in Los Angeles, call us at 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com.

The Path Forward for EV Charging in Los Angeles

Despite shifting federal policies, the momentum for EV adoption and charging infrastructure in California remains strong. The future of charging will be shaped by intelligent software, enhanced hardware, and forward-thinking property owners who recognize the long-term value of EV readiness.

Whether you live in a single-family home, manage a multifamily building, or operate a commercial location, planning for EV charging is now a crucial part of property improvement and sustainability strategy. By collaborating with an experienced electrical and general contractor like Shaffer Construction, you can ensure a smooth, reliable, and cost-effective transition to EV charging.

Stay tuned to our website and blog for continued updates on new technologies, policy changes, and best practices in EV infrastructure. Contact us with your questions or to start your EV charging project today!