Boost Your Business with EV Charging Stations

Introduction

Electric vehicles are no longer a niche market. As we enter 2025, the global EV fleet has exceeded 50 million vehicles, and California leads the nation with the highest adoption rates. For Los Angeles businesses, this shift represents a significant opportunity to attract customers, generate new revenue streams, and position themselves as forward-thinking industry leaders. Installing commercial EV charging stations is not just about keeping up with trends, it is about capitalizing on a rapidly expanding market while meeting increasingly stringent California building code requirements.

At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we have helped dozens of Los Angeles businesses navigate the complexities of commercial EV charger installation, from initial electrical assessments to securing available rebates and ensuring full CalGreen compliance. Our experience as licensed electrical and general contractors has shown us that businesses which invest in EV infrastructure today are reaping measurable benefits in customer loyalty, employee satisfaction, and bottom-line revenue growth.

How EV Charging Stations Attract High-Value Customers

Recent research published by Nature Communications demonstrates that installing just one EV charging station can boost annual spending at a nearby establishment by 1.4 percent, translating to approximately $1,478 in additional revenue per year. The effect is even more pronounced for businesses located within 100 meters of a charging station, where spending increases by 2.7 to 3.2 percent annually.

Why such a significant impact? EV drivers represent a valuable demographic. According to industry data, 78 percent of EV drivers leave their vehicles while charging to explore the surrounding area, and approximately 30 percent purchase food or beverages during charging sessions. These customers tend to have higher household incomes and greater purchasing power than average consumers, making them particularly attractive to retail businesses, restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers.

For Los Angeles businesses operating in competitive markets like West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, or downtown LA, offering EV charging can be the differentiating factor that drives customer choice. When an EV driver needs to charge and sees two similar businesses, they will almost always choose the one with available charging infrastructure. Shaffer Construction works with business owners throughout Los Angeles to strategically position charging stations where they maximize visibility and customer convenience, ensuring your investment delivers the highest possible return.

As we discuss in our comprehensive guide on preparing Los Angeles buildings for the EV charging boom, proper planning and infrastructure design are essential to creating a charging solution that serves your business goals while meeting all regulatory requirements.

Workplace EV Charging: A Powerful Employee Recruitment and Retention Tool

Beyond customer attraction, workplace EV charging has emerged as one of the most effective employee benefits for businesses looking to recruit and retain top talent in 2025. A recent survey by Plug In America involving over 1,000 EV owners found that employees with access to workplace charging were 15 percent more likely to report high job satisfaction compared to those without it.

The J.D. Power Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study revealed even more compelling data: access to workplace charging increases overall EV ownership satisfaction by 20 to 30 points on their measurement index. For employers, this translates to tangible benefits. Research shows that 91 percent of employers received positive feedback after installing charging stations, and employees are six times more likely to switch to an electric vehicle when workplace charging is available.

In Los Angeles, where commute times are among the longest in the nation and environmental consciousness runs high, offering workplace EV charging sends a powerful message about your company values. It demonstrates environmental leadership, commitment to employee well-being, and forward-thinking business practices. These factors are particularly important when competing for talented professionals in technology, entertainment, finance, and other high-value industries concentrated in the Los Angeles area.

From an operational perspective, workplace charging sessions grew twice as fast as new installations in 2023, with active workplace charging ports increasing by 22 percent year-over-year while unique drivers using workplace charging surged by 57 percent. This trend shows no signs of slowing as California continues to lead national EV adoption. Shaffer Construction helps Los Angeles employers design workplace charging solutions that accommodate current demand while allowing for future expansion as more employees transition to electric vehicles.

Revenue Generation and ROI: The Business Case for Commercial EV Charging

While customer attraction and employee benefits provide compelling reasons to install EV charging infrastructure, many business owners want to understand the direct financial return. The good news is that commercial EV charging can generate revenue through multiple channels, with most businesses reporting breakeven within two to four years for fast-charging installations, and three to six years for Level 2 chargers.

Direct charging fees represent the most straightforward revenue stream. Businesses can charge per kilowatt-hour, per session, or offer subscription-based pricing models. According to industry analysis, strategic pricing combined with high utilization rates can generate substantial income, particularly for businesses in high-traffic Los Angeles locations near major corridors, shopping districts, or entertainment venues.

Beyond direct fees, EV charging creates indirect revenue opportunities. Retailers see increased foot traffic and longer customer dwell times, as shoppers browse while their vehicles charge. Hotels and restaurants benefit from extended visits, often converting charging customers into diners or overnight guests. Some forward-thinking businesses monetize charging station displays through advertising partnerships, generating additional income from brands seeking exposure to the high-value EV driver demographic.

Subscription models have gained popularity among businesses with regular customers or employees. Monthly or annual subscriptions provide unlimited or discounted charging access, creating predictable recurring revenue while building customer loyalty. This approach works particularly well for office buildings, apartment complexes, parking garages, and retail locations with frequent repeat visitors.

Location significantly impacts ROI. EV chargers in busy commercial areas, near major Los Angeles highways like the 10, 405, or 101, or integrated with retail operations consistently outperform those in remote or low-traffic areas. Shaffer Construction conducts thorough site assessments to help business owners identify optimal placement for maximum utilization and fastest return on investment. Our expertise in EV charger installation planning ensures your project is positioned for financial success from day one.

California CalGreen Requirements: Compliance Is Not Optional

While the business case for EV charging is compelling on its own merits, California building codes now mandate EV infrastructure for most new construction and major renovations. The 2025 CalGreen Code, effective January 1, 2026, represents a significant expansion of requirements for commercial properties throughout Los Angeles and California.

Under the updated code, most commercial parking spaces, typically 70 to 100 percent depending on building type, must include low-power Level 2 receptacles. Additionally, 10 to 25 percent of shared or unassigned parking spaces must feature fully installed Level 2 chargers with minimum 30-ampere capacity. For office and retail buildings, the required number of installed charging stations increased to approximately 75 percent of EV-capable spaces, while other commercial occupancies must install chargers for 50 percent of their EV-capable spaces.

These requirements have substantial electrical infrastructure implications. According to CalGreen compliance experts, the electrical demands often require two to four times more wiring, conduit, and panel capacity than previous code cycles. Branch circuits must have a minimum capacity of 40 amperes, and installed chargers must provide at least 30 amperes of charging capacity.

For Los Angeles business owners planning new construction, building additions, or major electrical upgrades, these requirements are not suggestions, they are legal mandates. Failure to comply can result in permit denials, failed inspections, and costly retrofits. The good news is that proactive compliance positions your property ahead of market demand while potentially qualifying for substantial incentives and rebates.

Shaffer Construction specializes in helping Los Angeles businesses navigate CalGreen EV charging requirements. Our team stays current with all code changes and works closely with city building departments throughout Los Angeles County to ensure your project meets or exceeds all applicable standards. We handle everything from initial electrical load studies to determine if panel upgrades are necessary, through final inspections and commissioning.

Los Angeles Incentives and Rebates: Maximizing Your Investment

One of the most overlooked aspects of commercial EV charging installation is the substantial financial incentives available to Los Angeles businesses. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power offers one of the most generous commercial EV charger rebate programs in the nation, with Level 2 charger rebates up to $5,000 per charger and DC fast charging rebates up to $125,000 per charger when installed in disadvantaged communities.

According to the LADWP Commercial EV Charger Rebate Program, businesses can receive rebates for medium and heavy-duty EV chargers up to $125,000 per charger depending on power output, with a maximum rebate of $2 million per premises. The program typically opens for enrollment in spring, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, making early application critical for securing funding.

Beyond LADWP, Los Angeles area businesses can access additional incentive programs. Glendale Water and Power offers commercial and multifamily customers up to $75,000 or 75 percent of total project costs. Pasadena provides $3,000 per charging port installed, with additional bonuses for projects in disadvantaged communities, schools, or income-qualified housing. Southern California Edison's Charge Ready program provides infrastructure upgrades at no cost to qualifying businesses, significantly reducing installation expenses.

At the federal level, the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit remains available for qualifying installations completed before June 30, 2026. These incentives can often be stacked with state and local programs, potentially covering 50 to 80 percent of total installation costs when combined strategically.

Shaffer Construction has extensive experience helping Los Angeles businesses navigate the incentive application process. We understand eligibility requirements, documentation needs, and application timing for all major programs serving the Los Angeles area. Our clients consistently maximize available incentives because we build rebate optimization into every project from the initial planning phase. For detailed guidance on costs and available options, review our article on planning EV charger infrastructure installation in Los Angeles.

Real-World Success: Case Studies and Market Trends

The business benefits of EV charging are not theoretical. Major retailers and hospitality companies are investing heavily in charging infrastructure because they see measurable returns. Starbucks partnered with Volvo and ChargePoint in 2022 to add chargers at approximately 15 stores in the western United States, recognizing that EV drivers represent their target demographic and that charging availability drives store selection.

A Massachusetts Institute of Technology study analyzed spending patterns near EV charging stations and found consistent increases in consumer spending at nearby businesses, with effects most pronounced within 100 meters of charging infrastructure. The research validated what early adopters already knew: EV charging brings customers through your doors and keeps them there longer.

In Los Angeles specifically, forward-thinking property owners and business operators are installing EV charging ahead of code requirements to capture first-mover advantages. Shopping centers in areas like the Grove, Beverly Center, and Westfield Century City have expanded charging infrastructure significantly, recognizing that EV drivers specifically seek out charging-friendly destinations. Office buildings in Playa Vista, Culver City, and downtown Los Angeles are installing workplace charging to attract tenants and support employee recruitment.

The market trends are unmistakable. California continues to lead the nation in EV adoption, and Los Angeles County represents one of the largest EV markets in the state. As charging infrastructure expands, consumer expectations are shifting. What was once a nice amenity is rapidly becoming an expected feature. Businesses that install charging infrastructure now position themselves ahead of this curve, while those that delay risk falling behind competitors who recognize the strategic value of EV charging.

Conclusion

Installing commercial EV charging stations delivers measurable business benefits across multiple dimensions. Research demonstrates that charging infrastructure attracts high-value customers, increases spending, and extends customer dwell time. For employers, workplace charging has emerged as a powerful recruitment and retention tool, significantly boosting employee satisfaction and demonstrating environmental leadership. From a financial perspective, EV charging creates both direct revenue through charging fees and indirect revenue through increased customer traffic and loyalty.

Los Angeles businesses face both opportunity and obligation. California's 2025 CalGreen Code mandates EV infrastructure for most new construction and major renovations, making compliance essential for permit approval. At the same time, generous incentive programs from LADWP, municipal utilities, Southern California Edison, and federal tax credits can offset 50 to 80 percent of installation costs when strategically combined. The businesses that move proactively, securing incentive funding while installing infrastructure ahead of peak demand, will realize the greatest competitive advantages.

Shaffer Construction, Inc. brings deep expertise in commercial EV charger installation throughout Los Angeles. As licensed electrical and general contractors, we handle every aspect of your project, from initial electrical assessments and load studies through permitting, installation, and final inspection. Our commercial electric vehicle charger services are designed to maximize your return on investment while ensuring full code compliance and optimal long-term performance.

For expert guidance on commercial EV charging installation in Los Angeles, including site assessment, incentive optimization, and turnkey installation services, contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. Call us at 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com to schedule a consultation. Visit our website at shaffercon.com to learn more about how we help Los Angeles businesses capitalize on the electric vehicle revolution.