Boosting Local Economy and Sustainability: The Impact of Expanding EV Charging Stations in Los Angeles
Introduction
Los Angeles stands at the forefront of America's electric vehicle revolution, with the region rapidly expanding its charging infrastructure to support the growing number of EV drivers. As electric vehicle adoption accelerates across Southern California, the demand for reliable, accessible charging stations continues to surge. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we understand the critical importance of this infrastructure expansion and are committed to helping Los Angeles businesses and property owners meet this growing need. The expansion of EV charging stations is not just an environmental imperative—it's a significant economic opportunity that benefits local businesses, creates jobs, and accelerates our transition to sustainable transportation.
Economic Stimulus: How EV Charging Boosts Local Business Spending
Recent research reveals compelling evidence that EV charging stations generate substantial economic benefits for nearby businesses. A groundbreaking MIT study published in Nature Communications found that installing one EV charging station boosts annual spending at nearby businesses by approximately $1,478 in 2019. For businesses located within 100 meters of a charging station, the impact is even more pronounced, with spending increases reaching 2.7 percent during that period.
This economic stimulus occurs because EV drivers visiting charging stations often patronize nearby restaurants, shops, and service businesses while their vehicles charge. Rather than simply filling up and leaving—as happens at traditional gas stations—EV charging sessions typically last 15 to 45 minutes or longer, giving drivers ample time to explore and spend money at local establishments. In Los Angeles, where foot traffic and retail spending are vital to community vitality, this translates into meaningful revenue increases for small businesses, restaurants, and retail shops across the region.
Shaffer Construction helps property owners and business managers in Los Angeles capitalize on this economic opportunity by designing and installing high-quality EV charging infrastructure. Whether you're a retail property manager, apartment complex owner, or commercial business looking to attract more customers, our team has the expertise to plan and execute charging installations that enhance your property's value and draw more foot traffic.
Los Angeles: Leading California's EV Infrastructure Expansion
Los Angeles is experiencing unprecedented growth in electric vehicle infrastructure. According to the LA County Zero-Emission Vehicle Master Plan adopted in 2025, the County is implementing a comprehensive charging infrastructure strategy with over 3,700 EV chargers planned across nearly 450 sites. The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation recently awarded contracts to install 90 new public chargers, with projects utilizing innovative approaches like integrating charging into existing street light infrastructure.
California as a whole has emerged as the global leader in EV charging infrastructure. As of March 2025, California achieved a significant milestone with 48% more EV chargers than gasoline nozzles available statewide. This dramatic shift demonstrates California's commitment to accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels. For Los Angeles residents and businesses, this means increasingly convenient access to reliable charging options, which directly supports EV adoption rates and economic growth in the region.
Private sector initiatives are also contributing significantly to Los Angeles's charging expansion. Companies like Rove are building charging centers in partnership with retailers across Southern California, while 3V Infrastructure is investing $12 million to add 1,000 chargers at multifamily housing developments and hotels. Shaffer Construction works alongside these initiatives, providing expert installation services and technical guidance to ensure charging infrastructure meets the highest safety and performance standards. Our electrical expertise and understanding of Los Angeles building codes position us as a trusted partner for property owners seeking professional, code-compliant EV charging solutions.
Job Creation and Economic Development Through Charging Infrastructure
The expansion of EV charging infrastructure represents a significant job creation opportunity for the Los Angeles area. The federal government has committed substantial resources to accelerating this growth. In 2025, the Federal Highway Administration announced $635 million in grants to deploy more than 11,500 EV charging ports across 27 states, four federally recognized tribes, and the District of Columbia. These funds support construction, installation, and operation of charging stations, creating employment opportunities for electricians, construction workers, engineers, and support staff throughout the country.
Shaffer Construction is positioned to capture a portion of this economic opportunity in Los Angeles. Our company specializes in commercial EV charger installation and infrastructure development, bringing years of electrical contracting experience to every project. We employ skilled electricians and technicians who understand the complexities of modern charging systems, from Level 2 chargers for residential properties to high-power DC fast charging stations for commercial applications. Beyond direct employment, charging infrastructure projects stimulate demand for electrical supplies, construction materials, and engineering services, creating a multiplier effect throughout the local economy.
As we detailed in our comprehensive guide on how to decide, pay for, and plan EV charger projects, understanding the full scope of installation requirements is essential for property owners and developers. Our team at Shaffer Construction helps clients navigate financing options, permitting processes, and installation timelines to bring charging infrastructure projects to fruition efficiently.
Environmental Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Goals
Beyond economic benefits, EV charging infrastructure is fundamental to California's ambitious sustainability goals. Transportation accounts for the largest share of California's greenhouse gas emissions, and the state has set comprehensive targets to address this challenge. California's Zero-Emission Vehicle program aims to achieve 5 million zero-emission vehicles on roads by 2030 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
Charging infrastructure is absolutely essential to achieving these goals. Without widespread, reliable charging access, EV adoption cannot accelerate at the pace necessary to meet state and federal climate targets. Each EV charging station installed in Los Angeles eliminates the need for gasoline-powered vehicle trips in that location, directly reducing tailpipe emissions that contribute to poor air quality and climate change. For neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles that have historically experienced higher pollution levels, expanded charging infrastructure represents an opportunity for improved public health and environmental justice.
Shaffer Construction is proud to contribute to Los Angeles's sustainability goals through residential EV charger installation services. When homeowners install charging infrastructure on their properties, they're not just supporting their own EV adoption—they're contributing to broader community-wide efforts to reduce emissions and improve environmental quality. We understand the connection between our electrical contracting work and environmental impact, and we're committed to helping Los Angeles achieve its climate objectives.
Federal Funding and Support for Charging Infrastructure Expansion
Federal investment is accelerating EV charging infrastructure development nationwide and in Los Angeles. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, allocated $5 billion specifically for building EV charging networks. Additional discretionary grant programs provide another $2.5 billion for charging and alternative fueling infrastructure projects. These federal programs support charging station development along transportation corridors and in underserved communities.
For Los Angeles property owners and businesses considering charging infrastructure investments, understanding available funding sources is critical. Federal tax incentives, state rebates, and utility company incentive programs can significantly reduce installation costs. The federal EV charger tax credit covers a portion of charging installation expenses, though eligibility varies based on charger type and location. California's state incentive programs, including the $55 million Fast Charge California Project launched in 2025, further support charging infrastructure deployment, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Shaffer Construction helps property owners identify and access these funding opportunities. Our team understands the landscape of federal, state, and local incentives available to support charging infrastructure projects in Los Angeles. As you explore whether to invest in EV charging infrastructure, we encourage you to read our article on what Los Angeles property owners need to know about EV charging infrastructure in 2025, which details current funding opportunities and implementation strategies.
Conclusion
The expansion of EV charging infrastructure across Los Angeles represents a convergence of economic opportunity, environmental necessity, and technological progress. The evidence is clear: charging stations boost spending at nearby businesses, create local jobs, reduce transportation emissions, and position Los Angeles as a leader in sustainable transportation. As the region continues its rapid growth in EV adoption, the demand for professional, reliable charging installation services will only increase.
Shaffer Construction, Inc. is your trusted partner for bringing EV charging infrastructure to your Los Angeles property. Whether you're a property developer planning a multifamily residential project, a commercial property manager looking to attract more customers, or a homeowner interested in installing home charging infrastructure, our experienced team has the expertise to design and install solutions that meet your needs. We handle every aspect of the project, from initial electrical load studies through installation, permitting, and final inspection, ensuring your charging infrastructure meets all safety codes and performance standards.
Contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. today to discuss your EV charging infrastructure project and discover how we can help you contribute to Los Angeles's sustainable transportation future. Call us at 323-642-8509, email hello@shaffercon.com, or visit us at our office located at 325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202, Los Angeles, CA 90004. Together, let's build the charging infrastructure that powers Los Angeles's clean energy future.