EV Charging Infrastructure Los Angeles

Introduction

Los Angeles is experiencing a transformative shift in transportation infrastructure as electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate. With California now boasting 48% more EV chargers than gasoline pumps throughout the state, the region is leading the nation in sustainable energy adoption. As a trusted electrical contractor serving Los Angeles for years, Shaffer Construction, Inc. is at the forefront of this movement, providing expert EV charger installation services for residential and commercial properties throughout the city. Whether you're a homeowner looking to install a Level 2 charger in your garage or a business owner planning a fleet of commercial charging stations, understanding the current landscape of EV infrastructure expansion is essential to making informed decisions about your property's future.

The EV Charging Boom in Los Angeles and California

California's EV charging network has experienced unprecedented growth throughout 2025. As of March 2025, the state reached 178,549 public and shared private electric vehicle chargers, and by September 2025, that number had grown to over 201,180 publicly available and shared EV chargepoints. This explosive expansion reflects California's commitment to supporting the millions of electric vehicles now operating on our roads. In Los Angeles specifically, the City Department of Transportation (LADOT) selected the company it's electric to install 90 new public charging stations, with the first 15 chargers opening in November-December 2025 at three Koreatown locations, providing 24/7 public access. These new Level 2 chargers will be strategically positioned at curbside locations throughout the city, making charging more convenient for residents and visitors alike.

Beyond public infrastructure, major advancements in fast-charging technology are revolutionizing the EV experience in Los Angeles. Gravity announced its expansion to eight locations across the Los Angeles metropolitan area in 2025, featuring 500 kW charging piles capable of providing a full charge in approximately five minutes—a significant technological leap forward. This combination of expanded public charging access, workplace infrastructure, and ultra-fast charging options is making EV ownership increasingly practical for Los Angeles residents and businesses. Shaffer Construction stays current with these developments to ensure our clients benefit from the latest installation standards and technologies.

Federal and State Funding Accelerating Infrastructure Growth

The expansion of EV charging infrastructure in Los Angeles is being significantly accelerated by substantial federal and state investments. California receives $384 million over five years from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which was established by the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This federal funding is complemented by aggressive state initiatives. In August 2025, California launched the Fast Charge California Project, a $55 million incentive program offering up to 100% of installation costs for electric vehicle fast chargers at businesses and public sites across the state. This groundbreaking program prioritizes ready-to-build fast charging projects, with eligible projects in disadvantaged communities receiving priority consideration.

On the federal level, the FHWA has continued supporting EV infrastructure despite various political headwinds. As of July 2025, the California Energy Commission proposed $36.88 million in additional NEVI awards to support up to 65 EV fast-charging sites across the state. For property owners and business operators in Los Angeles, these funding programs create unprecedented opportunities to reduce the financial burden of charger installation. As discussed in our comprehensive guide to EV charging infrastructure in 2025 for Los Angeles property owners, understanding these funding opportunities is critical for those planning installation projects. Shaffer Construction helps clients navigate these programs, ensuring they maximize available incentives and minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Understanding Your Electrical Infrastructure for EV Charger Installation

Before installing any EV charger, property owners must understand their electrical infrastructure and whether it can support the demands of EV charging. This is where professional electrical load studies become essential. EV chargers generate 3 to 4 times more electrical load than air conditioning units, making them among the largest electrical loads in most homes and businesses.

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 625, which governs all EV charging installations, chargers are classified as continuous loads requiring careful calculation. For residential installations, most homes run on 100 or 200-amp electrical service, though some older Los Angeles properties still operate on 60-amp service, which would require a panel upgrade before EV charging can be supported. A typical Level 2 residential charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit with 40 to 80 amps of service, depending on the specific equipment selected. To comply with NEC requirements, the circuit breaker and cables must be rated for at least 125% of the charger's output—meaning a 50-amp charger requires a 70-amp circuit capacity. Shaffer Construction's electricians perform detailed load calculations to ensure your home's electrical panel has adequate capacity before proceeding with installation.

Residential Versus Commercial Installation Considerations

While both residential and commercial EV charger installations must meet the same NEC safety standards, the scope and complexity of commercial installations often differs significantly. For residential properties in Los Angeles, most installations involve single Level 2 chargers providing 3-8 kW of power, enabling full overnight charging for typical daily driving needs. Commercial installations, however, often require much higher capacity. The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requires that electrical distribution equipment supplying branch circuits for each EV charging station in commercial buildings must accommodate a calculated load of 7.2 kVA per space. Commercial Level 2 chargers can deliver up to 100 amps, requiring three-phase 208-volt connections, while DC fast chargers demand significantly more infrastructure and often require dedicated transformer upgrades.

Commercial properties also face additional code requirements. New commercial buildings in California must have at least two EV-ready parking spaces and EV-capable infrastructure for 20 percent of total parking spaces. Similarly, multifamily residential buildings with three or more units must include two EV-ready spaces and EV-capable infrastructure for 20 percent of total parking. These requirements mean that many property owners will need to plan for future expansion beyond their initial charger installation. Our detailed guide on preparing Los Angeles buildings for the EV charging boom provides valuable insights for developers and property managers navigating these new requirements. Shaffer Construction specializes in both residential and commercial installations and helps clients plan infrastructure that meets current codes while remaining adaptable to future needs.

Permits, Inspections, and Professional Installation Requirements

Installing an EV charger in Los Angeles requires navigating local permitting and inspection processes, which vary by jurisdiction but are essential for safety and code compliance. For Level 2 installations, property owners must obtain electrical permits and submit plans along with electrical load calculations performed by a licensed electrician. The permit process ensures that installations meet current NEC standards and local Los Angeles municipal codes. Following installation, the work must pass inspection by the city or county electrical inspector, who verifies that the installation meets all safety requirements and is properly grounded and protected.

This is why working with experienced electrical contractors like Shaffer Construction matters significantly. Our team handles the entire process—from initial load calculations and permit applications to installation and final inspection coordination. We ensure that your EV charger installation not only meets current codes but also represents a safe, reliable investment in your property's future. Additionally, as California continues updating its building codes to accommodate EV infrastructure—with the most recent NEC amendments found in the 2023 edition currently being adopted across the state—staying informed about code changes is critical. Our electricians maintain current certifications and continuously update their knowledge of evolving standards.

Planning Your EV Charger Installation Project in Los Angeles

Whether you're installing your first EV charger or expanding charging capacity at a commercial facility, successful planning begins with a professional assessment of your property's electrical infrastructure. This assessment should include a comprehensive load calculation, evaluation of panel capacity, location analysis for optimal charger placement, and review of local permitting requirements specific to your Los Angeles neighborhood.

For residential properties, considerations include whether you'll charge in a garage (protected from weather and theft) or on an outdoor wall, and whether Level 2 charging meets your needs or whether you should future-proof your installation with higher capacity. For commercial properties and multifamily buildings, questions about central charging stations versus distributed chargers, load management systems, and metering for tenant billing become important. Our residential EV charger installation services and commercial offerings include comprehensive consultations to help you understand all available options and make decisions aligned with your specific needs and budget. The investments being made in Los Angeles and statewide in EV infrastructure represent more than environmental commitment—they represent the future of transportation, and positioning your property to support this transition increases its value and appeal to tenants and buyers.

Conclusion

Los Angeles stands at the center of California's EV charging revolution, with unprecedented infrastructure expansion, substantial federal and state funding, and rapidly evolving technology creating both opportunities and challenges for property owners. The city's commitment to installing 90 new public chargers, combined with state programs offering up to 100% installation cost coverage for fast chargers, demonstrates the momentum behind electric vehicle adoption. Understanding your property's electrical infrastructure, navigating current code requirements, and planning for future expansion are essential steps in making informed decisions about EV charger installation.

Shaffer Construction, Inc. brings years of electrical expertise and deep knowledge of Los Angeles permitting requirements to every EV charger installation project. Whether you're a homeowner looking to install your first Level 2 charger or a business owner planning comprehensive fleet charging infrastructure, our team guides you through every step—from initial electrical load studies and permit applications to professional installation and final inspection. We understand that EV charger installation involves more than simply connecting equipment; it requires careful planning, code compliance, and integration with your property's existing electrical systems.

For expert electrical services in Los Angeles, including EV charger installation, electrical load studies, panel upgrades, and electrical safety inspections, contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. today. Call us at 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com to schedule your EV charging consultation. Our team will assess your property's needs, explain your options, and provide transparent pricing for your installation project. Visit shaffercon.com to learn more about our comprehensive electrical services. Together, let's build a more sustainable future for Los Angeles—one EV charger installation at a time.