Electric Vehicle Charging in Los Angeles: Key Insights and Future Trends

Introduction

Los Angeles is experiencing a remarkable transformation in electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure development. As California's largest city and a global center for innovation, Los Angeles has become a leader in the EV charging revolution. Shaffer Construction, Inc. is committed to supporting this transition by providing expert EV charger installation and electrical infrastructure services throughout Los Angeles. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or property manager, understanding the current landscape of EV charging in Los Angeles is essential for planning your next steps in this rapidly evolving field. The transition to electric vehicles represents not just an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity, with property values potentially benefiting from modern EV infrastructure and residents enjoying lower transportation costs and improved air quality.

Los Angeles EV Charging Infrastructure Expansion in 2025

The City of Los Angeles is investing heavily in expanding EV charging infrastructure to support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. In 2025, the city announced an ambitious plan to install 90 new curbside Level 2 charging ports in partnership with it's electric, a leading EV charging company. According to recent announcements, the first 15 chargers opened in November 2025 across Koreatown, with additional locations rolling out throughout the year. These Level 2 chargers operate 24/7, providing convenient charging options for residents without home charging access.

Beyond curbside chargers, Los Angeles is also welcoming ultra-fast charging networks. Gravity, a leading EV fast-charging provider, is deploying eight new 500 kW charging stations across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, with locations planned for Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach, East Pasadena, and Long Beach. According to Electrek, these stations are capable of delivering 5-minute fast charging, representing a significant leap in charging technology. Shaffer Construction stays informed about these infrastructure developments to help our clients understand the broader context of residential and commercial EV charging decisions.

California's statewide EV charging network has exceeded 200,000 publicly available charging ports, according to the California Governor's Office. Most importantly, California now has 48 percent more EV chargers than gasoline nozzles in the state, marking a historic milestone in the transition to clean transportation. With over 750 EV charging stations at county facilities and 80 stations across LA Metro's Park-and-Ride locations, the public charging network is becoming increasingly robust.

Financial Incentives and Rebate Programs for EV Charger Installation

One of the biggest advantages for Los Angeles residents and businesses considering EV charger installation is the availability of substantial rebates and tax credits. Understanding these incentives can significantly reduce the cost of installation, making EV charging infrastructure more accessible and affordable.

For residential customers, the federal government offers a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the installation cost, up to a maximum of $1,000 per charging port. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, this credit applies to labor, equipment, and certain associated property directly related to the charger installation. To qualify, the charging property must be installed in a low-income community census tract or non-urban census tract, which encompasses approximately two-thirds of Americans. For Los Angeles residents, this means many neighborhoods qualify for these substantial federal credits.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) customers have access to additional incentive programs. LADWP's residential EV charger rebate program provides up to $1,000 for the purchase and installation of a qualified Level 2 charger, plus an additional $250 rebate for installation of a dedicated EV meter. Income-qualified customers participating in LADWP's Senior Citizen/Disability Lifeline or EZ-Save programs are eligible for an additional $500 rebate, bringing total potential incentives to $1,750. For customers of Southern California Edison (SCE), panel upgrade rebates up to $4,200 are available for income-qualified applicants and $2,100 for geographically-determined customers. Shaffer Construction can help you navigate these incentive programs and maximize your savings.

For commercial and business customers, the federal tax credit of 6 percent of depreciable costs up to $100,000 per item makes commercial EV charging installations more financially viable. Businesses that meet U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements can claim 30 percent of depreciable costs, up to $100,000 per item. These substantial incentives underscore the government's commitment to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.

Residential vs. Commercial EV Charging Solutions

Choosing between residential and commercial EV charging solutions depends on your specific needs, usage patterns, and electrical infrastructure. Shaffer Construction specializes in both types of installations and can help you determine the best approach for your property.

Residential EV charger installation in Los Angeles typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500 for a straightforward Level 2 installation in an attached garage with adequate electrical capacity. However, costs can increase to $2,500 to $5,000 or more if your installation requires long wire runs, trenching to a detached garage, or electrical panel upgrades. For homeowners operating two electric vehicles, a dual EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) system with load-sharing capabilities costs between $1,800 and $3,200, assuming your electrical panel has sufficient capacity. For those needing to upgrade from a 100-amp to a 200-amp electrical panel, typical costs range from $3,000 to $6,500 before incentives, though Shaffer Construction can provide accurate estimates based on your specific situation.

Commercial EV charging installations serve a different purpose and scale. Businesses installing one or more Level 2 chargers benefit from the federal tax credits mentioned above, plus incentive programs specific to commercial properties. Commercial installations are often more complex, involving load calculations, permit requirements, and coordination with power companies to ensure adequate capacity. As discussed in our article about how to decide, pay for, and plan your EV charger project, commercial properties should conduct thorough electrical load studies to determine the best approach for multiple chargers and time-of-use charging strategies. Fleet operators, retailers, and office buildings are increasingly investing in EV charging as a way to attract customers, retain employees, and demonstrate corporate sustainability commitment. With our commercial EV charger installation services, Shaffer Construction helps businesses throughout Los Angeles design and implement charging solutions that match their operational needs and budget constraints.

Planning for Electrical Grid Readiness and Load Management

Before installing EV chargers, whether residential or commercial, it's essential to understand your electrical grid's capacity and plan accordingly. This is where electrical load studies become critically important. According to research from the California Energy Commission's EV Charging Infrastructure Assessment, significant infrastructure upgrades will be needed as EV adoption accelerates across the state.

Studies of California's distribution grid found that approximately 67 percent of feeders will need capacity upgrades by 2045 to accommodate EV charging demand, with estimated costs between $6 and $20 billion statewide. In Los Angeles specifically, the grid is managing increased load from both residential and commercial EV charging, particularly as fast-charging locations expand. A single fast-charging EV can draw as much load as up to 50 homes, making it essential for charging infrastructure to be properly coordinated with grid capacity.

For homeowners and businesses planning EV charger installation in Los Angeles, understanding your current electrical capacity is the first step. Our electrical load study services evaluate your panel capacity, available amperage, and overall electrical infrastructure to determine whether your system can support EV charging or if upgrades are necessary. This planning step prevents costly mistakes and ensures reliable charging performance. Shaffer Construction conducts thorough electrical load studies for residential and commercial properties throughout Los Angeles, helping you understand your options before investing in charger installation.

Smart charging technologies and time-of-use strategies can also help manage grid demand. Many newer chargers offer scheduling features that defer charging to off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower and grid demand is reduced. This approach benefits both the customer's wallet and the overall electrical grid's stability.

The Future of EV Charging Technology and Infrastructure

As California leads the nation in EV adoption, with a record 29.1 percent market share of new light-duty vehicle sales in Q3 2025, the EV charging industry continues to evolve rapidly. Wireless charging technology, once considered futuristic, is moving closer to practical implementation. Solar-integrated chargers are becoming more common, allowing EV owners to charge with renewable energy. Battery storage systems paired with EV chargers enable homeowners to maximize their use of solar energy and reduce dependence on the grid.

The California Energy Commission adopted the nation's first reliability and reporting standards for EV chargers in October 2025, requiring consistent uptime performance and transparent data sharing. These standards ensure that public and commercial chargers meet strict reliability requirements, improving the overall user experience. For Los Angeles EV owners, this means charging infrastructure will become increasingly dependable and consistent.

Emerging technologies like vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities will enable EV owners to not only charge their vehicles but also store energy and potentially sell electricity back to the grid during peak demand periods. These bidirectional charging systems represent a fundamental shift in how electric vehicles interact with our electrical infrastructure.

As discussed in our comprehensive guide to EV charging infrastructure in 2025 for Los Angeles property owners, staying informed about these technological advancements helps you make better decisions about your charging infrastructure investments.

Conclusion

Los Angeles is at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, with expanding public charging infrastructure, generous incentive programs, and technological innovations making EV ownership more practical than ever. Whether you're planning a residential EV charger installation or evaluating commercial charging options for your business, understanding the current 2025 landscape is essential for making informed decisions.

The financial incentives available through federal tax credits and local rebate programs can significantly offset installation costs, while proper electrical load studies and planning ensure reliable, long-term performance of your charging infrastructure. Shaffer Construction, Inc. has the expertise to guide you through every step of the process, from initial planning and load assessment to professional installation and ongoing support.

If you're ready to embrace electric vehicle charging for your Los Angeles property, contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. today. Our team of licensed electricians specializes in residential and commercial EV charger installation, electrical load studies, and panel upgrades throughout Los Angeles. Call us at 323-642-8509, email hello@shaffercon.com, or visit us online at shaffercon.com to schedule a consultation. Let us help you prepare for the future of electric transportation with a custom charging solution designed for your property's unique needs.