EV Charger Installation & Infrastructure: How to Decide, Pay for, and Plan Your Project

As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on Los Angeles roads continues to grow, homeowners, property managers, and businesses are asking the same questions: What type of charger do I need? How much will it cost to install? Are there funding or permitting shortcuts? At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we install EV chargers and build the supporting electrical infrastructure across the city. This guide condenses recent reporting and real-world trends into a single resource to help you move from idea to installed charger with confidence.

What this guide covers

Understanding charger types and where each makes sense

How to evaluate installation scope and typical work items

Up-to-date funding and policy trends that affect costs

Practical next steps for homeowners, multi-family properties and businesses

A short list of trusted recent reporting used as sources

Charger types: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging — when to choose each

There are three categories you will encounter when planning EV charging:

Level 1 (120V) — Uses a standard household outlet and provides a few miles of range per hour. Best as a backup or occasional use option.

Level 2 (208/240V) — The most common residential and workplace solution. Typical charging rates range from about 6 kW to 11 kW (and higher with some EVs), delivering many miles of range per hour and fitting overnight charging perfectly.

DC Fast Charging (DCFC) — High-power chargers that can add dozens or hundreds of miles in 20–60 minutes. These are usually sited on highways, at commercial locations or in fleet depots due to grid, site and permitting requirements.

For most home and workplace installations in Los Angeles, Level 2 charging is the practical sweet spot. It balances cost, available power, and convenience. DC fast charging is essential for corridor charging, fleet refueling, and when quick turnaround is required; it typically requires significant site upgrades and often coordination with utility and local government planning.

How much does installation usually involve?

Every site is different, but planning around the following items will help you understand scope and cost:

Electrical service capacity: Do you have spare capacity on your meter/panel, or will a panel upgrade or new service be required?

Trenching and conduit: Routing power from the main or new transformer to the charger location—especially for detached garages or parking areas—can be a major part of the cost.

Permits and inspections: Municipality permitting, plan checks, and inspections are required and vary in cost and timeline across jurisdictions.

EVSE (charger) equipment and mounting: Wall-mounted or pedestal chargers, cable management systems, and payment/networking hardware for commercial sites.

Make-ready work for multiple ports: For multifamily and workplace projects, make-ready infrastructure (conduits, stub-ups, panel space) prepares a site for future expansion and can be much more economical than retrofitting later.

For homes, a typical Level 2 installation can range from a straightforward circuit and wall charger to a more complex job with meter or panel upgrades and trenching. For commercial and multi-unit sites, costs increase because of civil work, multiple chargers, power upgrades, and potential utility involvement.

How electricity costs compare to gasoline

One of the most common questions is: “Is charging really cheaper than filling up?” Recent reporting breaks down the math for average U.S. drivers and shows that — even when factoring in increased household electricity use — EV charging is typically less expensive than purchasing gasoline on a per-mile basis. The key takeaway is that home charging almost always produces a lower cost-per-mile than fueling with gasoline, but the exact savings depend on local electricity rates, the vehicle’s efficiency, and whether charging is done during peak or off-peak hours.

For those who count on public DC fast charging frequently, the cost advantage narrows because public fast chargers often include higher demand and network fees. Home Level 2 charging, especially when paired with time-of-use rates, is typically the most economical option for daily charging needs. For a detailed breakdown of charging vs. gasoline math, see the analysis at CNET: CNET — We solved the EV charging vs. gasoline cost debate.

Funding, grants and public programs that can reduce your cost

Federal and state funding is accelerating the buildout of EV infrastructure. Recent allocations and state-level programs are directing millions to corridor chargers and local deployments. For example, Illinois announced an $18.4 million investment to build charging stations along interstate corridors, a reminder that public funds are actively being directed toward EV infrastructure across the country. While that specific program targets Illinois, it illustrates a national trend of grant funding and incentives that reduce costs for corridor and commercial installations: Electrive — Illinois invests $18.4M.

Locally, California continues to offer a patchwork of rebates and incentive programs for residential, multi-family, and commercial installations. Programs may offset equipment costs, cover some installation expenses, or fund make-ready infrastructure. When planning your project, your installer should identify relevant utility rebates, state programs, and local incentives and help you apply for them.

New equipment and solutions changing how installations are scoped

Charging technology and site planning tools are also evolving. Mobile and portable charging solutions are becoming a useful option for temporary needs — construction sites, events, or remote work areas — and can reduce the need for permanent site upgrades while providing flexible service. For example, portable trailer-mounted chargers that can be rented or deployed quickly are increasingly accessible to agencies and businesses needing immediate charging capacity: Charged EVs — Pioneer Power announces portable EV charging orders.

On the planning side, data tools that map charging station availability and help analyze demand are improving site selection and network planning. These kinds of analytic tools help developers and property owners understand where to place chargers for the best use and return on investment: The Buzz EV News — Urban Science adds charging station analysis.

Real-world examples: deployments and what they show

Local and regional deployments help illustrate practical choices. Smaller towns and counties expanding their Level 2 networks show that even moderate investments can make a meaningful difference for residents and visitors. Plumas County, for example, has recently added Level 2 and high-speed chargers at shopping centers and lodging areas to serve both locals and tourists — a reminder that chargers are increasingly expected amenity for commerce and travel: Plumas Sun — EV charging options expand.

For property owners, this trend points to a simple truth: adding charging can increase property appeal and support resident retention while showing environmental leadership. For businesses, having chargers can attract customers and workers who drive EVs.

Site considerations specific to Los Angeles

Los Angeles presents a mix of building types and constraints: single-family homes with street parking, older multifamily properties with limited electrical capacity, and commercial sites with space and grid access. Common LA-specific considerations include:

Shared parking and curbside charging challenges for multi-family and small-lot properties.

Historical building constraints and the need for creative routing or remote-mounted equipment.

Permitting timelines that vary by neighborhood and department — early engagement pays off.

Time-of-use and demand rate structures from the utility that can significantly affect charging economics.

Planning for make-ready infrastructure — conduits, space in panels, and accessible routes for future chargers — will save money if you anticipate adding more ports later.

Checklist: What to prepare before calling a contractor

Determine desired charging speed (Level 2 vs. DC fast for your site).

Know your current main panel size and location; photos help.

Estimate how many vehicles will need regular charging and whether billing/networking is required.

Identify where you want the charger mounted (garage wall, parking stall, curbside) and note any access restrictions.

Collect utility bill and account details so an installer can evaluate service capacity.

Next steps: how Shaffer Construction can help

At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we handle everything from site assessment and electrical upgrades to permitting and final inspection. Our process focuses on minimizing disruption while delivering code-compliant, safe charging installations. Typical next steps when you contact us:

Phone or email consultation: We review your goals and gather basic site information (photos, utility bill, vehicle needs).

On-site assessment: A licensed electrician evaluates panel capacity, routing, and any civil work required.

Proposal & funding review: We prepare an itemized proposal and identify applicable rebates or programs that may reduce out-of-pocket cost.

Permits & installation: We pull permits, perform the work, and coordinate inspections to complete the project.

Contact Shaffer Construction at 323-642-8509 or hello@shaffercon.com to schedule a consultation. Our office is located at 325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202, Los Angeles, CA 90004.

Key takeaways

Level 2 charging is the most cost-effective and practical solution for most homes and workplaces.

Home charging is generally cheaper per mile than gasoline; public fast charging narrows that gap due to higher fees.

Grants, rebates, and public funding are accelerating installations — check for local programs that can lower your cost.

Portable and rental charging options can meet temporary or emergency needs without permanent upgrades.

Good planning (make-ready work and utility coordination) saves money if you expect to add more chargers later.

Sources and further reading

CNET — EV charging vs gasoline cost analysis

[Electrive — Illinois invests $18.4M in charging infrastructure](https://www.electrive.com/2025/09/19/illinois-to-invest-18-4-million-in-charging-infrastructure/)

Charged EVs — Portable EV charging solutions

The Buzz EV News — Urban Science adds charging station analysis

Plumas Sun — Local charging deployments expand

If you want a free site review and quote for an EV charger installation in Los Angeles, call 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com. We’ll walk you through options, timelines, and potential incentives specific to your property.