EV Charging in Los Angeles: Where the Network Is Headed and How Property Owners Can Prepare

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption in California—and Los Angeles in particular—is accelerating. Drivers need more convenient, reliable charging options, and public policy, private networks, and local programs are all shifting to meet that demand. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we install EV chargers and build the electrical infrastructure property owners need to adapt. This post explains current trends, where chargers are going, what that means for owners of homes and commercial properties in Los Angeles, and practical steps to future-proof your site.

Key trends shaping EV charging right now

1. Public charging is expanding beyond dedicated charging stations

Federal and private funding is guiding deployment toward locations drivers already visit. Recent reporting notes new federal guidance for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program that encourages states to fund chargers at sites where businesses own the land—making gas stations, truck stops, and rest stops prime targets for fast charging infrastructure. This approach aims to make charging as convenient as refueling has been for decades. (Source: Wired.)

2. Cities are adding curbside and on-street options for residents without off-street parking

Not everyone can charge at home. Municipal programs are moving quickly to install curbside and on-street chargers so apartment dwellers and others without driveways can reliably top up. For example, Portland is actively planning curbside EV chargers, prioritizing equitable access and community engagement. If Los Angeles replicates similar programs, property owners and managers will see new opportunities and requirements for on-street and nearby public charging. (Source: City of Portland.)

3. Networks and automakers are planning coordinated expansions

Large charging networks and automakers are investing in more robust public charging to match vehicle sales. National network operators continue planning higher-power stations and partnerships with retail and convenience-site operators to add capacity where drivers naturally stop. This ecosystem-level planning means greater coverage and faster charge times over the next several years. (Source: Newsweek.)

4. Usage and satisfaction are improving, but cost and reliability are top concerns

Independent studies show charging reliability has improved, and some networks lead in customer satisfaction, but rising charging costs and payment interoperability remain issues for many users. That means well-designed chargers, clear pricing, and dependable uptime are competitive advantages for site hosts and operators. (Source: [CBT News / J.D. Power 2025 EVX study coverage](https://www.cbtnews.com/tesla-tops-ev-charging-satisfaction-as-reliability-improves-despite-cost-concerns/).)

Where chargers are being installed: what property owners should expect

Deployments typically fall into several categories, each with different technical, permitting, and operational needs:

Residential (multi-family): Shared chargers in garages and surface lots. These require load management, billing solutions, and coordination with HOA or property management. Municipal programs and incentives increasingly support these retrofits.

Curbside and on-street: Installed by cities or through public-private partnerships. Property owners adjacent to curbside installations benefit from increased property value and convenience for tenants and guests.

Retail, hospitality, and workplaces: Destination charging at shopping centers, hotels, and office buildings. These locations prioritize Level 2 and DC fast chargers depending on dwell time.

Highway and convenience locations: Gas stations, truck stops, convenience stores, and travel plazas—often the focus of federally guided funding—are being upgraded for rapid charging to enable long-distance travel and quick top-ups.

Types of EV chargers and infrastructure basics

Understanding charger types helps owners match solutions to use cases:

Level 1: Uses a standard 120V outlet. Best for overnight charging at homes; very slow for public use.

Level 2: Uses 208/240V and is common for workplaces, residential buildings, and destinations. Charges much faster than Level 1 and is cost-effective for longer dwell times.

DC Fast Charging (DCFC): High-power (>50 kW up to 350 kW) chargers that provide rapid charging for short stops—ideal for highway locations and retail stops. DCFC requires significant electrical capacity and transformer upgrades in many cases.

Practical considerations for Los Angeles property owners

Assess electrical capacity early

Many older buildings and sites lack the distribution capacity for multiple high-power chargers. A site assessment uncovers whether you need service upgrades, transformer replacements, or utility coordination. Utility timelines and interconnection approvals can take months, so start early.

Pick the right charger type for the location

Think about typical dwell times and the business model. Retail centers and hotels may prioritize Level 2 chargers; highway-adjacent convenience stores and travel plazas often need DCFC to keep drivers moving.

Consider load management and software

Smart power management lets multiple chargers share available capacity without costly electrical upgrades. Network software also manages payments, access control, and uptime monitoring—critical for customer satisfaction and operational reporting.

Plan for future growth

Install extra conduit, reserve space for transformers, and provision distribution paths so you can add chargers incrementally as demand grows. Future-proofing at the design stage is far cheaper than retrofit work later.

How municipal programs and funding affect owners

Federal programs (like NEVI) and city-level initiatives are directing funding toward certain site types and equitable access solutions. Recent guidance encourages funding charging infrastructure at land-owned sites such as gas stations and truck stops, which could accelerate DC fast charger deployment at these locations. At the same time, cities are prioritizing curbside solutions to ensure residents without private parking can charge near home. These policy signals create both funding opportunities and new expectations for owners and managers to participate. (Sources: Wired, City of Portland.)

Customer experience: reliability and cost matter

Studies show that reliability improvements are increasing user satisfaction, though charging cost and payment complexity still frustrate drivers. For site hosts, this means selecting reliable hardware, clear pricing, and a payment/management platform that minimizes downtime and simplifies the customer flow. Providing visible signage and easy wayfinding also improves utilization and perception. (Source: CBT News / J.D. Power).

What Shaffer Construction offers

At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we specialize in the electrical and general contracting needed to design and install EV charging infrastructure in Los Angeles. Our services include:

Site assessment and feasibility studies (load studies, utility coordination)

Full electrical installation (service upgrades, underground conduit, transformers)

Charger installation (Level 2 and DC fast chargers) and mounting

Permitting and inspection management with local jurisdictions

Integration with charging network software and payment systems

Maintenance and uptime monitoring support

We work with property owners, multi-family managers, retail centers, and municipalities to deliver turnkey EV charging projects that meet local code and utility requirements while minimizing business disruption.

Steps to get started: a practical checklist

Request a site assessment: We evaluate your electrical service, parking layout, and potential charger locations.

Choose the right equipment: Decide between Level 2 and DC fast chargers based on dwell time and customer needs.

Review incentives: Explore state, local, and federal funding programs that may offset installation costs.

Plan for networking: Decide on a charge point operator (CPO) or site-hosted software and payment system.

Execute installation & permitting: Coordinate with Shaffer Construction to handle permitting, utility interconnection, and installation.

Launch and operate: Provide clear signage, monitor performance, and plan regular maintenance.

Why acting now makes sense

Investing in EV charging now positions your property to capture new customers, increase tenant satisfaction, and take advantage of incentive programs. As public charging becomes more common at retail corridors, curbside locations, and refueling sites, properties that are ready will benefit from higher occupancy, increased dwell time, and potential revenue from charging services.

Contact Shaffer Construction

If you own or manage property in Los Angeles and want to plan, install, or upgrade EV charging infrastructure, contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. We’ll help you evaluate options, secure permits, coordinate with utilities, and complete a reliable, code-compliant installation.

Shaffer Construction, Inc. Website: www.shaffercon.com Phone: 323-642-8509 Email: hello@shaffercon.com Address: 325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Ready to start? Call or email us for a free initial consultation and site assessment.