EV Charging Infrastructure in 2025: What Property Owners in Los Angeles Need to Know
EV Charging Infrastructure in 2025
EV Charging Infrastructure in 2025: What Property Owners in Los Angeles Need to Know
Electric vehicle charging technology and business models are changing rapidly. New advances in thermal management, bidirectional charging, mobile charging solutions, and the expanding engineering knowledge base mean owners of homes, apartment buildings, workplaces, and commercial properties in Los Angeles have more options than ever — but also more decisions to make.
Why this matters to property owners and managers
Whether you manage a small apartment building, a retail center, a hotel, or a municipal parking lot, EV charging is now a utility-grade service that affects tenant satisfaction, property value, energy costs, and compliance with evolving local regulations. Upgrading electrical infrastructure for EVs is an investment that can be phased and tailored to the property’s needs — if you know what to look for.
Five important industry trends shaping EV charging in 2025
1. Faster charging with advanced thermal management
Charging speed remains a top concern for drivers and fleet operators. New approaches to battery thermal management can allow much higher charging currents safely, reducing 10–80% charge times substantially in some demonstrations. Recent work combining battery pack design and next-generation thermal fluids shows how thermal control can enable faster charging while protecting battery health. These breakthroughs point toward a future where short fast-charging stops become more practical for many vehicle types, but they also mean chargers and installation teams must be ready to support higher power levels and associated site electrical upgrades. For background reading, see reporting on recent thermal-fluid demonstrations: Shell introduces thermal fluid that reduces electric car charging to 10 minutes.
2. Bidirectional (vehicle-to-home/grid) charging is moving from labs to pilots
Bidirectional charging — using an EV battery as a home energy resource — is increasingly practical thanks to vehicle, charger, and software integration pilots. These systems let a home or building draw power from a parked EV during peak rates or outages and recharge when solar or low-cost power is available. For buildings with rooftop solar or time-of-use rates, bidirectional setups can reduce energy costs and increase resiliency. Volkswagen’s Elli subsidiary and partners recently presented a household pilot that combines an 11 kW bidirectional charger, solar, and software to orchestrate energy flows; you can read more about the pilot here: Elli launches bidirectional charging pilot.
3. Mobile, modular charging stations expand deployment choices
Not every location needs a permanent large-footprint station immediately. Containerized or trailer-mounted charging hubs provide temporary or semi-permanent solutions that can be sited quickly, moved as needs change, and minimize up-front civil work. These mobile hubs are especially useful for fleet operators, event sites, and locations where demand is growing but uncertain. A Los Angeles startup recently showcased containerized mobile charging hubs designed for rapid deployment in parking lots — a useful model for sites that need immediate capacity without long lead times: Xos Hub mobile charging station.
4. Engineering knowledge and collaboration are accelerating
EV charging spans electrical distribution, communication systems, physical design, safety, and software. The rapid expansion of engineering-focused conferences, webinars, and working groups helps accelerate best practices for testbeds, battery integration, cable design, and grid interconnection. Owners and facility teams who tap into this body of knowledge can avoid common mistakes and choose scalable, future-ready solutions. For an example of the kinds of engineering topics currently discussed across the industry, see the program for a recent virtual conference on EV engineering: EV Engineering virtual conference schedule.
5. User experience and consumer expectations still drive technology choices
Electric vehicle drivers expect reliability, predictable pricing, and a smooth payment/authorization experience. Reports from first-time EV owners show that a range of small usability issues — compatibility settings, connector types, or unclear signage — can shape perceptions of EVs and charging infrastructure. Proper signage, accessible instructions, and attentive maintenance reduce downtime and complaints. For a consumer perspective on the EV ownership learning curve, see a recent owner’s account: I just picked up the first EV of my life today.
What these trends mean for Los Angeles property projects
Translating industry evolution into practical actions requires a staged approach. Below are the recommended steps we use at Shaffer Construction when helping property owners plan and install EV charging systems.
1. Start with a site assessment and load study
Identify existing electrical service size, main distribution lines, and available spare capacity.
Check existing panel space, conduit routes, meter configuration, and utility interconnection requirements.
Evaluate parking layout, ADA access, lighting, and trenching needs.
A proper load study clarifies whether a simple deployment (serially limited Level 2 units) or a larger upgrade (new distribution equipment, transformers, or service enlargement) is required.
2. Define clear objectives: number of ports, charging speed, and interoperability
Decide whether your goal is to provide destination Level 2 charging, faster public DC fast charging, fleet depot charging, or a mix. Consider interoperability and payment systems early — drivers appreciate simple access methods and real-time station status. Choosing chargers that support standardized communication and management platforms reduces future friction.
3. Plan for scalability and future technologies
Design to add capacity without redoing civil work. Use appropriately sized conduit and stub-ups, allocate extra electrical room space, and select modular equipment where possible. If you anticipate fast-charging demand or bidirectional applications, allow for higher-capacity feeders and suitable switchgear so upgrades become a wiring and commissioning exercise rather than a full rebuild.
4. Consider interim solutions where immediate deployment is needed
When demand is urgent but budgets or permitting timelines are tight, mobile or containerized charging hubs can provide rapid, reliable service while a permanent system is designed. These solutions let you react to occupancy changes or special events without lengthy construction schedules.
5. Coordinate with the utility and prepare for permitting
Utility approval is often required for service upgrades and meter changes. Los Angeles utilities commonly require load profiles and equipment lists during review. Early engagement with the utility minimizes surprises and can shorten the time to energize new equipment.
Technical considerations particular to faster and bidirectional charging
Higher-power DC fast chargers and bidirectional chargers introduce new technical demands:
Power capacity and transformer sizing: fast chargers can require dedicated feeders and transformer upgrades.
Cooling and ventilation: higher currents and power electronics generate heat — site design must account for ventilation and equipment thermal limits.
Communications and controls: V2G/bidirectional systems need robust controls and grid-aware software to minimize safety and utility impacts.
Electrical protection and safety: PV integration, battery backups, and bidirectional flows change protection scheme requirements and require qualified electrical design.
As these technologies mature, installers must stay current with manufacturer requirements and industry best practices. Ongoing pilots and demonstrations are refining deployment standards — for example, recent bidderirectional home pilot projects illustrate the combinations of charger, vehicle, and management software required to make V2H practical and compliant: Elli bidirectional charging pilot.
How Shaffer Construction helps property owners
At Shaffer Construction, we provide full-service planning and delivery for EV charging projects across Los Angeles. Our services include:
Site assessment and load studies
Design and engineering (single-line diagrams, one-line drawings, coordination with licensed electricians and structural engineers)
Permitting support and utility coordination
Civil work, trenching, conduit, and mounting foundations
Electrical installation and commissioning
Remote monitoring and maintenance handoff
We focus on practical, future-ready installations that minimize disruption and provide a clear path to expand capacity when demand grows.
Typical timeline and common bottlenecks
Project timeline depends on scope and utility work:
Small Level 2 installs (single-parking or small residential): a few weeks for permit and 2–5 days to install, depending on site access.
Multi-tenant or commercial Level 2 (several stalls): 4–12 weeks, factoring in permitting, trenching, and electrical work.
DC fast-charging sites or service upgrades: 3–6 months or longer if utility transformer upgrades are required.
Common bottlenecks include utility interconnection approvals, transformer lead times, and civil or ADA-conditioning that must be completed before final commissioning. Planning for these early avoids schedule slips.
Cost factors and how to prioritize investment
Costs vary widely by charger type, parking layout, and utility work. When budgets are constrained, prioritize projects that deliver the most value to tenants or customers first — for example:
Start with a handful of well-placed Level 2 chargers to meet initial demand.
Reserve conduit and panel space for future chargers to reduce future civil costs.
Consider a phased approach to DC fast charging that begins with a lower power configuration that can be upgraded as demand increases.
Real-world deployment options and examples
Use case examples help clarify choices:
Apartment building: install tenant-facing Level 2 chargers, reserve additional conduit runs for future stalls, and explore submeters or load-management software to allocate energy fairly.
Retail center: combine destination Level 2 chargers with a mobile fast-charging hub for special events or to handle surges in demand while evaluating a permanent fast-charger site.
Fleet depot: prioritize depot chargers tailored to duty cycles, consider on-site energy storage or V2G strategies for demand management, and ensure chargers support vehicle telematics for scheduling.
Mobile hub solutions and modular chargers are practical short- and medium-term tools when demand is growing or uncertain: mobile charging container example.
Staying informed
Because the technology and regulatory landscape continue to evolve, staying informed through engineering events and technical briefings is helpful for owners and facility staff. Virtual conferences and specialist webinars bring together charger manufacturers, grid operators, and battery engineers to discuss solutions and standards: EV Engineering conference schedule.
Conclusion
Installing EV charging infrastructure in Los Angeles in 2025 is an opportunity to improve tenant services, attract customers, and prepare properties for the future of transportation. New advances in charging speed, bidirectional systems, and mobile deployment options increase flexibility but also require thoughtful electrical design and planning. A staged, utility-aware approach minimizes cost and future-proofs installations.
If you’re ready to evaluate EV charging at your property, Shaffer Construction offers site assessments, design, permitting, and full installation services across Los Angeles. We guide owners from the first feasibility study to final commissioning and maintenance.
Contact Shaffer Construction
Shaffer Construction, Inc. 325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202 Los Angeles, CA 90004 Phone: 323-642-8509 Email: hello@shaffercon.com Website: www.shaffercon.com
Sources and further reading
Shell introduces thermal fluid that reduces electric car charging to 10 minutes (thermal management advances)
Elli launches bidirectional charging pilot (bidirectional home charging pilot)
Xos Hub mobile charging station (mobile containerized chargers)
EV Engineering virtual conference schedule (engineering trends and topics)
I just picked up the first EV of my life today (consumer perspective on EV ownership and charging experience)
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for site-specific engineering, permit, or utility advice. Contact a licensed electrician or our team at Shaffer Construction for a tailored assessment.