EV Charging Reliability Reaches 85% as Los Angeles Utilities Offer Substantial Rebates for Condo and HOA Installations

Introduction

The EV charging industry continues maturing as reliability metrics show meaningful improvement while Los Angeles utilities maintain substantial rebate programs for property owners ready to install charging infrastructure. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we help Los Angeles property owners navigate the evolving landscape of EV charging requirements, incentive programs, and installation best practices. This week we examine improving charging reliability, the post-tax-credit market dynamics, comprehensive guidance for condo and HOA installations, and the current rebate opportunities from LADWP and Southern California Edison that make commercial EV charger installations and residential charging solutions more affordable than ever.

EV Charging Reliability Improves to 85 Percent

Public EV charging reliability continues improving, with the U.S. Reliability Index rising to 85.5 in Q2 2025 from 85.0 in Q1, following a significant 1.7 percent improvement from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025 that brought the index from 81.2 to 82.6. These gains reflect sustained industry focus on maintenance, remote diagnostics, and standardized equipment. The percentage of unsuccessful public charging attempts has dropped to approximately 16 percent in Q1 2025, down from roughly 20 percent over the past few years, representing a 20 percent reduction in failed attempts. Source: EV Charging Stations.

ChargerHelp's 2025 Annual Reliability Report highlights an important distinction between uptime and first-time charge success rate. While many charge point operators claim uptime rates meeting or exceeding the 97 percent NEVI minimum requirement, uptime only reflects whether a charger is technically available, not whether a driver can actually complete a successful charging session. First-time charge success rate provides a more accurate measure of driver experience. The report found that success rates at new stations average 85 percent but drop below 70 percent by year three, exposing performance gaps as infrastructure ages. Source: ChargerHelp.

Reliability varies significantly by state. Idaho, Wyoming, Hawaii, Nebraska, and Washington D.C. lead the nation with reliability scores above 90. California, despite having the country's highest utilization rates with just under 360 travel stations, achieved a strong 90.1 score, demonstrating that well-resourced operators can maintain uptime even in high-demand environments. Vermont, Maine, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas ranked lowest. For property owners considering EV charger installations, partnering with reputable equipment manufacturers and maintaining service agreements helps ensure sustained reliability that keeps drivers satisfied and returning.

Post-Tax-Credit Market Shows Short-Term Slowdown

The EV market is experiencing a short-term slowdown following the expiration of federal tax credits in October 2025. Consumer response to the repeal of the $7,500 EV tax credit has been swift and dramatic. For October 2025, the first full month following the incentive program's expiration, EV sales dropped 53 percent and represented just 6.0 percent of total monthly new vehicle sales, down from 12.9 percent in September. Cox Automotive estimates November BEV share at 5.3 percent as dwindling inventory and the hangover effect from Q3's sales surge continue limiting sales. Source: Cox Automotive.

Ford's November results illustrate the trend, with EV sales tumbling 60.8 percent. Sales of the Mustang Mach-E slid nearly 50 percent to just over 3,000 units, while F-150 Lightning sales dropped over 70 percent to approximately 1,000 trucks. However, the longer-term picture remains positive. More than 1.2 million new light-duty EVs were sold through the first three quarters of 2025, higher than any prior year, with EV sales share reaching nearly 12 percent in Q3. Over 7 million EVs have been sold from 2015 through September 2025, with more than half occurring in the past three years. Source: CNBC.

For property owners, the temporary market slowdown does not diminish the long-term case for EV charging infrastructure. The installed base of over 7 million EVs continues needing charging access, and automakers remain committed to electrification regardless of near-term sales fluctuations. Properties that install charging infrastructure now position themselves ahead of the inevitable market recovery while capturing currently available incentives that may not persist indefinitely.

Condo and HOA EV Charging Installation Guide

Installing EV chargers in condominiums and HOA-managed communities presents unique challenges compared to single-family homes, but solutions exist for nearly every situation. More than 80 percent of EV charging happens at home according to the U.S. Department of Energy, making residential charging access crucial for EV owners who live in multi-unit buildings. Understanding the process helps property managers and residents navigate approvals and installations successfully. Source: GreenLancer.

The first step is reviewing building or HOA guidelines that apply to EV charger installation. Regulations vary widely and may include restrictions on electrical work, guidelines on approved locations, and requirements for professional installation. California has Right-to-Charge laws that prevent HOAs and condo boards from unreasonably denying residents' requests to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces, provided residents assume responsibility for associated costs. Colorado, Florida, Oregon, and several other states have similar protections. Source: Parkade.

Electrical capacity often presents the primary hurdle in older buildings. Depending on the existing infrastructure, additional wiring, panel upgrades, or load-sharing technology may be required to accommodate EV chargers without overloading circuits. Smart load-balancing chargers can distribute power across multiple vehicles, allowing several EVs to charge simultaneously without major electrical upgrades. Shaffer Construction performs comprehensive electrical load studies to assess building capacity and recommend the most cost-effective approach for adding charging infrastructure.

Funding Options for Condo and Apartment Charging

Multiple funding models exist for condo and apartment EV charging installations. HOA-funded installations use reserve funds or special assessments to install chargers in common areas, with electricity costs recovered through user fees. User-funded installations allow individual residents to pay for chargers in their deeded parking spots. Third-party ownership models enable companies to install and maintain chargers at little or no upfront cost to the HOA, making money by selling electricity to residents at a markup. Source: Link Power Charging.

Billing presents another consideration for shared charging infrastructure. Meter tap installations connect directly to individual unit meters, resulting in precise billing without monthly fees or specialized tracking equipment. For shared chargers, smart systems can track usage per resident and bill through apps or online portals. HOAs can set per-kilowatt-hour pricing to recover electricity costs and potentially maintenance fees.

Installation costs vary significantly based on complexity. Level 2 charger hardware ranges from $400 to $2,000 or more per unit before installation. Installation costs including electrician labor, wiring, conduit, permits, and panel upgrades if needed can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more per charger depending on building conditions. However, available incentive programs can offset substantial portions of these costs, making installations more affordable than many property owners realize.

LADWP and SCE Rebate Programs for Los Angeles Properties

Los Angeles property owners have access to substantial utility rebate programs that significantly reduce EV charger installation costs. LADWP offers residential customers up to $1,000 for the purchase and installation of qualified Level 2 EV charging stations, plus a $250 rebate for dedicated EV charging station meter installation. Customers participating in LADWP Lifeline or EZ-SAVE low-income assistance programs qualify for an additional $500 rebate, bringing the total potential rebate to $1,750. Source: LADWP.

LADWP's Commercial EV Charger Rebate Program offers even more substantial support for businesses and commercial properties, with maximum rebates up to $2,000,000 per premises. The open enrollment period for 2025 is scheduled from April 21 at 9:00 AM to May 9 at 4:00 PM, with enrollment remaining open on a first-come, first-served basis if funds remain available after that window. Source: LADWP Commercial.

Southern California Edison customers can qualify for up to $4,200 in rebates to offset costs associated with electric panel upgrades needed to support home Level 2 EV charger installation. SCE's Clean Fuel Rewards program provides $450 to $1,000 back when purchasing new or used electric vehicles. The Charge Smart SoCal program offers a $50 enrollment gift card plus potential savings of up to $50 per year on home charging for eligible customers with qualifying vehicles or home chargers on time-of-use rates. These utility programs can be combined with the federal Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit, which provides up to $1,000 for residential installations, further reducing out-of-pocket costs. Source: Qmerit.

Ionna Expands to 4,000 Contracted Charging Bays

Ionna, the charging network joint venture backed by eight major automakers, has now contracted over 4,000 EV charging bays across the United States. The company continues expanding despite uncertainty around federal NEVI funding, relying primarily on private capital from its automaker investors. Ionna plans to invest $250 million to expand public EV charging infrastructure in California over the next three years, recently holding kickoff ceremonies for newly opened public chargers in San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, and Westminster. Source: Utility Dive.

Ionna's expansion demonstrates continued private investment in charging infrastructure regardless of federal policy uncertainty. The automaker consortium recognizes that their vehicle sales depend on adequate charging access, creating strong incentive to build infrastructure that supports their customers. Properties that install charging infrastructure benefit from this expanding network ecosystem while providing the on-site charging that many EV drivers prefer over relying solely on public networks.

As we discussed in our analysis of federal funding developments, the combination of resumed NEVI funding and continued private investment ensures that charging infrastructure deployment continues advancing across the country, creating a more robust national network that makes EV ownership increasingly practical for drivers in all regions.

What These Developments Mean for Los Angeles Property Owners

This week's developments reinforce several key themes for Los Angeles property owners. Improving charging reliability demonstrates that the industry is maturing and delivering better experiences for EV drivers. The temporary post-tax-credit sales slowdown does not diminish the long-term infrastructure opportunity, as the installed base of over 7 million EVs continues needing charging access. Condo and HOA installations are increasingly feasible with Right-to-Charge protections and multiple funding models available.

LADWP and SCE rebate programs make charging installations remarkably affordable, with potential combined incentives reaching thousands of dollars per installation. Properties that act while these programs remain funded can capture significant cost savings. The continued expansion of networks like Ionna validates the market opportunity while demonstrating that charging infrastructure investment continues regardless of near-term policy uncertainty.

California's regulatory environment, including upcoming 2026 requirements for EV-ready parking at new residential units, signals that charging infrastructure is transitioning from optional amenity to expected feature. Properties that install charging now position themselves ahead of requirements while capturing currently available incentives.

Conclusion

From improving charging reliability metrics to substantial utility rebate programs, the EV charging landscape continues evolving in ways that benefit forward-thinking property owners. Reliability improvements to 85 percent demonstrate industry maturation, while LADWP and SCE rebate programs make installations increasingly affordable. Condo and HOA installations are achievable with proper planning, Right-to-Charge protections, and appropriate funding structures. Despite the temporary post-tax-credit market slowdown, the long-term trajectory of EV adoption remains clear. For Los Angeles property owners, these developments underscore the strategic importance of investing in EV charging infrastructure while incentive programs remain available and before charging access becomes an expected property amenity.

Ready to explore EV charging options for your Los Angeles property? Contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. for a complimentary site assessment and expert guidance on navigating utility rebate programs and installation requirements.

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