How the Return of NEVI Funding and New Partnerships Are Accelerating EV Charging in Los Angeles

If you own a business, manage a multi‑unit property, run a fleet, or operate a retail site in Los Angeles, the recent policy shifts and private partnerships reshaping electric vehicle (EV) charging present real opportunity. Federal funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program has been restored and reframed, automakers and charging networks are partnering with retailers and fleet operators, and new companies are focused on speeding urban high‑power charging. For property owners and facility managers, that means more funding options, new technical approaches, and an increased need for professional guidance to turn plans into working chargers.

Why NEVI’s Return Matters for Local Property Owners

One of the biggest headlines in the EV world this year was the reinstatement of federal funding for the NEVI program after an administrative review. NEVI was originally created to fund a national network of reliable, fast chargers along highways and to support local electrification projects through state plans. While the program went through a pause and revision, recent reporting confirms that NEVI funds will continue and states have been asked to submit updated plans for how they will spend their allocations. This matters to California and Los Angeles because NEVI funding helps reduce the upfront cost barrier for public and commercial chargers, and it signals steady federal support for long‑term EV infrastructure investment (see coverage of the federal decision and state plan process at the Union Progress).

Source: [Trump restores federal funds for electric vehicle charging stations — Union Progress](https://www.unionprogress.com/2025/08/17/trump-restores-federal-funds-for-electric-vehicle-charging-stations/)

Private Sector Partnerships Are Expanding Where Chargers Appear

Federal dollars are critical, but private partnerships are rapidly filling gaps in urban and commercial charging. Major retailers and convenience store chains are partnering with charger networks to host high‑power dispensers at convenient locations, which expands access and draws drivers into businesses while they charge. Recent news shows a collaboration between a charging network backed by automakers and a convenience chain that aims to deploy high‑power chargers at existing retail sites — a model that helps site hosts monetize underused real estate and attract customers (more on this type of partnership in the Yahoo Tech coverage).

For property owners, these partnerships translate into turnkey opportunities: a network operator may cover equipment and installation costs, or offer co‑investment models, while the host provides power access and parking. Regardless of the business model, hosts must be prepared for electrical upgrades, permitting, and operational agreements.

Source: [Convenience store chain strikes partnership that could be game-changer for EV drivers — Yahoo Tech](https://tech.yahoo.com/transportation/articles/convenience-store-chain-strikes-partnership-200000313.html)

New Entrants Are Focusing on Urban and Fleet Charging Needs

Not all charging demand looks the same. Highways need spaced DC fast chargers, but cities need fast urban chargers, curbside solutions, and depot chargers for ride‑hailing and delivery fleets. Industry reporting highlights startups and new companies formed by experienced teams that aim specifically at high‑speed urban charging and fleet depot charging. These entrants accelerate innovation, particularly in dense urban settings where site constraints and power limitations require creative engineering (see Electrek’s story on a team of former Supercharger engineers launching a new charging company).

For fleets and commercial operators in Los Angeles, depot charging solutions and smart software integration are increasingly important. These systems manage when vehicles charge to take advantage of lower rates, reduce demand charges with staged charging, and provide visibility into vehicle‑level energy usage.

Source: [Ex‑Tesla employees start EV charging company after Supercharger changes — Electrek](https://electrek.co/2025/08/17/ex-tesla-employees-start-ev-charging-company-after-elon-musk-fired-everyone/)

Fleet Operators: Why Depot Charging Partnerships Matter

Fleet electrification is one of the fastest ways to reduce operating costs and emissions, but it requires thoughtful infrastructure planning. Recent industry coverage shows partnerships between fleet operators and charging‑technology firms that provide depot chargers, energy analytics, and operational controls. These collaborations address common pain points: charger reliability, visibility into energy costs, and intelligent scheduling.

If you run a delivery or commercial fleet in Los Angeles, you’ll want a licensed electrical contractor and an energy partner who can model charging loads, recommend the right mix of AC and DC chargers, and design a staged rollout that minimizes upfront utility upgrade costs while meeting operational needs.

Source: [Vay EV Charging Partnership With Bluedot — The Buzz EV News](https://www.thebuzzevnews.com/vay-ev-charging-bluedot/)

What This Means for Los Angeles Site Hosts: Practical Steps

Whether you’re a commercial landlord, gas station owner, hotel manager, or multifamily property operator, here’s a practical checklist to prepare for installing EV charging:

Conduct a site assessment: Evaluate parking layout, existing electrical panels, transformer capacity, and potential meter locations. A professional site assessment will identify where chargers can be located with minimum civil work and maximum accessibility.

Engage the utility early: Many projects hit delays because utility coordination — service upgrades, transformer additions, or new service meters — wasn’t planned for. Engage your utility early to get accurate timelines and cost estimates.

Choose the right charger mix: For workplaces and multi‑unit dwellings, Level 2 charging may suffice. For retail corridors and highway hosts, DC fast chargers are often expected. Fleet depots often use a combination of depot DC fast and managed AC chargers.

Understand incentives and funding: NEVI, state programs, and private grants can reduce capital costs. Keep documentation and timelines flexible because program rules and deadlines can change.

Plan for operations: Decide who will manage billing, maintenance, and customer service. Networked chargers with remote monitoring reduce downtime and provide usage data.

Budget for soft costs: Permitting, civil work (trenching, concrete pads), and ADA‑compliant parking can be a meaningful portion of the project budget.

Permitting, Interconnection, and Timeline Expectations

One of the most common questions we hear is: how long will it take? Timelines vary widely depending on power availability and permitting complexity. Simple Level 2 retrofits in a managed parking garage can take a few weeks to a few months. Projects requiring utility service upgrades or new transformer work can take several months to a year if utility construction is needed.

Permitting can also be a source of delay. Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) requires permits for electrical work, and public charger installations often require additional coordination with local planning departments for signage, curb changes, and accessible parking. A qualified electrical/general contractor will handle permit filing and inspections to reduce surprises.

Managing Costs and Reducing Risk

Upfront equipment costs have come down, but installation and grid upgrades can be the largest expense. There are several strategies to reduce cost and risk:

Phased deployment: Start with a pilot (a few chargers) to validate demand and refine operations before a larger roll‑out.

Load management: Smart charging controllers allow multiple chargers to share a single high‑capacity feed, reducing demand charge exposure and avoiding costly upgrades.

Incentive stacking: Combine federal, state, and local incentives where eligible — including NEVI for public sites — to lower net project cost.

Partnership models: Consider host site agreements where a network operator funds or co‑funds equipment and installation in exchange for revenue sharing or long‑term host agreements.

Why Work with a Licensed Electrical & General Contractor?

EV charging is both an electrical and a site development project. It often touches transformers, meters, civil site work, ADA parking requirements, and sometimes fuel station proximity rules. Working with a licensed electrical and general contractor who understands local codes, utility requirements, and site civil work makes the difference between a smooth installation and costly delays.

At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we coordinate all project phases: site assessment, design, permitting, utility coordination, trenching and concrete work, electrical service upgrades, charger installation, and commissioning. We also help owners assess funding opportunities and make sure chargers are installed for reliability and future scalability.

Real‑World Examples: Where Chargers Are Heading

Recent developments illustrate how quickly this market is changing. NEVI funds prioritize reliable corridors and public access charging, while private partnerships bring fast chargers into retail locations. Meanwhile, startups and new vendors are addressing urban fast charging and fleet depot needs. These combined trends are increasing both the quantity and quality of charging in urban areas such as Los Angeles, and they’re doing so with a mix of public funding, private capital, and innovative business models.

Sources: Union Progress, CleanTechnica, Yahoo Tech, Electrek, The Buzz EV News

Next Steps: How to Get Started with an EV Charger Project in Los Angeles

If you’re considering EV charging at your site, here’s how Shaffer Construction, Inc. can help:

Schedule a free site consultation — we evaluate the site, parking layout, and electrical capacity.

Receive a project plan — we provide a phased proposal with equipment options, a timeline, and an allowance for permitting and utility work.

Apply for incentives — we help identify applicable programs (federal/state/local) and the documentation you’ll need.

Manage installation — we handle permitting, trenching, electrical upgrades, charger installation, and final commissioning.

Provide ongoing support — maintenance, warranty handling, and network integration services are available.

Contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. to discuss your site and get a custom plan: call 323‑642‑8509, email hello@shaffercon.com, or visit our office at 325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202, Los Angeles, CA 90004. We specialize in EV charger installation and infrastructure and are committed to helping LA properties deliver reliable, code‑compliant charging for drivers and fleets.

Conclusion

The restoration of NEVI funding, coupled with private partnerships and new companies focused on urban and fleet charging, is creating momentum for EV infrastructure deployment in Los Angeles. For property owners and fleet operators, the key to capturing these opportunities is proactive planning: assess your site, engage utilities early, and work with an experienced contractor who knows permitting and interconnection processes. With the right team and a clear plan, installing EV chargers can enhance property value, attract customers, and prepare your site for the continuing shift to electric transportation.

For a site assessment or to learn which funding options may apply to your project, contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. — we handle everything from design to commissioning so you can offer reliable charging with minimal disruption.

— Shaffer Construction, Inc. | 323‑642‑8509 | hello@shaffercon.com | 325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202, Los Angeles, CA 90004