EV Charging Trends 2025: Future of Infrastructure

Introduction

The electric vehicle revolution is reshaping transportation across the United States, and California leads the nation in EV adoption. As an owner or property manager in Los Angeles, understanding the latest trends in EV charging infrastructure is essential for planning ahead. Shaffer Construction, Inc. has been at the forefront of this transformation, installing thousands of EV chargers and helping businesses and homeowners navigate the technical complexities of modern charging systems. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most important developments shaping EV charging infrastructure in 2025, from breakthrough technologies to practical installation considerations.

California and Los Angeles: Leading the EV Charging Revolution

California continues to dominate the EV charging landscape nationally. As of September 2025, the state has surpassed 201,000 fully public and shared EV charging ports, representing 68% more EV chargers than gasoline nozzles statewide. This dramatic infrastructure expansion reflects both government investment and private sector commitment to electric vehicle adoption.

Los Angeles is experiencing particularly aggressive growth. The City of Los Angeles recently announced that 90 new Level 2 chargers will be installed at curbside locations across the city, available 24/7 to residents. Additionally, Los Angeles County and city agencies received $15 million in federal funding to construct over 1,250 EV charging stations, with a focus on underserved communities. These investments mean that 94% of Californians now live within just 10 minutes of an EV charger, making EV ownership more practical than ever.

For Los Angeles property owners and businesses, this expansion creates both opportunity and urgency. Shaffer Construction helps property owners understand how these trends affect their facilities and positions them to capitalize on the growing EV infrastructure ecosystem.

Ultra-Fast Charging Technology: The Next Generation

One of the most significant 2025 trends is the rapid adoption of ultra-fast charging technology. The industry is experiencing a fundamental shift in charger capabilities, with operators deploying increasingly powerful stations that dramatically reduce charging times.

According to recent industry reports, the share of 250+ kW chargers among non-Tesla networks rose from 25% to 38% in Q2 2025, signaling a clear industry trend toward higher-capacity infrastructure. Most major charge point operators now deploy chargers rated at 350 kW or 400 kW, enabling vehicles to achieve 80% charge in as little as 20 minutes.

Even more advanced breakthroughs are emerging. In March 2025, BYD unveiled its Super-e charging platform, capable of delivering approximately 400 kilometers of range in just 5 minutes, enabled by next-generation silicon carbide power chips and 1,000 V architecture that supports coupling with 1 MW charging systems. These technological advances represent a fundamental transformation in how quickly and efficiently vehicles can be charged.

For commercial property owners in Los Angeles, this technology evolution means that modern EV charging installations provide dramatically faster service than older systems, making them more attractive to tenants, customers, and employees. Shaffer Construction stays current with these technological advances to ensure every installation incorporates the latest capabilities and best practices.

Addressing the Electrician Shortage Through Professional Expertise

Despite growing demand for EV charger installation, the industry faces significant workforce challenges. According to recent surveys from FractalEV, 77% of electricians report frustration with current EV charger installation processes, citing skill gaps, unexpected labor costs, and insufficient manufacturer support as primary concerns.

The challenges are substantial. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a shortage of 80,000 skilled electricians annually through 2030, driven by retirements, lack of young professionals entering the field, and the increasing electrification of modern life. New certification requirements, including the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certification mandated by NEVI guidelines, further constrain the available workforce.

Moreover, the 2026 National Electrical Code introduced significant updates in June 2025, including a new qualified person requirement for permanently installed EV charging equipment. Most states interpret "qualified person" to mean a licensed electrician, making professional installation essential for compliance and safety.

This is where experienced EV charging installers like Shaffer Construction provide critical value. Our team stays current with evolving codes, understands the technical complexities of modern charging systems, and maintains certifications required for NEVI-compliant installations. When you choose a professional installer in Los Angeles, you're not just getting equipment—you're getting expertise that ensures your system complies with current code requirements and operates reliably for years to come.

Electrical Load Studies and Panel Upgrades: The Foundation of Safe Installation

One of the most common—and often misunderstood—aspects of EV charger installation is the role of electrical load studies and panel upgrades. Not every property can simply plug in a Level 2 charger; many require electrical infrastructure modifications.

Level 2 chargers typically require 30 to 80 amperes and a dedicated 240-volt circuit. The challenge is that most American homes receive 100 amperes or less, which is typically insufficient to support HVAC systems, common appliances, lighting, and an EV charger simultaneously. A home with 60-amp service cannot accommodate an EV charger without a complete service upgrade to 200-amp capacity. Even homes with 100-amp service often need upgrades to safely add a dedicated EV charging circuit.

This is where professional electrical load studies become essential. A qualified electrician performs load calculations to determine your current panel's capacity and identify whether you need upgrades. For borderline situations, smart load management systems can optimize EV charging without exceeding system capacity, potentially avoiding expensive full panel upgrades.

Our comprehensive guide on planning EV charger installation and managing costs explains these technical requirements in detail. For Los Angeles property owners, Shaffer Construction provides complete load assessment services as part of our EV charger installation process, ensuring your system is safe, compliant, and optimized for your facility's electrical capacity.

Emerging Technologies Beyond Traditional Charging

While Level 2 and DC fast charging dominate today's infrastructure, revolutionary technologies are emerging that will further transform the EV ecosystem. Understanding these developments helps Los Angeles property owners make informed decisions about infrastructure investments that will remain relevant for decades.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is gaining momentum, particularly in Europe and China. China has deployed at least 30 V2G stations across nine cities, allowing parked electric vehicles to send power back to the grid during peak demand periods, with drivers receiving up to $200 monthly in electricity buyback credits. The European Union has mandated bidirectional charging capability for all stationary stations by 2027, a requirement that will inevitably reach North America. For commercial property owners, this technology offers the possibility of turning parking areas into revenue-generating energy assets that can help stabilize the electrical grid during peak demand periods while earning money from vehicle batteries that sit idle during business hours.

Wireless charging represents another significant emerging technology. Tesla, BMW, and Hyundai are testing wireless charging pads that allow drivers to charge simply by parking over a designated pad—eliminating the need to connect cables and dramatically improving user experience. While still in development, this technology could become mainstream within the next 3-5 years. The convenience factor makes wireless charging particularly attractive for multifamily residential properties and commercial parking facilities where many different drivers use the same parking areas.

Artificial intelligence is also transforming charging infrastructure management. Smart charging systems now analyze historical data, real-time weather conditions, grid conditions, and user preferences to optimize when vehicles charge, preventing grid congestion and reducing peak demand strain. This intelligent approach allows more vehicles to charge efficiently without overwhelming electrical infrastructure. For building managers in Los Angeles, AI-powered systems can help maximize the efficiency of charging networks while minimizing the electrical upgrades needed to support EV infrastructure.

Battery technology continues to advance rapidly as well. Recent developments in solid-state batteries and enhanced lithium-ion chemistry promise significantly faster charging times and longer battery life. These advances mean that the chargers you install today will be compatible with increasingly capable vehicles, extending the useful lifespan of your infrastructure investment.

As discussed in our comprehensive guide on preparing Los Angeles buildings for the EV charging boom, planning for technological evolution is essential when installing charging infrastructure. For Los Angeles businesses and property owners, staying informed about these emerging technologies helps ensure your infrastructure remains relevant as the EV ecosystem evolves. Shaffer Construction monitors industry developments continuously and helps clients make informed decisions about charging systems that will deliver value for years to come.

Practical Tips for Los Angeles Property Owners

Whether you're a residential property owner or commercial real estate manager in Los Angeles, these practical steps will help you navigate EV charging infrastructure decisions:

First, assess your facility's electrical capacity through a professional load study. Don't assume your existing panel can handle an EV charger without professional evaluation. Second, understand the difference between Level 1 (standard household outlet), Level 2 (240V, 30-80 amps), and DC fast charging (350+ kW). Level 2 is typically the sweet spot for residential and most commercial properties. Third, research available incentives; California offers rebates and tax credits that can offset significant installation costs, including potential tax credits up to $600.

Fourth, plan for future expansion. If you install a charger today, additional vehicles and charging stations will likely follow. Installing conduit and oversizing panel space during initial installation can reduce future upgrade costs. Fifth, work with certified installers who understand current codes and requirements. As mentioned, the 2026 NEC and state-specific regulations now require qualified persons for installation, making professional service essential rather than optional.

Conclusion

The EV charging infrastructure landscape in 2025 is defined by rapid technology advancement, increasingly strict safety requirements, and unprecedented growth in California and Los Angeles. Ultra-fast charging technology, workforce challenges, and emerging technologies like V2G and wireless charging are reshaping how vehicles will be powered in the coming years.

For property owners in Los Angeles, the message is clear: the time to plan and install EV charging infrastructure is now. Whether you need a simple Level 2 residential charger or a complex commercial charging network with load management capabilities, professional guidance makes the difference between a system that works reliably for decades and one that creates headaches and expense.

Shaffer Construction, Inc. brings decades of electrical expertise and thousands of successful EV charger installations to every project. We understand California's unique regulatory environment, stay current with emerging technologies, and handle every detail from initial load studies through final inspection and activation. Contact us today to discuss your EV charging infrastructure needs. Call us at 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com. Visit our commercial EV charger installation services or residential EV charger installation services to learn more. You can also visit us at 325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202, Los Angeles, CA 90004, or online at shaffercon.com.