EV Charging in Commercial Properties

Introduction

The electric vehicle revolution has moved from speculation to reality. In 2025, electric vehicles are no longer a niche alternative but a mainstream transportation choice. As an electrical and general contractor serving Los Angeles, Shaffer Construction has witnessed firsthand how commercial properties are racing to adopt EV charging infrastructure to remain competitive, attract quality tenants, and future-proof their investments. If you own or manage a commercial property in Los Angeles, understanding why EV charging stations matter and how they impact your bottom line is essential to staying ahead in today's market. This comprehensive guide explores the strategic importance of commercial EV charging, the financial opportunities available, and how Shaffer Construction can help you implement a charging solution tailored to your property's unique needs.

The 2025 EV Revolution: Scale and Acceleration

The electric vehicle market has experienced explosive growth over the past three years. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate, with major cities across America experiencing double-digit growth in EV registrations annually. California alone leads the nation with over 1.7 million electric vehicles on the road, with the Los Angeles area contributing significantly to that total. This unprecedented adoption has fundamentally shifted how commercial properties must approach their infrastructure planning.

Los Angeles, as one of America's largest metropolitan areas, has become a epicenter of EV adoption. The combination of environmental consciousness, generous state incentives, and the city's commitment to sustainability has made Los Angeles a proving ground for commercial EV charging infrastructure. With the South Coast Air Quality Management District actively promoting zero-emission vehicle adoption and California's stringent emissions standards, the pressure on businesses to support EV adoption has never been greater.

The charging infrastructure network has expanded dramatically to support this growth. The Biden administration's investment in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program has deployed thousands of fast-charging stations across the country, with California receiving a substantial portion of federal funding. For Los Angeles business owners, this means the opportunity window for installing commercial charging stations is now—before properties without charging capabilities fall behind their competition. Early adopters benefit from the highest financial incentives, the most available contractors, and the strongest competitive positioning.

What does this mean for commercial property owners? It means that tenants, customers, and employees increasingly expect charging availability. Companies like Tesla, ChargePoint, and other manufacturers have made commercial charging solutions more accessible and affordable than ever before. At Shaffer Construction, we're helping Los Angeles businesses capitalize on this trend by installing reliable, code-compliant charging systems that meet today's demands and tomorrow's growth. The transition to electric vehicles is no longer a distant possibility—it's happening now, and property owners need to act.

Why Commercial Properties Must Invest in EV Charging Now

Commercial property owners face a clear choice: lead or lag. Properties with EV charging stations stand out in today's competitive market for several compelling reasons. First, charging stations directly influence tenant decisions. When businesses evaluate potential office locations, retail spaces, or warehouse facilities, the availability of employee charging is increasingly a deciding factor. Employees with electric vehicles want charging at work, and employers who provide it gain a significant advantage in talent recruitment and retention. For commercial property owners, this means higher lease rates, faster lease-up times, and improved occupancy rates.

Second, charging stations enhance customer experience and loyalty. Retail properties, shopping centers, and restaurants with charging stations attract EV-driving customers who spend more time on the property. A shopper who knows they can charge while shopping or dining is more likely to extend their visit, increasing average transaction values and customer satisfaction. Consider a shopping center with four or five Level 2 chargers: those chargers can easily generate $1,000 to $1,500 monthly in charging fees while dramatically increasing customer dwell time and foot traffic to surrounding retailers.

Third, properties with charging infrastructure experience measurable property value appreciation. Real estate studies, including research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, demonstrate that properties with EV charging command higher lease rates and rental prices. Some studies show lease rates 5% to 10% higher for properties with charging infrastructure compared to similar properties without it. Tenants and buyers recognize the competitive advantage and sustainability positioning these properties represent. In Los Angeles's competitive real estate market, this premium can translate to significant additional revenue.

In our work across Los Angeles, Shaffer Construction has installed charging stations for multifamily buildings, office parks, retail centers, and industrial facilities. The common thread? Every property owner reports increased tenant interest and marketability following installation. Multifamily property managers tell us that charging stations are now mentioned in virtually every rental inquiry, and properties with charging infrastructure consistently outperform similar properties in lease-up time and annual retention rates. The return on investment extends beyond the direct charging revenue—it comes from improved property valuation, tenant retention, and competitive positioning in an increasingly EV-centric market.

Financial Incentives and ROI for Commercial Properties

One of the most compelling reasons to install EV charging now is the substantial financial incentives available to California and Los Angeles-based businesses. California's Clean Fuel Reward program and federal tax credits can significantly reduce installation costs. Depending on your property type and the charging solution selected, businesses may qualify for rebates covering 50% or more of installation expenses. The Federal Energy Tax Credit provides up to 30% of installation costs, while California state programs add additional rebates. For commercial properties in South Coast Air Quality Management District jurisdictions, additional regional incentives may apply. These incentives are creating a narrow window of opportunity—as programs reach funding limits, some rebates may reduce or expire.

The installation cost for a typical commercial charging station ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 per unit, depending on electrical infrastructure requirements. However, with available incentives, many Los Angeles property owners experience net costs of just $2,500 to $7,500 per charger. A four-charger installation that costs $40,000 with incentives might cost just $20,000 after federal and state rebates. When spread across the increased property value, tenant demand, and potential charging revenue, most commercial properties reach positive ROI within 3 to 5 years. Many property owners recover their investment even faster through a combination of charging fees and increased lease rates.

Beyond direct financial returns, commercial EV charging delivers operational benefits. As discussed in our detailed guide on planning EV charger infrastructure in Los Angeles, understanding the costs and options available allows property owners to make informed decisions. The same analysis applies to commercial properties: careful planning and early adoption of charging infrastructure positions properties for long-term financial success. Properties that wait to install charging may find that incentives are depleted, more contractors are booked, and they've lost valuable competitive advantage during the critical adoption period.

Technical Considerations: Load Studies and Infrastructure

Installing commercial EV charging isn't simply plugging in equipment—it requires careful electrical planning. Most commercial properties need electrical load studies before installation to determine if current infrastructure can support charging stations without upgrades. This is where many property owners make critical mistakes by underestimating the electrical work involved. A property owner who receives a $5,000 quote for chargers but discovers they need a $20,000 panel upgrade can quickly see their project budget double or triple.

A typical commercial charging station draws 7 to 11 kilowatts of power per unit. If your property plans to install multiple chargers, the cumulative electrical demand can exceed current panel capacity. Many Los Angeles properties built before 2015 require panel upgrades, conduit installation, and additional electrical work. These ancillary costs can rival the charger cost itself, making professional assessment essential. A commercial property considering six Level 2 chargers might need a complete electrical service upgrade, potentially requiring coordination with the utility company and additional permitting.

This is precisely why Shaffer Construction conducts comprehensive site assessments before any commercial charging project. Our electrical engineers evaluate your existing electrical infrastructure, determine if panel upgrades or service increases are necessary, and design a system that meets current NEC (National Electrical Code) standards and California Title 24 requirements. We use specialized electrical analysis tools to calculate load requirements, identify potential conflicts, and design efficient distribution systems. For comprehensive guidance on this process, our guide to preparing your property for EV chargers explains the assessment process in detail and helps you understand what questions to ask your contractor.

Professional installation isn't optional—it's essential. Improper installation creates safety hazards, voids equipment warranties, and can result in costly code violations. At Shaffer Construction, our licensed electricians handle every aspect: site assessment, load calculations, permits, infrastructure upgrades, equipment installation, and final inspections. We ensure your commercial charging system is safe, compliant, and built to last. Our team stays current with evolving electrical codes and industry standards, ensuring your system remains compliant for years to come.

Commercial EV Charging Solutions in Los Angeles

Los Angeles property owners benefit from multiple commercial charging options, each suited to different applications. Level 2 chargers (240-volt) are ideal for office parks, multifamily properties, and retail centers where vehicles park for extended periods. These chargers deliver 4 to 10 kW of power, allowing a vehicle to reach full charge in 4 to 10 hours—perfect for employee parking or customer charging during shopping trips. Level 2 chargers are the most common commercial solution, offering the best balance of charging speed, installation cost, and electrical infrastructure requirements.

DC fast charging stations are increasingly popular for retail and commercial settings where customers need rapid charging—reaching 80% battery in 20 to 30 minutes. However, DC chargers require substantial electrical infrastructure upgrades and higher utility costs. They're best suited to high-traffic commercial corridors and fleet charging applications. A retail location considering DC fast charging should expect installation costs of $25,000 to $50,000 per unit, plus significant utility infrastructure upgrades.

Beyond the charger type, Los Angeles property owners should consider networking capabilities, management software, and future scalability. Modern commercial charging systems allow remote monitoring, user authentication, billing integration, and real-time status monitoring. These features enable properties to monetize charging access, streamline operations, and gather valuable usage data. A property manager can monitor charger utilization, track revenue, schedule maintenance, and manage user access through smartphone apps or web dashboards. This operational intelligence helps property owners optimize their charging programs and maximize returns on investment.

For property owners evaluating commercial charging options, our comprehensive resource on emerging trends in EV charger installation and infrastructure covers the latest equipment options, standards, and best practices. Staying informed about available technologies helps property owners make choices aligned with their specific needs and long-term vision. Technologies evolve quickly in the EV space, and partnering with an experienced contractor ensures you understand the latest developments and can position your property for future success.

Shaffer Construction: Your Commercial EV Charging Partner

As Los Angeles's trusted electrical and general contractor, Shaffer Construction specializes in commercial EV charging installation from initial assessment through final commissioning. Our process begins with thorough site evaluation—understanding your property layout, existing electrical infrastructure, and long-term charging goals. We conduct detailed electrical load studies, identify infrastructure requirements, and prepare accurate project budgets before work begins. We handle the complete project: electrical design, permitting, infrastructure upgrades, charger installation, testing, and training staff on system operation.

We're committed to delivering solutions that exceed expectations. Whether you're retrofitting an existing commercial property or planning charging infrastructure for new construction, our team brings expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail. We work with property managers, facility directors, and building owners across Los Angeles to implement charging solutions that enhance property value, improve tenant satisfaction, and position properties for future success. Our team can handle projects of any size, from a single charger installation to comprehensive multi-location deployments.

Contact Shaffer Construction today to discuss your commercial EV charging needs. Our electrical team can assess your property, explain available options, and create a project plan tailored to your budget and timeline. Call 323-642-8509 to schedule a consultation. We'll walk you through the process, explain the incentives available to your property, and help you understand your charging options and expected ROI.

Conclusion

The future of commercial real estate is electric. Properties that embrace EV charging infrastructure now will enjoy competitive advantages for years to come. Charging stations attract tenants, enhance property value, improve customer experience, and position properties as forward-thinking and environmentally responsible. With substantial financial incentives available, strong ROI potential, and proven tenant demand, the question isn't whether to install commercial EV charging—it's when. The businesses and property owners who act now will position themselves as leaders in their markets, while those who wait risk falling behind in an increasingly EV-centric economy.

For expert electrical services in Los Angeles, including commercial EV charger installation, electrical load studies, panel upgrades, and comprehensive infrastructure planning, contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. Call us at 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com to schedule a consultation. Visit our website at shaffercon.com to learn more about our commercial EV charging solutions and how we help Los Angeles businesses future-proof their properties.