The Future of Electric Vehicle Charging: Insights on Infrastructure Growth and Safety Innovations
Introduction
The electric vehicle revolution is accelerating rapidly in 2025, transforming how we think about transportation and energy infrastructure. As EV adoption continues to climb nationwide, the demand for reliable charging infrastructure has become critical to supporting this shift toward sustainable transportation. Los Angeles, as one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas and a leader in environmental innovation, is at the center of this charging infrastructure boom. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we're committed to helping property owners, businesses, and municipalities navigate this transformation by providing expert EV charger installation and electrical infrastructure solutions throughout Los Angeles.
The Explosive Growth of EV Charging Infrastructure in 2025
The EV charging sector is experiencing unprecedented expansion. According to the International Energy Agency's Global EV Outlook for 2025, the global EV charging infrastructure market is valued at approximately $31.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $113.4 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate of 20.3%. This explosive growth reflects the world's urgent commitment to decarbonizing transportation while creating unprecedented economic opportunities for businesses and property owners.
In the United States specifically, the charging infrastructure network has grown dramatically. The nation now boasts nearly 196,000 public EV charging ports as of January 2025, representing a more than six-fold increase since 2016. The U.S. increased its total charging stock by 20% in 2024 alone, demonstrating the accelerating pace of infrastructure deployment. Industry experts predict that 16,700 new DC fast charging ports will open across America in 2025—a remarkable 16% year-over-year increase. This growth trajectory underscores the critical period we're entering where infrastructure development must keep pace with EV adoption rates.
The geographic distribution of charging infrastructure reveals important market dynamics. While major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles have seen substantial growth, rural and underserved regions continue to lag. This disparity creates both challenges and opportunities. Property owners who proactively install charging infrastructure now position themselves as leaders in their markets, attracting EV-driving customers and employees while supporting community sustainability goals. Shaffer Construction has worked with numerous Los Angeles businesses and residential complexes to implement charging solutions that meet current demand while preparing for future growth.
The expansion of EV infrastructure is not just an environmental imperative—it represents a substantial investment opportunity. Properties with charging infrastructure attract higher-value tenants and customers, support property values, and align with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Whether you're a commercial developer, property manager, or residential property owner in Los Angeles, the time to invest in charging infrastructure is now.
California's Leadership: The $55 Million Fast Charge Initiative
California continues to lead the nation in EV infrastructure development. In 2025, the state launched the Fast Charge California Project, a $55 million incentive program designed to expand public EV fast charging across the state. This groundbreaking initiative offers businesses and public entities up to 100% coverage of installation costs for eligible fast charging projects, with funding up to $55,000 or $100,000 per charging port depending on the power level. For Los Angeles businesses, this represents an unprecedented opportunity to install charging infrastructure with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
The impact of these investments is evident. California surpassed 200,000 publicly available and shared electric vehicle charging ports in September 2025, an increase of more than 22,600 ports since March. More impressively, California now has 48% more EV chargers than gasoline nozzles across the entire state—a historic milestone that underscores the transformation of our transportation landscape. As reported by the California Energy Commission, the state also approved a $1.4 billion investment plan to expand the most extensive charging and hydrogen network in the country, with higher priority given to ready-to-build sites in tribal, disadvantaged, and low-income communities.
For Los Angeles businesses and property owners, these initiatives represent unprecedented opportunities to invest in EV charging infrastructure with substantial financial support. The state's commitment to funding ensures that qualified projects can move forward efficiently. Shaffer Construction can help you navigate the grant application process and manage the complete installation of your charging infrastructure, ensuring full compliance with California's stringent electrical and safety standards. We understand the California Energy Commission's requirements, permitting timelines, and technical specifications needed to secure funding approval.
Safety Standards and Professional Installation Requirements
As EV charging infrastructure expands, safety remains paramount. The proper installation of charging systems requires adherence to strict electrical codes and safety standards. According to the Federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards and Requirements, all EV chargers must be certified by an Occupational Safety and Health Administration Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. Additionally, AC Level 2 chargers must be ENERGY STAR certified, and both DC fast chargers and AC Level 2 chargers should be certified to appropriate Underwriters Laboratories standards.
Professional installation is non-negotiable. EV charging systems are classified as continuous loads under the National Electric Code Article 625, which requires specialized electrical sizing calculations and expertise. This technical requirement ensures that chargers operate safely and reliably without overloading your electrical system. This is where Shaffer Construction's licensed electricians make a critical difference. Our team ensures that your electrical service is properly upgraded if necessary, that circuit sizing is correct, and that all connections meet or exceed current code requirements. We work with you to identify potential electrical infrastructure limitations—such as panel capacity—and develop comprehensive solutions that ensure safe, reliable charging for years to come.
Beyond code compliance, safety innovations continue to advance. As detailed in our comprehensive guide to EV charging infrastructure for Los Angeles property owners, modern chargers include automatic shut-off features to prevent overcharging and overheating, weatherproofing for outdoor installations, and surge protection against power fluctuations. Professional installation helps ensure these safety features function correctly from day one, protecting both your equipment investment and your property occupants.
Infrastructure Challenges and Los Angeles-Specific Solutions
While California leads nationally, Los Angeles faces unique challenges in deploying charging infrastructure. The region's dense urban environment, aging electrical infrastructure in some neighborhoods, and the need to serve both residential and commercial properties require nuanced, customized solutions. Additionally, many Los Angeles buildings—particularly older structures and multi-unit residential properties—require electrical panel upgrades before charging stations can be safely installed. Understanding your building's existing electrical capacity is the essential first step.
This is where comprehensive planning becomes essential. As we discuss in our article on preparing Los Angeles buildings for the EV charging boom, property owners need to conduct thorough electrical assessments before committing to charger installation. An electrical load study—a critical service that Shaffer Construction specializes in—can identify your building's current capacity and determine what upgrades are needed.
Our electrical load study services analyze your facility's electrical demand, identify capacity constraints, and recommend cost-effective solutions for infrastructure upgrades. For commercial properties considering multiple charging stations, this assessment is particularly valuable because it helps prioritize installations and budget accordingly. For residential properties, a load study determines whether your existing service is adequate or if a panel upgrade is necessary. Many Los Angeles property owners are surprised to discover that a simple electrical upgrade can enable multiple charging stations without requiring complete service replacement.
Residential and Commercial Charging Solutions for Los Angeles
The EV charging infrastructure boom has created diverse opportunities for residential and commercial properties. Residential homeowners in Los Angeles can now install Level 2 home chargers—typically 7-9 kW systems—that fully charge most electric vehicles overnight. However, installation requires proper electrical work, a correctly-sized dedicated circuit, and often a NEMA 14-50 outlet or dedicated Level 2 charging unit installation. The cost of residential installation varies based on your existing electrical service and installation location, but represents a smart long-term investment for property value and convenience.
Commercial properties face different requirements but significant opportunities. Retail centers, office buildings, parking facilities, and hospitality properties benefit from offering charging to employees and customers. Commercial installations often involve Level 2 chargers distributed across multiple parking spaces, or DC fast charging for properties targeting EV drivers seeking rapid charging. The commercial EV charger solutions that Shaffer Construction provides include site assessment, electrical infrastructure design, permit coordination with the City of Los Angeles, and complete installation management.
Our team understands Los Angeles-specific considerations: the city's specific electrical permitting requirements, the typical electrical service found in different building types across the region, and the business case for charger installation in various property sectors. Whether you operate a shopping center, office park, apartment complex, or municipal facility, we design and install charging infrastructure that meets current and future demand while maximizing safety and reliability. We've successfully completed installations ranging from single residential chargers to multi-port commercial systems throughout Los Angeles.
Looking Ahead: The Future of EV Charging Infrastructure
Industry analysts predict that the U.S. will reach 100,000 total DC fast charging ports by 2027—double the number available in 2024. This projection underscores the accelerating pace of infrastructure development and the growing urgency for property owners to plan ahead. Ultra-fast charging technology (250 kW and above) is proliferating, with 63% of all new fast charging ports installed in recent quarters featuring ultra-fast capabilities, up from 47% just months prior. This shift reflects consumer demand for faster charging and the competitive advantages that property owners gain by offering cutting-edge charging technology.
The workforce required to install, maintain, and operate this expanding charging network must include appropriately licensed and trained electricians. As the Alternative Fuels Data Center emphasizes, the infrastructure workforce must have proper licenses, certifications, and ongoing training to ensure safe, professional installation and maintenance. This requirement protects property owners, users, and the public. Shaffer Construction maintains the highest standards of professional certification and stays current with evolving electrical codes and safety requirements.
Conclusion
The future of transportation is unquestionably electric, and the charging infrastructure that enables EV adoption is growing exponentially in 2025. California and Los Angeles are leading this transformation, with historic investments, supportive policies, and a marketplace increasingly focused on sustainable solutions. However, successful charging infrastructure requires more than enthusiasm—it demands expertise, proper planning, code compliance, and professional installation.
Shaffer Construction, Inc. is your trusted partner in Los Angeles for navigating every aspect of EV charging infrastructure. Whether you're exploring how to decide on, pay for, and plan your EV charger project, or you're ready to move forward with installation, our licensed electricians bring the knowledge and experience needed to ensure your project succeeds. We handle electrical assessments, load studies, permit coordination, installation, and ongoing support—all tailored to your specific needs and budget.
Contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. today to discuss your EV charging infrastructure needs. Call us at 323-642-8509, email hello@shaffercon.com, or visit shaffercon.com to learn more about our comprehensive electrical services, including residential EV charger installation, commercial EV charger solutions, and electrical load studies throughout Los Angeles and surrounding areas.