EV Charger Installations Government Incentives 2025

Introduction

The electric vehicle revolution is accelerating faster than ever, and at the center of this transformation is a critical need for reliable charging infrastructure. Shaffer Construction, Inc. has been at the forefront of helping Los Angeles property owners, businesses, and municipalities build the EV charging solutions that tomorrow's transportation network demands. From federal government initiatives pouring billions of dollars into charging stations to businesses discovering the bottom-line benefits of hosting chargers, the EV infrastructure landscape has fundamentally changed in 2025. This comprehensive guide explores the government programs, business incentives, and practical considerations that are shaping the future of EV charger installations.

In 2025, the opportunity to invest in EV charging infrastructure is unprecedented. The convergence of federal funding, state incentives, proven business benefits, and technological maturity has created a perfect window for Los Angeles property owners and businesses to act. Whether you're considering a single residential charger or a comprehensive commercial charging network, understanding the landscape of government initiatives, financial incentives, and technical requirements is essential to making an informed decision that will benefit your property for years to come.

Federal Government Initiatives Transforming EV Infrastructure Investment

The U.S. government has made an unprecedented commitment to building out EV charging infrastructure across the country. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed in 2021, allocated substantial federal funding specifically to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. In Los Angeles and across California, this translates to real opportunities for property owners and businesses to tap into grants, rebates, and technical assistance programs that make EV charger installation more affordable than ever.

Shaffer Construction works closely with clients to understand the federal programs available to them. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program represents one of the most significant federal commitments, providing $5 billion over five years for states to deploy chargers along highway corridors. Beyond NEVI, the federal government's Alternative Fuel Infrastructure program and California Energy Commission administer additional grants that support both public and private charging installations.

What makes 2025 particularly important is the evolution of these programs. After initial restrictions, the federal government reopened EV charging funding in August 2025, allowing states greater flexibility in deploying chargers. Rather than requiring chargers every 50 miles along corridors, states can now install them in off-corridor locations, including residential areas and rural communities. This flexibility has opened new possibilities for Los Angeles businesses and property owners who want to invest in EV infrastructure.

California has been particularly aggressive in pursuing federal EV infrastructure funding. The state has established dedicated programs specifically designed to support charging station installation, maintenance, and operation across both urban and rural areas. Los Angeles businesses and property owners can access these programs through their local utility, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). LADWP offers rebates and technical assistance for both residential and commercial charging installations, effectively reducing the net cost of installation and making projects financially viable that might otherwise require years to achieve positive return on investment.

The combination of federal NEVI funding, state grants through California, utility rebates from LADWP, and potential tax credits at the federal and state level means that Los Angeles properties can often install charging infrastructure with significantly reduced out-of-pocket costs. This is not theoretical—thousands of Los Angeles businesses have already taken advantage of these programs, positioning themselves as sustainability leaders while enjoying the operational and financial benefits of charging infrastructure. Shaffer Construction can help you navigate these programs, identify which incentives apply to your property, and ensure your installation is structured to maximize available funding.

The Business Case: Why Companies Are Installing EV Chargers

Beyond government incentives, the business case for EV charging has become remarkably compelling. Research demonstrates that businesses with EV charging stations experience measurable economic benefits. According to recent studies, installing even a single charger can boost annual spending at a nearby business by 1.4 percent when the charger is within 100 meters of the establishment. For properties with multiple chargers, the cumulative effect is even more significant.

This economic benefit exists because EV owners spend time at charging locations. While their vehicle charges—whether it takes 20 minutes for a fast charger or a few hours for Level 2—they shop, dine, and conduct business nearby. Retail centers, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and office parks in Los Angeles have recognized this opportunity. Shaffer Construction has partnered with numerous Los Angeles businesses to design and install commercial EV charging systems that attract environmentally conscious customers while generating operational revenue.

For commercial operations specifically, the benefits extend beyond customer attraction. As we detailed in our article about planning EV charger infrastructure installations and understanding the costs and options, businesses that install chargers early position themselves as sustainability leaders in their communities. This brand positioning, combined with tax incentives and potential revenue from charging fees, makes EV charger installation a smart capital investment.

The financial benefits of EV charging for Los Angeles businesses are particularly strong. Properties hosting chargers see increased customer dwell time, higher average transaction values, and improved customer loyalty. Additionally, businesses can generate ongoing revenue by charging customers a fee for use, whether through pay-per-use pricing, monthly membership programs, or providing free charging as a customer amenity. Real estate property values in areas with charging infrastructure have also shown appreciation, as the presence of chargers increases property appeal to both current tenants and potential buyers. For property managers and owners in Los Angeles, this combination of operational benefits, brand positioning, and long-term asset appreciation makes EV charger installation an investment that pays dividends across multiple dimensions.

Los Angeles Requirements and Professional Installation Standards

Installing EV chargers in Los Angeles requires more than simply purchasing equipment and plugging it in. California's strict electrical codes and Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety regulations mandate that all EV charger installations be performed by licensed C-10 electricians and comply with the California Electrical Code and National Electrical Code Article 625. This is where expertise becomes critical.

Los Angeles property owners and businesses must obtain electrical permits before installation, and inspections are required to verify compliance with code. For residential installations, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety offers Express Permits that streamline the approval process for standard Level II charger installations. However, commercial installations—particularly those involving multiple chargers, higher amperage requirements, or service panel upgrades—require more detailed planning and engineering.

Many properties in Los Angeles require electrical service upgrades before they can safely accommodate EV chargers. A dedicated 240-volt circuit is necessary, properly sized breakers must be installed, and in many cases, the main electrical panel requires evaluation or expansion. This is where Shaffer Construction's expertise shines. We handle everything from initial electrical load assessments to final inspection coordination, ensuring your Los Angeles property is properly prepared for safe, reliable EV charging.

For businesses and multifamily properties in Los Angeles, we provide what we call electrical load studies to determine how much power your facility can safely deliver and what upgrades may be necessary. This professional assessment prevents costly mistakes and ensures your charging system will operate reliably for years.

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) has streamlined the approval process for EV charger installations to encourage adoption. Most residential charger installations can be approved in as little as one to two weeks, provided the work meets code requirements and the property's electrical system is adequate. For commercial installations, the timeline extends to three to four weeks typically, depending on the complexity of the project and any required electrical upgrades. At Shaffer Construction, we maintain close relationships with LADBS inspectors and are intimately familiar with Los Angeles-specific code requirements, which allows us to expedite approvals and ensure first-time inspection passes.

Fleet Electrification: The Commercial Opportunity

While individual EV chargers are important, the largest infrastructure opportunity lies in fleet electrification. Commercial fleets—delivery trucks, ride-hailing vehicles, municipal buses, and service vehicles—are transitioning to electric power rapidly. This transition requires Level 3 DC fast charging infrastructure that can charge multiple vehicles efficiently and reliably.

Shaffer Construction has worked with Los Angeles businesses operating commercial fleets to design charging systems that meet the unique demands of fleet operations. Unlike consumer chargers, commercial charging infrastructure requires three-phase power, dedicated electrical infrastructure, and often battery storage or load management systems. The federal government recognizes the importance of this infrastructure, with specific grant programs available for commercial and municipal charging installations.

Companies with large fleets in Los Angeles have access to state and federal grants that can cover significant portions of installation costs. Shaffer Construction helps fleet operators navigate these grant programs, design efficient charging layouts, and execute installations that support their operational needs.

The market for commercial EV charging is growing exponentially. Fleet operators recognize that transitioning to electric vehicles reduces fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and carbon emissions. For delivery services, ride-hailing companies, and municipal agencies in Los Angeles, the combination of lower operating costs and government incentives makes EV fleet conversion increasingly attractive. Our team at Shaffer Construction understands the unique electrical and infrastructure challenges of commercial charging, and we've successfully completed projects ranging from 5-charger systems to comprehensive multi-site networks serving dozens of vehicles.

Planning Your EV Charging Investment in 2025

If you're a Los Angeles property owner or business leader considering an EV charger installation, 2025 presents an ideal window of opportunity. Federal funding is flowing, state programs are robust, and the technology has matured to deliver reliable, long-lasting charging solutions. However, the key to success is proper planning and professional execution.

Start by understanding your property's electrical capacity. Schedule a consultation with a licensed electrician who specializes in EV charging. Research available federal and state incentive programs—the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation maintains current state-by-state information on available programs. Consider the long-term needs of your property: will you want to expand charging capacity in the future? Are you preparing for fleet operations, residential tenants, or customer convenience?

As we've explained in our comprehensive guide to planning EV charger infrastructure installation in Los Angeles, including costs and what to expect, a professional plan developed early saves money and time. Shaffer Construction provides free consultations to evaluate your specific needs and determine the optimal charging solution for your property.

The timeline for EV charger installation in Los Angeles typically spans four to eight weeks from initial consultation to completed installation, depending on whether electrical upgrades are required. Properties with adequate electrical service can often be completed in as little as two to three weeks. For commercial projects involving multiple chargers or complex electrical integration, timeline may extend to ten to twelve weeks to ensure all code compliance and safety requirements are met. Starting your project now means you can have charging infrastructure operational and generating benefits before the end of 2025.

Conclusion

The future of EV charger installations in the United States is being shaped by powerful forces: historic government investment, compelling business economics, and growing consumer demand for charging infrastructure. Los Angeles, as a major metropolitan area and leader in EV adoption, is at the center of this transformation. Property owners and businesses that act now will position themselves as sustainability leaders while capturing the financial and operational benefits of charging infrastructure.

Shaffer Construction, Inc. is your trusted partner for EV charger installation, electrical upgrades, and charging infrastructure planning in Los Angeles. We understand federal and state incentive programs, we're familiar with all Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety requirements, and we have the licensed expertise to ensure safe, code-compliant installations. Whether you're installing your first residential charger or building a comprehensive commercial charging network, we're ready to help. Call us at 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com to schedule your free consultation. Visit shaffercon.com to learn more about our services and view our portfolio of completed EV charging projects across Los Angeles.