EV Charging Future: Federal Grants & Tech 2025

Introduction

The electric vehicle charging landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation in 2025, driven by substantial federal investments, groundbreaking technological innovations, and unprecedented infrastructure expansion across the United States. As electric vehicle adoption accelerates, so too does the urgency to build robust, reliable charging networks that can meet the growing demand. Los Angeles is at the forefront of this revolution, with ambitious plans to expand its public charging infrastructure and become a model city for EV accessibility. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we're playing a key role in this transformation, helping businesses and property owners install the charging infrastructure they need to support Los Angeles' transition to sustainable transportation.

Federal Investment Driving National EV Charging Expansion

The federal government's commitment to EV infrastructure has reached unprecedented levels. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, allocated $5 billion to states for deploying charging infrastructure along national highway corridors. This comprehensive initiative recognizes that widespread EV adoption depends not just on consumer choice, but on the availability of reliable, accessible charging infrastructure nationwide. In January 2025 alone, the Department of Transportation announced an additional $635 million in grants to continue expanding this network, demonstrating sustained federal commitment to the transition to electric transportation.

These federal dollars are making a tangible difference in communities across the nation. The January 2025 awards fund 49 projects across 27 states, four federally recognized tribes, and Washington, D.C., deploying more than 11,500 new electric vehicle charging ports. This represents a massive commitment to ensuring that no matter where Americans drive, they'll have access to reliable, publicly accessible charging infrastructure. For Los Angeles property owners and businesses evaluating EV charging installations, this federal momentum provides strong incentive to invest now, as grant funding and incentive programs continue to expand. Shaffer Construction stays current with all available federal and state incentive programs to help our clients maximize their return on investment. Many property owners don't realize they may be eligible for substantial rebates or grants that can significantly reduce their net installation costs.

The funding structure is designed to be equitable and comprehensive. The NEVI Formula Program allocates funds to states based on population and geography, ensuring that both urban centers like Los Angeles and rural communities receive resources for charging infrastructure development. This commitment signals that the federal government views EV charging not as a luxury amenity but as essential transportation infrastructure—similar to gasoline stations today. For Los Angeles, this means continued investment in both private commercial installations and public charging networks, creating opportunities for businesses to partner with government initiatives.

Revolutionary Charging Technologies Transforming the Industry

Beyond federal funding, the charging technology itself is advancing at a remarkable pace. In 2025, we're witnessing breakthroughs that seemed impossible just a few years ago. BYD's new Super-e platform delivers approximately 400 kilometers of range in just 5 minutes, thanks to advanced silicon carbide power chips and 1,000-volt architecture that enables coupling with 1-megawatt charging systems. This represents a fundamental shift in EV charging paradigm—charging times approaching the speed of conventional fuel stops. CATL's Shenxing Plus battery system offers a 600-kilometer range after only 10 minutes of charging, with peak charging power reaching 1.3 megawatts and capable of delivering 2.5 kilometers of range per second of charging. These ultra-fast chargers are no longer theoretical prototypes—they're becoming operational in markets worldwide.

The technological advancement extends beyond simple charging speed. Wireless charging technology is progressing rapidly, with major manufacturers including Tesla, BMW, and Hyundai testing wireless charging pads that allow vehicles to charge simply by parking over a designated pad. Imagine pulling into a parking space and your vehicle automatically begins charging without any cables or manual connection—this is becoming reality. France is even exploring inductive charging technology with pilot projects testing embedded coils beneath roadway asphalt to charge vehicles while driving. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is enabling EVs to act as mobile power sources, returning energy to the grid during peak demand periods. Meanwhile, Plug and Charge systems are simplifying the user experience, allowing drivers to charge their vehicles automatically through cloud-based payment systems without manual interaction. These innovations create new opportunities for Los Angeles property owners to invest in future-proof charging infrastructure that remains relevant as technology evolves.

ChargePoint and other major charging networks are rolling out 600-kilowatt chargers across the United States, capable of delivering a full charge to most vehicles in approximately 10 minutes. According to industry data, ultra-fast chargers capable of delivering 150 kilowatts or above now account for nearly 10 percent of all fast chargers globally, with 350+ kilowatt chargers becoming the new standard. McKinsey research shows that these technological advancements could reduce charging times by up to 80 percent compared to just three years ago, fundamentally changing consumer perceptions of EV practicality. For Los Angeles businesses and property owners, this means that investing in chargers today doesn't mean your investment becomes obsolete—the infrastructure you install can accommodate tomorrow's faster charging vehicles through software updates and hardware additions.

Los Angeles Leading the Charge: Local Infrastructure Expansion

Los Angeles is not waiting for the future—the city is building it now. The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation selected it's electric to install 90 new curbside EV chargers throughout the city, with initial installations beginning in November 2025 in Koreatown. All 90 Level 2 charging stations will be deployed across the city within a 12-month timeline. This represents a significant expansion of public charging access for residents without home charging capability, directly addressing one of the primary barriers to EV adoption in urban areas like Los Angeles where many residents rely on street parking due to limited driveway or garage space.

The infrastructure development goes beyond street-level charging. Los Angeles has already installed 725 light-pole chargers using the city's existing streetlight infrastructure, a cost-effective and innovative approach that minimizes permitting complexity and installation costs. The LA Bureau of Street Lighting estimates that the streetlight system could support 3,000 to 4,000 additional chargers, representing significant untapped capacity for expansion. Furthermore, the Los Angeles County government released a comprehensive Zero-Emission Vehicle Master Plan recommending the installation of more than 3,700 EV chargers across nearly 450 sites, with over 6,300 county fleet vehicles transitioning to electric power. This county-level initiative complements the city's efforts and demonstrates institutional commitment at multiple government levels. For property owners and businesses in Los Angeles, this expansion signal means strong market demand for charging infrastructure will only increase. Our team at Shaffer Construction has extensive experience with both public-sector installations and private commercial and residential charging projects, understanding the unique requirements and permit processes for each.

California's Statewide Commitment and Market Opportunity

Los Angeles operates within a broader California context of aggressive EV expansion that creates immediate market opportunities. As of March 2025, California boasts 48 percent more EV chargers than gasoline nozzles in the state, a remarkable milestone that demonstrates how rapidly the state is building out its charging network. The state invested nearly 38,000 new chargers in 2024 alone and has approved a $1.4 billion investment plan to expand the most extensive charging and hydrogen network in the country.

This statewide infrastructure boom creates significant opportunities for commercial property owners, multifamily residential buildings, and workplace charging facilities. Los Angeles businesses that install charging infrastructure now position themselves competitively, attracting both EV-driving customers and employees seeking workplace charging access. Many commercial landlords report that businesses with charging access see increased customer dwell time and employee satisfaction. As discussed in our comprehensive guide to EV charging infrastructure for Los Angeles property owners, early adopters often benefit from both federal and state incentive programs that can offset 30 to 50 percent of installation costs. Shaffer Construction can assess your property's electrical capacity and recommend the optimal charging configuration for your specific needs, budget, and future expansion plans.

Preparing Your Los Angeles Property for EV Charging Infrastructure

The technological advancements and federal funding are exciting, but they mean little without proper installation and infrastructure planning. Most properties require electrical upgrades before supporting fast chargers, whether Level 2 chargers for residential use or high-powered DC fast chargers for commercial applications. This is where comprehensive electrical assessment becomes essential. Many property owners assume their existing electrical service can handle chargers, only to discover that panel upgrades, service expansions, or dedicated circuits are required. This assessment must be conducted by licensed electricians familiar with California's specific codes and the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety requirements.

Our residential EV charger installation services include full electrical load studies to determine your home's current capacity and identify necessary panel upgrades, permit handling, and professional installation by licensed electricians. For homeowners, we can assess whether your existing 200-amp service is sufficient for your charger or if upgrading to 400 amps is necessary. We handle all Southern California Edison (SCE) applications and ensure your installation complies with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. We also help homeowners navigate available rebates and incentive programs that can significantly reduce their net installation costs.

For businesses, the considerations are more complex. Commercial properties may benefit from commercial EV charging solutions that can serve customers, employees, and fleet vehicles simultaneously. The electrical infrastructure required for multiple fast chargers demands careful planning and often involves significant panel upgrades, service expansion, or even dedicated transformer upgrades. Shaffer Construction specializes in these complex installations, handling everything from initial site assessment through design, permitting, and construction. We understand Los Angeles building codes, work directly with local utilities like LADWP, and can navigate the incentive application process to help minimize your net installation costs. We can also help businesses evaluate whether to install their own charging network or partner with third-party operators.

The Path Forward: Technology, Infrastructure, and Expert Installation

The future of EV charging in Los Angeles is bright. Federal funding continues to flow, technology advances at an accelerating pace, and local leadership is committed to making charging access universal. For property owners and businesses, the time to act is now. Waiting means missing out on available incentives, falling behind in market competitiveness, and delaying the benefits of sustainable operations. Whether you're installing a single home charger or building a commercial charging network, the decision requires technical expertise and local knowledge. That's exactly what Shaffer Construction brings to every project. As demonstrated in our recent work detailed in our comprehensive guide on preparing Los Angeles buildings for the EV charging boom, we understand the unique challenges Los Angeles property owners face and the solutions that work best in our market. The convergence of these trends—federal funding, advancing technology, local government support, and increasing consumer demand—creates a unique window of opportunity for proactive property owners.

Conclusion

The future of EV charging is no longer distant—it's arriving in 2025 with federal support, revolutionary technology, and local infrastructure expansion that's transforming Los Angeles. The convergence of $635 million in federal grants, ultra-fast charging systems delivering 400+ kilometers of range in minutes, and ambitious local projects like LA's 90-charger expansion creates an unprecedented opportunity for property owners and businesses to invest in sustainable infrastructure. The technology will continue improving, costs will continue declining, and demand will continue accelerating. The question is not whether to install EV charging, but when. Early adopters gain competitive advantage, lock in current incentive rates, and position their properties for long-term success in California's rapidly evolving transportation landscape.

For expert electrical services in Los Angeles, including EV charger installation, electrical load studies, panel upgrades, and comprehensive project management, contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. Call us at 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com to schedule a free consultation. Our licensed electricians will assess your property's needs, explain your options, and guide you through available incentive programs. Visit our website at shaffercon.com to learn more about our comprehensive EV charging and electrical services in Los Angeles, or explore our detailed guides on preparing for the EV charging boom.