The Ultimate Guide to EV Charger Installation and Infrastructure in Los Angeles
Introduction
Los Angeles is experiencing an unprecedented expansion in electric vehicle adoption, making EV charger installation and infrastructure development more critical than ever. Whether you own a residential property, manage a commercial building, or operate a fleet, understanding the current state of EV charging infrastructure in Los Angeles is essential for staying ahead of the curve. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we help Los Angeles property owners and businesses navigate the complexities of EV charger installation, from initial planning through final inspection and activation.
The EV Charging Revolution in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has become a hub for EV charging infrastructure expansion. According to the California Governor's Office, California now has 48 percent more public EV chargers than gasoline nozzles, and the state has surpassed 200,000 publicly available and shared electric vehicle charging ports. This expansion reflects California's commitment to sustainable transportation and creates tremendous opportunities for Los Angeles property owners.
In 2025, Los Angeles is witnessing several major infrastructure initiatives. Gravity Inc. is launching eight ultra-fast charging sites across Greater Los Angeles with 500 kW charging speeds—twice that of Tesla Superchargers. Additionally, the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation selected it's electric to install 90 new public curbside chargers, with the first 15 opening in November-December 2025 at Koreatown locations. These developments demonstrate that Los Angeles is becoming a leader in next-generation EV charging infrastructure. At Shaffer Construction, we stay current with these developments to ensure our clients benefit from the latest technology and best practices.
Understanding EV Charger Installation Requirements in Los Angeles
If you're considering installing an EV charger at a Los Angeles property, understanding the permitting and installation requirements is essential. All EV charger installations in Los Angeles require an electrical permit from the Department of Building and Safety to ensure compliance with current building codes. Most residential installations use an express permit process, which allows your contractor to file and receive the permit before installation day.
Residential Level II chargers require a dedicated 240-volt circuit, similar to what air conditioners or electric dryers need. Your electrical panel may require an upgrade if it doesn't have sufficient capacity. Installation must comply with NEC Article 625 and California Electrical Code, with proper wire gauge, conduit sizing, and GFCI protection depending on whether the charger is indoors or outdoors. Only C-10 licensed electricians can legally perform EV charger installations in California. Shaffer Construction's licensed electricians evaluate your panel capacity, plan the installation route, file permits, perform the installation, and schedule the required Building and Safety inspection.
The electrical requirements for EV chargers are more demanding than standard household circuits because of the continuous draw required for charging. A typical Level II charger operates at 240 volts and requires between 32 to 60 amps of dedicated power. This means your home's electrical panel must have sufficient amperage available. Many Los Angeles homes built before 2010 have 100 to 150-amp service panels, which may not have the capacity for EV charger installation without an upgrade. An upgrade to 200 amps, while more costly, provides greater flexibility for future electrical needs and ensures your system can handle EV charging without compromising other household functions.
For commercial installations, ADA accessibility requirements apply, including proper parking space height, reach requirements, and signage. These requirements ensure that all employees and customers can safely access and use the charging equipment. Commercial installations also require more robust electrical planning, as they typically need to support multiple chargers simultaneously. A commercial facility that installs even three to five Level II chargers may require substantial panel upgrades or dedicated electrical service. Shaffer Construction specializes in helping Los Angeles businesses design scalable EV charging infrastructure that can grow with their needs.
Residential vs. Commercial EV Charging Solutions
Residential and commercial EV charging installations serve different needs and face distinct requirements. Residential installations typically feature Level II chargers that provide 7-19 kilowatts of power, allowing an EV to charge fully overnight. Most Los Angeles homeowners invest between $1,200 and $4,500 for a complete residential installation, depending on whether panel upgrades are necessary.
Commercial EV charging is more complex and typically requires multiple chargers to serve employees and customers. Commercial installations may include fast-charging Level 3 DC chargers for public-facing locations or multiple Level II chargers for workplace charging stations. As discussed in our guide about preparing Los Angeles buildings for the EV charging boom, commercial properties must carefully plan electrical infrastructure upgrades and charging station placement to maximize convenience and efficiency.
Shaffer Construction offers comprehensive residential EV charger installation services that include load studies, panel upgrades, permit handling, and professional installation. For commercial properties, we design and install customized charging solutions that meet your specific operational needs while ensuring full compliance with Los Angeles building codes and regulations.
Planning Your EV Charger Installation: A Step-by-Step Approach
Successfully installing an EV charger in Los Angeles requires careful planning and coordination with experienced professionals. The first step is determining your current electrical capacity. A licensed electrician evaluates your main electrical panel, assesses available amperage, and determines whether upgrades are necessary before charger installation. This assessment is crucial because attempting to install a charger on insufficient electrical capacity can create safety hazards, including overheating, fires, or breaker trips.
Next, you'll select the appropriate charger type and location. Residential chargers should be mounted in a garage or on the exterior of your home adjacent to a paved parking space for safe and convenient charging. The location should allow for easy cable management and weather protection if the charger is exposed to outdoor elements. Consider cable length and trenching requirements if your charger will be installed far from your electrical panel, as longer installations increase material costs and labor time.
Once you've selected your charger and location, your contractor will file for the necessary electrical permit with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. This process typically takes a few days for express permits on straightforward installations. After permit approval, the electrician performs the installation, ensuring all wiring, conduit, and grounding meet code requirements. During installation, Shaffer Construction inspects all connections, tests continuity, and verifies proper grounding before the charger is energized.
Finally, a Building and Safety inspector verifies that the installation complies with all electrical codes before the charger becomes operational. This inspection is essential not only for safety compliance but also for validating the installation work and protecting your investment. If any issues are identified during inspection, our team addresses them promptly.
Shaffer Construction handles every step of this process for Los Angeles residents and businesses, providing expert guidance, professional installation, and complete permit coordination. Our experience with thousands of EV installations means your project will be completed efficiently, safely, and to specification. We understand the local requirements, work with building inspectors regularly, and maintain relationships with equipment suppliers to ensure quality components and competitive pricing.
Incentives, Rebates, and Financial Support
Los Angeles property owners have access to significant financial support for EV charger installation. The federal government offers a 30 percent tax credit for EV charger installation at residential properties, which can result in substantial savings. Additionally, the State of California opened a $55 million incentive program for public EV fast charging, which covers up to 100 percent of installation costs for qualifying commercial projects. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power also offers commercial EV charger rebate programs for eligible installations, making the financial burden of upgrading electrical infrastructure more manageable.
As detailed in our comprehensive resource about what EV charger installation in Los Angeles means for property owners, understanding all available incentives can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Shaffer Construction's team helps clients identify and access all available rebates and incentives, ensuring you maximize savings on your EV charging investment.
Future Trends and Infrastructure Developments
The EV charging landscape in Los Angeles continues to evolve rapidly. Light-pole charging represents an innovative solution for urban neighborhoods, with Los Angeles having installed 725 light-pole chargers so far and potential capacity for thousands more. Los Angeles County's Zero-Emission Vehicle Master Plan targets the installation of over 3,700 chargers across county facilities, further expanding charging access throughout the region.
The integration of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is another emerging trend. Gravity's upcoming ultra-fast charging stations will feature V2G capability, allowing electric vehicles to return excess energy to the local grid during peak demand or emergency situations. This technology promises to support grid stability while providing additional value to EV owners. Shaffer Construction monitors these developments to ensure our clients benefit from the latest innovations in EV charging technology.
Conclusion
Installing an EV charger in Los Angeles is a practical investment in sustainable transportation and property value. With expanding infrastructure, available incentives, and professional installation expertise, the process is more straightforward than ever. Whether you need residential charger installation, commercial charging station setup, or complete electrical infrastructure planning, Shaffer Construction, Inc. provides comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.
For expert electrical services in Los Angeles, including residential and commercial EV charger installation, electrical load studies, panel upgrades, and complete permit coordination, contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. 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 see how we've helped thousands of Los Angeles property owners transition to reliable EV charging solutions.