Wireless Highway EV Charging, Global Sales 18.5M, Multifamily Gap

Introduction

The EV charging industry witnesses a technological breakthrough as the first U.S. highway segment wirelessly charges electric trucks at highway speeds, while global EV sales reach 18.5 million units year-to-date and a significant multifamily housing charging gap creates opportunity for property owners. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we track these developments to help Los Angeles property owners understand the evolving charging landscape and make informed decisions about their commercial EV charger installations and residential charging solutions. This week we examine how wireless charging technology is advancing, what global sales trends mean for infrastructure demand, and why multifamily properties represent a significant opportunity for charging investment.

First U.S. Highway Wirelessly Charges Electric Trucks at 65 MPH

For the first time in the United States, a roadway has wirelessly charged an electric heavy-duty truck traveling at highway speeds. The quarter-mile experimental segment on U.S. Highway 231 in West Lafayette, Indiana delivered 190 kilowatts to a Cummins electric semitractor traveling at 65 miles per hour, demonstrating technology that could fundamentally change how electric vehicles receive power. The system designed by Purdue University engineers uses transmitter coils embedded in concrete pavement to create magnetic fields that transfer power to receiver coils attached to vehicle undersides. Source: Purdue University.

The $11 million state-funded project represents a partnership between Purdue University, the Indiana Department of Transportation, Cummins Inc., and the ASPIRE Engineering Research Center. The test section features 85 uniformly placed transmitter coils energized by high-power inverters. Purdue researchers received the Technology Innovation Award at the 2025 IEEE PES Energy and Policy Forum for their work on Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer technology. The system operates at power levels significantly higher than previous U.S. demonstrations and works for vehicles ranging from heavy-duty trucks to passenger cars. Source: Indiana DOT.

The implications for commercial transportation are substantial. If electric heavy-duty trucks could charge or maintain charge while driving, their batteries could be smaller, allowing them to carry more cargo and significantly reducing electrification costs for freight transportation. While widespread deployment remains years away, the successful demonstration validates that in-road wireless charging is technically feasible at highway speeds. For property owners, this emerging technology represents one more factor accelerating commercial fleet electrification, which increases demand for depot and destination charging infrastructure at warehouses, distribution centers, and truck stops.

Global EV Sales Reach 18.5 Million Units with 21 Percent Growth

Global electric vehicle sales reached 18.5 million units year-to-date through November 2025, representing 21 percent growth compared to the same period in 2024. November alone saw 2 million EVs sold worldwide, continuing the momentum that has made 2025 another record year for electric vehicle adoption. Europe emerged as the clear growth leader with 33 percent year-to-date increase, while China maintained its dominant market position despite slowing to 3 percent year-over-year growth in November, the lowest since February 2024. Source: Electrek.

European growth was driven by renewed incentive programs in key markets. Italy achieved record EV sales of nearly 25,000 units in November after launching a new program targeting replacement of older internal combustion vehicles with approximately $700 million in funding. France returned to positive year-to-date growth for the first time in 2025, supported by VW Group and Renault alongside the nation's social leasing program targeting lower-income households. The European market reached 3.8 million units year-to-date, up from 2.9 million in the same period last year. Source: Rho Motion.

North American registrations fell 42 percent in November to just over 100,000 vehicles following the expiration of U.S. tax credits, bringing year-to-date performance to negative 1 percent compared to 2024. However, the installed base of EVs in the United States continues growing as millions of vehicles purchased in previous years remain on the road requiring charging access. As we covered in our analysis of nearly 20 million EVs now on U.S. roads, the existing fleet creates sustained demand for charging infrastructure regardless of near-term sales fluctuations.

Multifamily Housing Charging Gap Creates Significant Opportunity

Only 5 percent of U.S. multifamily housing offers on-site EV charging despite approximately one-third of Americans living in apartments, condominiums, and other multi-unit dwellings. With 80 percent of EV charging occurring at home and EVs expected to comprise nearly half of all new U.S. car sales by 2030, this gap represents both a barrier to EV adoption and a significant opportunity for property owners who invest in charging infrastructure. For many potential EV buyers, availability of home charging is more important than vehicle range or cost when considering an electric vehicle purchase. Source: Alternative Fuels Data Center.

States are actively addressing this gap through dedicated funding programs. Michigan recently awarded $1.84 million to expand electric vehicle charging across 31 multifamily housing sites, adding 201 new stations statewide. The initiative forms part of a wider effort to make home charging more accessible, support equitable EV adoption, and advance clean transportation goals. A newly revised call for proposals allocates an additional $5 million for non-public Level 2 AC chargers at both new and existing residential properties. Source: Electrive.

Silicon Valley Clean Energy offers rebates covering 75 to 100 percent of project costs for multifamily EV charging, including charger equipment, electrical upgrades, and labor. Affordable multifamily properties can receive up to 100 percent coverage, with standard properties eligible for up to $100,000 in rebates. As we detailed in our analysis of condo and HOA installation guidance, California's Right-to-Charge laws prevent property managers from unreasonably denying resident requests for charging installations. Shaffer Construction performs comprehensive electrical load studies to help multifamily property owners understand capacity requirements and design installations that serve multiple residents efficiently.

Understanding 2025 EV Charger Installation Costs

Residential EV charger installation costs average $964 in 2025, with typical prices ranging from $551 to $1,382 depending on electrical infrastructure requirements and charger type. Level 1 chargers, which use standard 120-volt outlets, cost $300 to $600 but require up to four days to fully charge most EVs. Level 2 chargers, requiring 240-volt circuits, cost $800 to $2,500 installed and fully charge most vehicles in 4 to 8 hours, making them the preferred choice for most homeowners. Source: HomeAdvisor.

Additional costs frequently include electrical panel upgrades ranging from $800 to $2,000 if existing capacity is insufficient, plus rewiring costs of $500 to $1,500 for 240-volt circuit installation. Permitting costs vary significantly by jurisdiction, ranging from $45 to $720 with an average of $297. Licensed electrician labor adds $400 to $1,500 depending on installation complexity. Properties requiring trenching for conduit runs or significant distance between panels and parking areas face higher costs. Source: EnergySage.

Commercial installations involve different cost structures. Level 2 commercial charging stations cost $3,500 to $15,000 per port including equipment and installation. DC fast chargers range from $18,000 to $350,000 or more per port depending on power level and site requirements. However, available incentives significantly reduce effective costs. The federal Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit provides 30 percent of installation costs up to $1,000 for residential and up to $100,000 for commercial installations through June 2026. California utility rebates from LADWP and Southern California Edison add thousands more in potential savings. Source: Qmerit.

Automakers Reaffirm Commitment to Charging Infrastructure

Major automakers continue emphasizing charging infrastructure as a priority for enabling EV adoption. The IONNA consortium, backed by eight global automakers including BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota, plans to expand to more cities and open additional charging locations in coming years. The founding automakers have stated their goal is to build the best charging network and experience in the United States, recognizing that their vehicle sales depend on customers having reliable charging access. Source: Automotive News.

Individual automakers are also investing independently of consortium efforts. BC Hydro recently opened a new 12-port charging hub at Pitt Meadows Athletic Park featuring four 180-kilowatt chargers, part of tripling its public charging network with 418 new ports added over the past year. Educational institutions like Ithaca College have expanded campus charging ninefold with 30 new stations available to students, employees, visitors, and the surrounding community. These diverse investments demonstrate that charging infrastructure deployment continues across sectors regardless of near-term policy uncertainty.

For Los Angeles property owners, automaker commitment to charging infrastructure validates the long-term market opportunity. As we discussed in our analysis of bp pulse's expansion and Blink's capital raise, both automakers and charging network operators continue investing in infrastructure growth. Properties that install charging capabilities join this expanding ecosystem while capturing currently available incentives.

What These Developments Mean for Los Angeles Property Owners

This week's developments highlight several important themes for property owners evaluating charging infrastructure investments. Wireless highway charging technology, while still experimental, signals the continued advancement of electrification across all transportation sectors including heavy-duty trucking. As commercial fleets electrify, demand for depot and destination charging at industrial properties will increase.

Global EV sales reaching 18.5 million units with 21 percent growth confirms that electric vehicle adoption continues accelerating worldwide despite near-term U.S. market softness. The installed base of millions of EVs on American roads creates sustained demand for charging infrastructure regardless of new vehicle sales fluctuations. Europe's 33 percent growth demonstrates that supportive policy environments drive adoption, suggesting potential for U.S. acceleration when policy headwinds subside.

The multifamily housing charging gap represents a particularly compelling opportunity. With only 5 percent of multi-unit properties offering charging despite housing one-third of Americans, property owners who invest in charging infrastructure gain significant competitive advantage in attracting and retaining EV-driving tenants. Installation costs remain manageable with 2025 averages around $1,000 for residential Level 2 chargers, while available incentives from federal programs and California utilities reduce effective costs substantially.

Conclusion

From the first U.S. highway wirelessly charging electric trucks at 65 mph to global EV sales reaching 18.5 million units, this week's developments demonstrate the charging industry's continued technological advancement and market growth. The significant multifamily housing charging gap, with only 5 percent of properties offering chargers despite housing one-third of Americans, creates compelling opportunity for property owners. Understanding installation costs and available incentives enables informed investment decisions. For Los Angeles property owners, these trends reinforce the strategic value of investing in EV charging infrastructure while utility rebate programs remain available and before charging access becomes a standard expectation rather than a competitive differentiator.

Ready to explore EV charging options for your Los Angeles property? Contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. for a complimentary site assessment and expert guidance on selecting the right charging solution for your needs.

Shaffer Construction, Inc.
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