The Future of EV Charging in Los Angeles: Trends, Challenges, and How Property Owners Can Prepare

Introduction

The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) is transforming transportation in California and across the United States. As more drivers make the switch to EVs, the demand for reliable, convenient, and rapid charging infrastructure skyrockets. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we understand the importance of a robust charging infrastructure and specialize in the professional installation of EV chargers for residential, commercial, and public spaces throughout Los Angeles.

In this blog post, we will explore the latest trends, partnerships, and innovations in EV charging infrastructure, examine industry challenges, and discuss what property owners should know when considering EV charger installation. All information is sourced from leading EV industry news outlets, ensuring accuracy and up-to-date insight.

The Rapid Expansion of DC Fast Charging Networks

The landscape of EV charging is evolving rapidly, particularly with the rise of DC fast charging (Direct Current Fast Charging or DCFC). Unlike standard Level 2 chargers, which may take several hours to fully recharge a vehicle, DC fast chargers can provide up to 80% charge in just 30 minutes, making them especially valuable for public locations and businesses catering to time-sensitive customers.

A great example of this expanding network is the recent partnership between BP Pulse and Waffle House. As reported by Charged EVs, BP Pulse announced plans to install 400 kW ultra-fast charging stations at hundreds of Waffle House diner locations across the Southeastern United States. The collaboration aims to make high-speed charging more accessible for road trippers and commuters, helping to bridge the gap between long-distance travel and everyday accessibility.

These chargers will enable compatible EVs to add hundreds of miles of range in the time it takes to enjoy a quick meal. This type of partnership demonstrates how innovative site selection—like choosing around-the-clock businesses situated near major highways—can make charging more convenient for drivers and help businesses attract a new stream of tech-savvy customers.

Why Ultrafast Charging Matters

The integration of ultrafast chargers is pivotal for EV adoption. According to a recent article by The EV Report, the collaboration between BP Pulse and Waffle House not only enhances convenience for EV drivers, but also supports the underlying infrastructure needed for large-scale EV adoption. As battery technology improves and EV charging capabilities rise, ultrafast chargers enable commercial properties to future-proof their infrastructure.

Ultrafast chargers like those being deployed by BP Pulse are designed with scalability in mind, capable of delivering up to 400 kW—enough to support today’s most advanced EVs and tomorrow’s vehicles with even larger batteries. For businesses, this means that installing an ultrafast charging station isn’t just about meeting current demand; it’s about anticipating future growth and positioning themselves as sustainability leaders.

Public-Private Partnerships: A Key to Growth

One clear trend in the EV charging industry is the emergence of strategic partnerships between private companies and public or semi-public entities. These collaborations are essential for the widespread adoption of EVs and for filling in the “charging deserts” that can make EV ownership challenging in certain regions.

A compelling example comes from the city of Lynnwood, Washington. As detailed in the Lynnwood Times, the city has unveiled its first set of public EV charging stations at the Civic Campus, a move designed to encourage public adoption of electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions. By investing in public charging infrastructure, cities and municipalities send a powerful message that clean transportation is a priority—while making it easier for residents, commuters, and visitors to access reliable charging.

For Los Angeles property owners, this highlights the opportunity to work with experienced contractors to install private or public-access charging stations. Whether for commercial, retail, or residential multi-family properties, being on the leading edge of the EV charging movement offers wide-ranging benefits: increased property value, extra traffic and visibility, and alignment with green building initiatives and city incentives.

Innovative Solutions for Emergency Preparedness

The resiliency of charging infrastructure has become more important as communities grapple with climate change and natural disasters. Traditional stationary chargers are critical, but portable, flexible solutions are emerging as an essential complement for disaster response and emergency preparedness.

As reported by WTNH.com, NovaCHARGE recently introduced the Flexx Mobile DC Fast Charger, a mobile charging unit designed to deliver fast, rugged charging during emergencies like hurricanes. These units can be deployed wherever they’re needed most—at shelters, evacuation centers, or along major evacuation routes—providing critical power for EV drivers and first responders.

While Los Angeles is less prone to hurricanes, emergency preparedness for earthquakes and wildfires is of growing concern. Flexible charging solutions, either stationary or mobile, are relevant considerations as property owners look to develop resilient infrastructure that protects residents, customers, and tenants during unforeseen events. When planning EV charger installations, it’s smart to evaluate not only convenience and capacity, but also reliability in crisis scenarios.

The Business Case: Commercial Properties, Customer Experience, and Revenue Streams

For business owners and property managers, installing EV charging stations is not just an act of environmental responsibility—it’s a sound business decision that can pay dividends in multiple ways.

Attracting Customers: In a competitive retail and dining space, on-site charging can be a differentiator that brings in valuable foot traffic. As seen in the BP Pulse and Waffle House partnership, charging stations can encourage drivers to stop, refuel (themselves and their vehicles), and explore the business, resulting in increased sales and brand loyalty.
New Revenue Streams: Property owners can choose to monetize charging stations, either through pay-per-use models or subscription fees. Charging infrastructure providers often offer flexible payment integration, making it easy for property owners to generate steady passive income.
Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility: With mounting pressure from customers, regulators, and investors to address sustainability goals, EV charging stations are a visible commitment to a cleaner future. They can also help properties achieve green building certifications and comply with municipal regulations.
Increasing Property Value: Future-proofing a property with EV charging increases its attractiveness to tenants and buyers. This is especially critical in California, where EV adoption is outpacing many regions and state incentives are available for Green building features.

Challenges Facing the Charging Infrastructure Market

Despite the rapid progress, not all the news in the EV charging world is positive. There are notable challenges and fluctuations impacting the market.

According to a recent report from Transport Topics, the installation rate of high-speed EV chargers in the United States dropped by over 21% in the first months of 2025 when compared to the previous period. This decline is attributed to a mixture of political uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and macroeconomic headwinds. Installation slowdowns could temporarily affect charger availability, particularly in less-dense regions.

Property owners considering charger installation should work with contractors experienced in managing permitting, procurement, and project schedules to reduce risks associated with market fluctuations. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., our team knows how to navigate the LA area’s unique permitting and power infrastructure to keep projects on track, even in an evolving environment.

Innovations: High-Power and Heavy-Duty Charging

Technological innovation is addressing many industry pain points by making EV chargers faster, smarter, and more adaptable. Beyond the ultrafast 400 kW chargers going in at Waffle House, next-generation solutions are on the horizon.

A significant leap was recently reported by electrive.com, describing SINEXCEL’s 1.28 megawatt (MW) system for heavy-duty vehicle charging. While such high-output systems are primarily designed for commercial fleets and freight transportation, they hint at an electrified future where even the most demanding vehicles—long-haul trucks, buses, or industrial equipment—can “refuel” quickly and efficiently.

For large commercial or industrial property owners in Los Angeles, planning for heavy-duty vehicle electrification is becoming increasingly relevant. By monitoring advances in megawatt charging and battery technology, forward-thinking companies can future-proof fleets and site infrastructure for decades to come.

What Property Owners Should Consider Before Installing EV Chargers

If you’re a residential, commercial, or municipal property owner in Los Angeles considering EV charger installation, it pays to go in prepared. Here are several key considerations:

Site Assessment: Evaluate your electrical capacity, physical layout, parking lot access, and security features. An on-site evaluation by experts like Shaffer Construction can identify the most cost-effective and future-resilient solution.
Charger Type and Speed: Determine whether Level 2 or DC fast charging best fits your property’s use-case and customer base. For commercial locations and public spaces, ultrafast options offer clear advantages.
Utility Upgrades: High-output chargers may require electrical panel upgrades or utility coordination. Early planning is critical to avoid costly surprises and permit delays.
Permits and Regulations: Local ordinances, accessibility requirements (ADA), and incentive programs may impact your installation. Partner with contractors experienced in handling Los Angeles permitting and code compliance.
Payment and Access: Choose between public or restricted access (employee parking, fleet vehicles, tenants) and decide if you want to charge a fee for use.
Maintenance and Support: Ongoing charger maintenance ensures reliability and safety. Choose equipment brands with strong support and warranty coverage.

Incentives and Support for California Property Owners

California remains at the forefront of EV adoption and offers some of the nation’s strongest incentive programs for property owners interested in installing EV chargers. These can include:

Cash rebates and grants from state agencies and utilities.
Federal tax credits for EV charger equipment and installation.
Expedited permit processes in some cities, including Los Angeles.
Special incentives for affordable housing or disadvantaged communities.

Our team helps property owners navigate these incentives and maximize their return on investment, further reducing the payback time on new charging infrastructure.

Future Trends: Preparing for a Fully Electric Tomorrow

The momentum behind electric vehicles is undeniable. Automakers are launching dozens of new models, cities are adopting climate-forward policies, and businesses of all types are investing in electrification. The rapid move toward electrified transportation highlights an urgent need for scalable, future-focused charging infrastructure.

Forward-thinking property owners and developers in Los Angeles should view EV charging as more than a simple amenity: it’s a core utility that supports tenant retention, brand leadership, and environmental responsibility. With ongoing advancements in speed, dependability, and integration, early adopters stand to benefit the most—especially as the city moves toward sustainability goals and statewide mandates accelerate zero-emission vehicle adoption.

Why Choose Shaffer Construction, Inc. for Your EV Charger Project?

Shaffer Construction, Inc. is an experienced Los Angeles-based contractor specializing in both electrical services and EV charging infrastructure. With in-depth knowledge of local codes, permitting, incentives, and site requirements, our team delivers modern solutions tailored to your property’s unique needs and future goals.

Whether you’re upgrading a single-family residence, retrofitting a multi-family complex, or planning a public-access charging hub, our team handles projects of every size with the same commitment to safety, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

Contact Us for Expert EV Charger Installation in Los Angeles

Ready to take the next step toward electrification? Contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. at 323-642-8509, email hello@shaffercon.com, or visit us at www.shaffercon.com to schedule a consultation.

Let us help you build the EV charging infrastructure that will power Los Angeles for years to come!