The Future of EV Charging Infrastructure: Top Trends Shaping Los Angeles in 2024

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity across Los Angeles and the nation, the need for robust, innovative, and efficient charging infrastructure has never been greater. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we are at the forefront of installing state-of-the-art EV charging stations that not only serve the needs of today’s drivers, but also anticipate the demands of tomorrow’s electric transport landscape. In this article, we’ll explore the latest technological advancements, sustainability trends, and research insights shaping the EV charging infrastructure—focusing on non-competitive, research-based sources and recent headlines.

Hydroelectricity: Powering the Next Wave of EV Charging

One of the most promising developments for sustainable EV charging infrastructure is the integration of renewable energy sources—especially hydropower. According to a recent USA Today report, leveraging America’s existing hydropower plants, alongside the creation of new facilities, could provide the green electricity vital for fueling the anticipated surge in electric vehicles.

Hydropower is a dependable, time-tested resource that already comprises a significant portion of the U.S. energy mix. Using hydropower to energize EV charging stations brings multiple advantages:

Low-carbon footprint: Hydropower generation produces virtually no greenhouse gas emissions, making it an eco-friendly power source for charging infrastructure.
Reliable base load: Hydroelectric plants can operate continuously, ensuring a steady flow of renewable energy to charging stations, even as EV adoption grows.
Support for grid stability: Hydropower can help balance fluctuations from intermittent sources like solar and wind, preventing grid overload as high-speed chargers proliferate.

However, the report also notes the importance of maintaining existing hydro plants while expanding capacity to meet future demand, highlighting a critical intersection between energy policy and EV infrastructure planning.

Maximizing Infrastructure: Untapped Potential of EV Chargers

New research covered by Transport + Energy reveals a staggering insight into EV charging infrastructure utilization. While the current global average is that each commercial charger supports just 11 vehicles, the research indicates each charger could potentially serve as many as 135 EVs.

This gap between actual and potential use points to several optimization opportunities for Los Angeles businesses, property owners, and fleets:

Smart scheduling and load management: Intelligent software can schedule charging sessions to maximize charger use without overloading electrical systems.
Location optimization: Strategic placement and accessibility improvements can increase the turnover and effective reach of each installed charger.
Integration with renewable generation: By powering more vehicles per charger—ideally with hydro, solar, or wind—environmental and economic returns improve further.

For property managers and fleet operators in LA, this means that even a modest investment in EV charging infrastructure can yield significant impact when paired with clever deployment and management strategies.

Innovations in Charging Technology: Robotic and Automated Solutions

A preview of the future comes from the unveiling of new automated, overhead robotic charging systems. As reported by electrive.com, Westfalia Technologies introduced Weplug—a robotic EV charger designed for automated parking garages.

This overhead charging system represents more than just a convenience:

Reduced installation costs: By operating above the parking space, Weplug eliminates the need for extensive ground-level rewiring or trenching, often significant contributors to project costs and timelines.
Future-proofing automated facilities: As automated and robotic parking systems become popular in dense urban areas like Los Angeles, compatibility with robotic charging makes such facilities more versatile and attractive to EV owners.
Efficiency enhancements: Automatic operation removes human error from the charging connection process, ensuring optimal charging rates and safety.

Robotic and automated solutions like Weplug are examples of how the convergence of advanced building systems and EV technology can create smarter, safer, and more scalable infrastructure for the city’s evolving transportation needs.

Fleet Electrification: Charging Depots and Logistics Hubs

Fleet electrification is accelerating rapidly, especially in logistics, delivery, and public transportation sectors. The recent opening of an advanced electric truck charging depot by NFI and Prologis Mobility in Ontario, California, underscores the shift towards large-scale fleet charging solutions, as highlighted by Charged EVs.

Fleet operators face unique challenges:

High power demand: Fast charging large commercial vehicles requires substantial electrical upgrade and coordination with utilities.
Space allocation: Adequate space for multiple high-power chargers and large vehicles must be incorporated into site planning.
Load management: Charging multiple vehicles simultaneously needs smart systems to avoid costly demand charges or grid overloads.

Key features of the NFI-Prologis depot include high-capacity charging infrastructure, robust energy management, and close collaboration with local utility providers. Such developments provide a blueprint for LA businesses looking to electrify commercial fleets or build charging depots. Investing in bulk charging infrastructure is increasingly practical—and necessary—as California pushes forward with zero-emission vehicle mandates.

Connector Innovations: Adapting to Global Standards

A final piece of the EV infrastructure puzzle is the rapid evolution of charging connectors and communication standards. For example, the widely reported move by Bolt.Earth to adopt the new Type 6 connector for DC fast chargers, as covered by Press Trust of India, reflects a growing trend toward interoperability and universal access.

Why is this important for local businesses and property owners considering EV charger installation?

Future compatibility: With the diverse array of vehicle manufacturers and markets, ensuring chargers are compatible with a broad range of connector standards is essential for customer satisfaction and long-term value.
Scalability: Universal connectors and standards enable easy expansion of existing infrastructure, letting businesses add chargers or switch hardware with minimal disruption.
User convenience: As travelers and residents expect reliable, user-friendly charging options, standard connectors reduce confusion and barriers to EV adoption.

For Los Angeles property managers, understanding the rapidly changing landscape of charging technology and connector standards is key—both for immediate returns and future-proofing investments in EV infrastructure.

Best Practices for Planning and Installing EV Charging Infrastructure

At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we guide our clients through every phase of EV charger installation, from site assessment to permitting, construction, and final commissioning. Based on the latest industry trends and research, here are some best practices to help you get the most from your EV infrastructure investment:

Evaluate current and future demand: Analyze property use, vehicle patterns, and EV adoption to right-size your installation.
Prioritize future-proof solutions: Invest in technologies and layouts that allow for easy upgrades and scalability—robotic systems, modular chargers, and universal connectors are increasingly available.
Integrate with renewable energy: Explore on-site solar or partnerships with green energy providers to lower emissions and control energy costs.
Utilize smart scheduling and analytics: Deploy intelligent charging software for billing, space management, and grid stability.
Work with experienced professionals: Choose a trusted contractor who understands EV technologies, code requirements, and the specific needs of Los Angeles parking and building environments.

Our team offers customized solutions for commercial properties, multi-family buildings, public parking, and fleet depots, making it easy for you to offer the best charging experience while maximizing return on investment.

Conclusion: Building a Connected, Sustainable EV Future in Los Angeles

The rapid evolution in EV charging technology and market growth highlighted above shows that the future of urban mobility and property value in Los Angeles is increasingly electric. By integrating the latest advancements in clean energy use, automated charging solutions, fleet infrastructure, and industry standards, businesses and property owners have unprecedented opportunities to lead in sustainability and innovation.
If you’re preparing to add EV chargers to your property or want to optimize existing infrastructure, Shaffer Construction, Inc. is here to help. We combine technical expertise, local experience, and a commitment to green building to deliver installation solutions that work—today and tomorrow.

For a free consultation or to learn more about our EV charger installation services, contact us at:
Shaffer Construction, Inc.
www.shaffercon.com
Phone: 323-642-8509
Email: hello@shaffercon.com
325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202, Los Angeles, CA 90004