Introduction
The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is powering forward in Los Angeles and across the nation, with more people choosing clean and efficient transportation. As an experienced electrical and general contractor, Shaffer Construction, Inc. has seen firsthand the rapidly increasing demand for EV chargers and the infrastructure required to support them. As policies evolve, incentives become available, and more reliable technologies hit the market, the time has never been better for property owners, businesses, and residents to invest in EV charging solutions.
In this article, we’ll break down the latest funding opportunities, tax credits, and incentives for EV chargers, discuss the importance of reliable infrastructure, and highlight why going electric is easier than most people think. We’ll also address some common hurdles and offer practical advice on how to future-proof your property for the next generation of transportation.
If you’re ready to discuss EV charger installation or have questions about incentives, contact us today or call 323-642-8509.
Plenty of EV Funding Out There—And Experts to Guide You
Good news for anyone considering EV infrastructure: there is still a tremendous amount of funding available for the installation of EV charging stations. Government incentives, commercial rebates, and specialized grants are all part of a growing network designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and support new infrastructure.
According to a recent Electrek article, “there’s still plenty of money, and helping fleet buyers navigate those new incentives is becoming part of the broader business plan.” The article emphasizes how incentives are plentiful and accessible, whether you’re a commercial property manager or a fleet operator. The key is navigating the complex eligibility requirements, application windows, and specific project criteria—areas where seasoned contractors like Shaffer Construction can provide expert guidance.
Federal funds are also supplemented by state and local initiatives. These can bring installation costs down significantly and, in some cases, even make projects net positive in the first year. Our team keeps up-to-date with the latest programs to help you capitalize on available opportunities.
$7,500 Federal EV Tax Credit: Still Available
One of the most significant incentives for electric vehicle purchasers and owners of EV charging infrastructure is the federal tax credit. While there have been discussions about the possibility of budget cuts affecting the $7,500 credit, as of now it remains in place.
A Yahoo Finance report highlights that “the quest for budget cuts could endanger the $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax credit, but it’s still available.” The credit applies to new EV purchases (and some used), but there are also incentives for installing EV charging equipment—especially for commercial properties and multi-family residences.
For more details about qualifying for the tax credit and strategies to optimize your benefit, the IRS website is the most authoritative resource. However, the application process and stacking different incentives can be complex. We at Shaffer Construction are ready to walk you through each step, ensuring maximum savings.
Technology and Compatibility: What To Know About EV Chargers
Charging an electric vehicle isn’t just about plugging a cord into an outlet. The technology behind EV infrastructure is advancing rapidly, with different standards, power levels, and compatibility considerations.
Not all public charging stations are equally compatible with every make and model of EV. A recent report by The Drive illustrates this point with the new 800V Mercedes-Benz CLA EV, which adopts the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port for fast charging. Still, the CLA is currently “only compatible with a small fraction of public chargers out there.”
For property owners and fleet managers, this underscores the need to future-proof installations. Selecting EV charging equipment that supports the latest protocols—such as both CCS and NACS connectors—will ensure broad compatibility now and well into the future. Shaffer Construction partners with leading equipment suppliers to provide hardware that aligns with emerging industry standards, and we’re ready to analyze your site’s current and future needs before making a recommendation.
The Real-World Ease of Going Electric
Many people think making the switch to an electric vehicle is complicated, but today’s options make it surprisingly easy. As highlighted in a recent Cars.com article, new models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer accessible pricing, impressive performance, and attractive aesthetics. The infrastructure required to support these vehicles—from home chargers to public charging hubs—is also easier to install and operate than ever before.
The process for homeowners, businesses, and multi-family property managers in Los Angeles often involves only a few key steps:
- Site assessment to determine available power capacity and ideal charger locations
- Selection and acquisition of compatible Level 2 or fast-charging equipment
- Permitting, utility notifications, and coordination with property management
- Professional installation by a licensed contractor such as Shaffer Construction
- Activation, training, and ongoing support
The return on investment is clear: not only do residents and tenants enjoy added convenience, but properties see increased value and greater appeal to eco-conscious renters and buyers.
Making the Most of Grants and Rebates in Los Angeles
Southern California is a national leader in offering state, city, and utility incentives for EV charger installation. The specifics are subject to change, but here are some programs property owners should know about:
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California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP):
Offers rebates for installing charging stations at multifamily and commercial properties. More information can be found at the CALeVIP website. -
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Charge Up LA! Program:
Provides generous rebates for commercial, multi-family, and public agencies. See LADWP’s EV page for current details. -
Southern California Edison (SCE) Charge Ready Program:
Assists businesses and multi-family residences with incentives and educational resources. Check SCE’s Charge Ready for specifics.
Local government and various non-profits also partner in offering technical assistance and funding, so it’s worthwhile to work with an experienced partner who can navigate these opportunities. Our staff regularly monitors new programs and changes to existing incentives to help Los Angeles customers access every available dollar.
Reliability and Performance: Key Engineering Considerations
As the EV market grows, so does the importance of reliable, high-performance charging solutions. Downtime can frustrate tenants, slow business operations, or result in costly maintenance visits. That’s why modern EV charger installations rely on advanced engineering and thermal management strategies to keep equipment running optimally.
A case study from Charged EVs demonstrates how leading manufacturers address issues such as heat dissipation in new energy vehicle components. A reliable EV charging solution isn’t just about hardware; it’s a combination of robust design, careful installation, and ongoing monitoring. Selecting equipment with proven cooling systems and redundant safety features ensures that your station stays operational through heavy use and California’s warm climate.
At Shaffer Construction, our integration process involves:
- Assessing site electrical capacities and recommending necessary upgrades
- Selecting chargers with excellent thermal management and durability ratings
- Planning for future expansion as your needs and EV adoption rates grow
This attention to detail helps our clients enjoy seamless operations and long-lasting infrastructure.
Common Hurdles and How to Overcome Them
While installing EV charging stations has never been easier, some common challenges can arise:
- Electrical capacity limitations: Older buildings may need panel upgrades or new dedicated circuits to handle the load of fast charging.
- Zoning, permitting, and inspection: Every city has its own requirements, permits, and inspection protocols that must be met.
- Charger placement: Balancing accessibility, security, aesthetics, and code compliance is key, especially in multifamily and commercial settings.
- User education: Ensuring end-users know how to access and operate the chargers reduces confusion and maximizes use.
Our experienced project managers will coordinate with local authorities, ensure all technical requirements are met, and deliver a hassle-free installation process from start to finish.
Trends: Public Charging Expansion and Private Investment
Public and private investment in charging infrastructure continues to accelerate. Major cities, including Los Angeles, are installing more stations each year—not just for public use, but also through partnerships with commercial property owners, retail centers, and HOAs.
Internationally, examples such as Abu Dhabi’s new plan for 1,000 new charging stations show commitment at a global scale, with cities recognizing how crucial charging networks are for widespread EV adoption. In Los Angeles, private property owners who invest early in robust EV infrastructure stand to benefit the most, as the city and state continue to incentivize new installations.
For multifamily properties and commercial buildings, installing more chargers than currently needed can future-proof your investment. It’s much easier and less expensive to expand capacity during an initial installation than it is to retrofit a location later. Our team can help forecast your eventual needs and create a phased installation plan that keeps you ahead of the curve.
Next Steps: How to Prepare for Your EV Charging Installation
Ready to get started with EV charging on your property? Here’s how to optimize your project:
- Connect with an expert: Reach out to experienced, licensed contractors like Shaffer Construction—don’t risk working with unqualified installers. We’re happy to discuss your property at hello@shaffercon.com or 323-642-8509.
- Assess your site: We’ll visit your property, review your current electrical infrastructure, and recommend the best locations, equipment, and installation strategies.
- Explore incentives: Shaffer Construction will research and help you apply for all local, state, and federal programs to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
- Permitting and installation: We’ll prepare all the required documents, handle coordination with authorities, and ensure safe, code-compliant installation.
- Training and support: We’ll make sure your users are comfortable with the system and remain available for future service, upgrades, or expansion.
Why Choose Shaffer Construction, Inc.?
As a Los Angeles-based electrical and general contractor specializing in EV infrastructure, Shaffer Construction, Inc. is committed to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction. We have deep experience with every step of the process, from funding applications to panel upgrades and charger integration.
- Fully licensed, insured, and experienced: Unlike some new market entrants, we have years of experience managing complex Southern California projects.
- Local expertise: We understand Los Angeles codes, permitting, and utility processes better than anyone.
- Turnkey service: From concept to completion—all with a single, dedicated point of contact.
Contact our office at:
Shaffer Construction, Inc.
325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone: 323-642-8509
Email: hello@shaffercon.com
Ask about our free property assessment for qualifying Los Angeles area projects!
Conclusion: The Future is Electric—Get Ready with Shaffer Construction
The EV charging revolution is here, and with abundant funding, evolving incentives, and proven technology, it’s easier and more cost-effective than ever to install charging infrastructure at your home, business, or property. Whether you’re looking to attract top tenants, add value to your portfolio, or support a cleaner, greener Los Angeles, Shaffer Construction, Inc. is ready to be your trusted partner.
Get in touch to schedule a consultation or site review, learn which incentives you qualify for, and see how simple it can be to prepare for the future of transportation.