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EV Charging in Los Angeles: Complete Guide 2025

Everything you need to know about charging your electric vehicle in Los Angeles, from Tesla Superchargers to public networks.

December 1, 2024
8 min read
Los Angeles, California

A Comprehensive Guide to Electric Vehicle Charging in Los Angeles

Report Date: 2025-10-28

Introduction

Welcome to the essential guide for electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Los Angeles. As a global leader in EV adoption and infrastructure, Los Angeles offers a vast and rapidly expanding network of charging options. However, navigating this dynamic landscape can be challenging for residents and tourists alike. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the city's charging ecosystem, from station counts and major networks to costs, local incentives, and best practices. Whether you are a long-time Angeleno or a first-time visitor, this report is designed to help you charge your vehicle efficiently, affordably, and courteously.

LA's EV Charging Landscape: A Statistical Overview

Los Angeles is at the forefront of the electric mobility revolution, supported by a robust and growing charging infrastructure. The city's commitment to sustainability is reflected in the sheer number of available chargers and ambitious plans for future expansion.

Current Station Count (Late 2025)

As of October 2025, Los Angeles is home to approximately 8,323 public charging stations. This extensive network is designed to meet the needs of a diverse and growing EV community. The breakdown of these stations includes:

  • Level 2 (J-1772) Chargers: 7,153 plugs, representing the most common type of public charging.
  • DC Fast Chargers: 493 plugs, enabling rapid charging for long-distance travel or quick top-ups.
  • Free Charging Stations: 394 stations offer charging at no cost, providing an economical option for drivers.

Rapid Growth and Future Projections

The growth of LA's charging infrastructure has been exponential. Since December 2022, the number of available chargers has increased by an impressive 77%. This trend is set to continue, driven by municipal goals and public-private partnerships.

Projections for 2030 indicate a significant expansion to meet rising demand:

  • Under current trends, Los Angeles could have approximately 50,000 public and workplace chargers by 2030.
  • With policy interventions aimed at promoting public transit and reducing vehicle miles traveled, this number could be adjusted to a still-substantial 27,000 chargers.

The city's utilization rate for chargers is also high, averaging 38.6% in the second quarter of 2025, well above the national average and indicative of a mature and active EV market.

Major Charging Networks in Los Angeles

A diverse array of charging networks operates across Los Angeles, offering various pricing models, charging speeds, and user experiences. Understanding the key players can help drivers find the most convenient and compatible options.

  • ChargePoint: One of the most dominant networks in the city, with 826 stations. ChargePoint offers a mix of Level 2 and DC fast chargers and is known for its widespread availability in commercial and public locations.
  • PowerFlex: A significant operator with 701 stations, PowerFlex is commonly found at Los Angeles County facilities and workplaces, offering app-based payment and fleet integration.
  • Chargie: An emerging network with a strong presence, operating 704 stations across the city.
  • EVgo: A major provider of DC fast charging, with over 140 fast-charging stations in the LA area. EVgo stations are strategically located in high-traffic urban areas.
  • Tesla: The Tesla Supercharger and Destination Charging network is extensive, serving the large population of Tesla drivers in Los Angeles. Its high-speed Superchargers are popular for their reliability and speed.
  • Blink: A key network with stations distributed across neighborhoods, beaches, and commercial zones, offering accessible Level 2 charging.
  • Electrify America: Known for its ultra-fast DC chargers (up to 350 kW), this network is a popular choice for drivers seeking the quickest possible charge.
  • Epic Charging: Another growing network with 495 stations, contributing to the density of LA's charging infrastructure.

Popular Charging Locations and EV-Friendly Destinations

Charging stations are strategically located at key destinations throughout Los Angeles, allowing drivers to integrate charging into their daily routines and travel plans.

Airports

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
    • Location: Over 1,200 charging stations are available across multiple parking structures. The primary address for most is 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045.
    • Specific Garages: Chargers are located in the Central Terminal Area (CTA) garages (P1, P3, P4, P6, P7) and the Economy Parking garage (Level 1).
    • Access & Cost: Stations are operated by PowerFlex. Access requires the PowerFlex app. Costs include a $2.00 service fee per session plus $0.45 per kWh.

Shopping Malls & Entertainment Hubs

  • Westfield Century City

    • Location: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067.
    • Details: Both ChargePoint (Level 2) and Electrify America (ultra-fast) chargers are available. They are located on Level P1 of the underground parking garage, accessible via Century Park West. The Electrify America station is near the Gelson's North entrance.

  • Santa Monica Place

    • Location: 395 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
    • Details: Chargers are located at 320 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA, within Garage 7 on Level 1. The site features six ChargePoint stations and one Clipper Creek charger.

  • Universal Studios Hollywood

    • Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.
    • Details: Charging stations are available in multiple parking garages, including the ET, Jurassic, Frankenstein, and Curious George structures. Networks include ChargePoint and Tesla Destination chargers. Costs and availability vary, and charging fees are in addition to standard parking fees.

  • Downtown Los Angeles

    • Location: Downtown is a hub for various networks. A prominent fast-charging location is the Tesla Supercharger at 787 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021.
    • Other Options: EVgo also operates fast-charging stations in the area. LA Metro provides primarily Level 2 charging at transit hubs like Union Station (1 Gateway Plaza).

EV-Friendly Businesses

Los Angeles is home to a thriving ecosystem of businesses that support electric mobility. This includes dealership groups like LAcarGUY, which offers over 50 green vehicle models and engages in environmental initiatives, and infrastructure companies like PowerFlex, which helps local businesses install and manage charging stations by navigating rebate programs.

Costs, Incentives, and Savings

Understanding the costs and available incentives is key to maximizing the economic benefits of driving an EV in Los Angeles.

Cost of Charging: A Network Comparison

Charging costs can vary significantly depending on the location, network, and time of day.

  • Home Charging: This is the most economical option, with off-peak residential electricity rates ranging from approximately $0.18 to $0.34 per kWh.
  • Public Level 2 Charging: The average cost is around $0.30 per kWh.
  • Public DC Fast Charging: The average cost is around $0.40 per kWh, though some networks can be more expensive. For example, Electrify America rates have been reported as high as $0.64 per kWh.

Local Incentives and Rebates (2025)

While federal EV incentives ended on October 1, 2025, Los Angeles residents can still benefit from robust state and local programs.

  • Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Programs:

    • Used EV Rebate: LADWP customers can receive up to $1,500 for the purchase of a used EV. Low-income customers enrolled in programs like EZ-SAVE or Lifeline are eligible for up to $4,000.
    • Residential EV Charger Rebate: A rebate of up to $1,500 is available for the installation of a qualified Level 2 home charger.

  • State of California Programs:

    • Clean Cars 4 All: This program offers rebates from $1,500 to $4,000 for eligible lower-income buyers, often requiring the trade-in of an older, less efficient vehicle.

Note: Incentive programs are often funded on a first-come, first-served basis. Always check the official program websites for the latest information on availability and eligibility.

Navigating the LA Charging Scene: Best Practices

Adhering to established best practices ensures a smooth and considerate charging experience for everyone.

Peak Usage Times

To save money and reduce strain on the electrical grid, it is crucial to avoid charging during peak hours as defined by utility Time-of-Use (TOU) rates.

  • LADWP Peak Hours:
    • High Peak (Most Expensive): 1:00 PM – 4:59 PM on weekdays.
    • Low Peak (Moderately Expensive): 10:00 AM – 12:59 PM and 5:00 PM – 7:59 PM on weekdays.
  • Recommended Off-Peak Charging (Least Expensive):
    • 8:00 PM – 9:59 AM on weekdays and all day on weekends.

Charging during off-peak hours is not only cheaper but also aligns with periods when renewable energy is more abundant on the grid.

Charging Etiquette

Courteous behavior at public charging stations is essential, especially in a high-demand area like Los Angeles.

  • Don't Hog the Charger: Once your vehicle is sufficiently charged, move it so others can use the station. At DC fast chargers, it is customary to charge to only 80-85%, as the charging speed slows significantly beyond that point.
  • Park Properly: Use only designated EV charging spots and only when you are actively charging.
  • Never Unplug Another Vehicle: Unplugging someone else's car without permission is a major breach of etiquette and can potentially cause damage.
  • Keep it Tidy: Return the charging cable neatly to its holder to prevent it from becoming a tripping hazard or being damaged.
  • Use Apps to Communicate: Tools like PlugShare allow drivers to check in, report issues, and see if other drivers are waiting.

The Future of EV Charging in Los Angeles

Los Angeles continues to invest heavily in its EV infrastructure to support its ambitious climate goals. Several key projects are underway to further enhance the charging network.

  • LA County ZEV Master Plan: This plan aims to install 60,000 public chargers across the county by 2025, with a focus on deploying chargers equitably in underserved communities. The plan also includes the installation of over 3,700 chargers at county facilities.
  • Fast Charge California Project (CALeVIP): A $55 million state incentive program launched in 2025 to fund the installation of new DC fast chargers. The program prioritizes installations in disadvantaged and tribal communities to improve charging access for all.
  • Streetlight-Integrated Charging: The LA Bureau of Street Lighting is expanding its innovative program to install curbside EV chargers on existing streetlight poles. This cost-effective solution helps bring charging to dense residential areas where off-street parking is limited.

These initiatives, combined with ongoing private investment, ensure that Los Angeles will remain a leader in electric mobility for years to come.