Lubbock’s Electric Revolution: Building the EV Charging Infrastructure Your Business and Home Need Today

As Lubbock, Texas embraces the electric vehicle revolution, residents and business owners are discovering that reliable charging infrastructure is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The Texas EV Registration Tool shows 509 electric vehicles registered in Lubbock County, and this number continues to grow as more Texans make the switch to cleaner transportation. With federal requirements calling for a 50-mile spacing between stations and TxDOT having chosen a location and contractor for the electric vehicle charging station to be built in town, now is the perfect time to plan your personal or commercial charging infrastructure.

Understanding Lubbock’s EV Infrastructure Landscape

Lubbock’s position in Texas’s expanding EV network makes it a strategic location for both public and private charging infrastructure. The Lubbock area is in transition from the Southwest Power Pool to ERCOT, which presents unique opportunities for electrical planning. Currently, the city of Lubbock has 109 public charging stations, 18 of which are free EV charging stations, with a total of 15 DC Fast Chargers.

The federal infrastructure investment is transforming the region’s charging landscape. Texas was given funding through 2026 of nearly $408 million from the federal government for the project, through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed in 2021. This massive investment ensures that Lubbock will be well-connected to the statewide charging network, making it an ideal time for property owners to complement public infrastructure with private solutions.

Home Charging Solutions: Your Daily Convenience

For Lubbock homeowners, installing a residential EV charger offers unmatched convenience and cost savings. Home EV charger installations require proper breaker sizing, dedicated circuits, adequate panel capacity, and safe outlet placement for Level 1 or Level 2 chargers, with homes having older electrical systems potentially needing upgrades to support the charger.

You’ll have to apply for a permit to install a home EV charger since this process requires electrical work, with requirements and application processes varying from one jurisdiction to another, but virtually any EV charger installation project requiring a permit. Working with a qualified electrician lubbock ensures all safety codes and local regulations are properly followed.

Level 2 home chargers are the most popular choice for daily use. Level 2 chargers require a dedicated circuit and wall unit, providing faster charging (10–30 miles of range per hour). This means most EV owners can achieve a full charge overnight, eliminating range anxiety and the need to rely solely on public charging stations.

Commercial Charging Infrastructure: A Business Investment

Businesses in Lubbock have a significant opportunity to attract customers and employees while generating additional revenue through commercial EV charging stations. Commercial charging stations attract more customers to your business, with Level 2 EV charging stations being particularly effective in places where customers already spend a lot of time, such as retail or entertainment venues.

The installation process for commercial properties involves several key considerations. The electrical contractor will determine if your current electrical system has the capacity required to handle the additional electrical load required to add EV Charging equipment, or if a service upgrade is required, and will also provide a recommendation on the best place to install your EV Charging station(s), with installations generally costing less when EV Chargers are closer to the electrical panel being used to source their power.

Commercial installations offer multiple business benefits beyond revenue generation. Many businesses may choose to offer employees free-of-cost or reduced-cost EV charging stations as a perk, which improves employee morale, showcases your commitment to innovation and sustainability, and helps attract and retain top talent.

Navigating Permits and Regulations

Texas EV charging installations require careful attention to permitting and code compliance. A permit is typically required for EV charger installation in Texas, especially for Level 2 systems that involve dedicated circuits or electrical panel upgrades, with local code compliance and inspections potentially applying depending on the city or county.

Level 2 EV chargers (the 240-volt models most people install at home) always require permits, as these chargers are considered “continuous loads” because they can run at high amperage for hours while charging your car, requiring dedicated circuits, specific wire sizing, proper grounding, and sometimes panel upgrades if your home’s electrical service can’t handle the additional load.

Choosing the Right Electrical Partner

Success in EV infrastructure planning depends heavily on selecting experienced electrical professionals who understand both the technical requirements and local regulations. Hooked Up Electric, based in Taylor County, Texas, brings valuable expertise to EV charging installations. Founded by a visionary with over 20 years in the electrical field, Hooked Up Electric has been serving Taylor County, TX, for four years, with dedicated electricians committed to not just maintaining but elevating the standard of electrical services through innovative processes and a dedication to excellence, ensuring every project meets the highest quality standards.

The company’s comprehensive approach includes both residential and commercial services. Hooked Up Electric provides top-quality electrical services throughout Taylor County, TX, offering solutions for both residential and commercial properties, whether you need a simple electrical repair, installation of lighting fixtures, or a full-scale electrical system upgrade, with their skilled team ensuring your property runs smoothly and safely while understanding the importance of reliable power.

Financial Incentives and Future Planning

Texas offers several incentives that make EV charging infrastructure more affordable. The 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit is a federal tax credit worth 30% of the cost of installing electric vehicle charging equipment (up to $100,000), available for businesses and commercial property owners who install EV charging stations in a qualified location and with prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

For residential installations, electric drive vehicles powered by a battery or hydrogen fuel cell, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a battery capacity of at least 4 kilowatt hours, are eligible for a rebate of up to $2,500, with one rebate available per eligible vehicle and rebates awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Looking Ahead: Lubbock’s Electric Future

As Lubbock continues to grow its EV infrastructure, early adopters of home and business charging solutions position themselves advantageously for the electric future. TxDOT has completed the scoring and selection process for Phase 1 of the Texas Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Program and construction has begun for 25 charging sites across Texas, with planning for 45 additional stations along the Electric – Alternative Fuel Corridors underway.

The combination of federal infrastructure investment, state incentives, and growing consumer adoption creates an ideal environment for EV infrastructure development. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for daily charging convenience or a business owner seeking to attract customers and employees, now is the time to plan your EV charging infrastructure.

By working with experienced electrical professionals who understand local codes, permit requirements, and installation best practices, Lubbock residents and businesses can build reliable charging infrastructure that supports both current needs and future growth in the electric vehicle market.