May 29, 2025 At the nation’s largest telecommunication conference, ConnectX 2025, hosted by the Wireless Infrastructure Association, KMB Design Group took the stage to talk about one of the most pressing infrastructure challenges: how to design and get the best return on investment with EV charging infrastructure incentives.
As the industry adapts to meet shifting wireless network needs and looks to sustainable solutions, KMB President Stephen Banks joined industry leaders to discuss how telecommunications and electric vehicle sectors are converging—and how developers, property owners, and cities can get ahead. Banks was selected as a panelist due to his experience in both the telecom & EV sector along with KMB’s broad experience in MEP, commercial solar, and electrical design. Banks emphasized the value of KMB as both an engineering consultant and strategic partner that helps clients turn concepts into viable, funded projects whilst guiding clients through utility coordination, infrastructure planning, and incentive qualification.
Why EV Charging Was Center Stage at a Telecom Conference
The telecom industry has been under pressure, with reduced deployments by carriers as well as higher adoption of automation. The slow-down has, however, created opportunities for cross-industry innovation. EV charging infrastructure is rapidly becoming a shared point of interest, especially due to its correspondence with wireless deployment in engineering and construction.
Wireless engineering capabilities are a seemingly natural fit with EV projects, whose success depends on productive site planning, grid integration, and long-term sustainable infrastructure performance. In light of such synergies, ConnectX convened The Charged-Up EV Infrastructure Luncheon. Here, decision-makers in the development, utility, and public spheres learned about what incentives are available and how to actually make use of them.
Key Takeaways on EV Charging Infrastructure Incentives
Understanding the Incentive Landscape
EV charging station incentives abound—federal rebates to state and local grants. Banks addressed a persistent issue: understanding what programs are available on a state and federal level:
- State Programs: incentives vary significantly by state, with differences in funding amounts, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and supported equipment. Many programs operate on limited budgets and can exhaust their funding in months—especially for high-demand areas or DC fast charging projects. Incentive values often depend on the number of ports, charger type, and whether the project is located in a priority zone like a disadvantaged or rural area.
- Federal Programs: The NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) program, which is currently on hold, Federal incentives, though, tend to have more stringent compliance requirements.
- Utility Rebates: Among the most effective incentives are the ones available directly from your local utilities, especially when planned ahead.
KMB helps clients address these issues before they break ground. We bring in expert designers and utility specialists who know how to anticipate these constraints and build around them.
Challenges in Implementation
Deploying Level 2 and DC Fast Charging (Level 3) stations is more complex than many anticipate. One of the most significant barriers is ensuring adequate power supply from the local utility.
- In many regions, utilities are not yet equipped to deliver the high-voltage capacity needed for fast charging without months of infrastructure upgrades.
- Misunderstandings about permitting timelines, documentation, and compliance requirements can delay projects or disqualify them from key incentive programs.
KMB helps clients navigate these challenges from the outset, leveraging in-house designers and utility specialists who proactively address these constraints and develop solutions that keep projects on track and rebate-eligible.
Maximizing ROI with Smarter Planning
Banks highlighted the importance of “location, location, location” from the perspective of electrical availability, user experience, and site security:
- Secure, well-lit areas with cameras
- Proximity to rest stops or shopping plazas
- Safe nighttime visibility for drivers
KMB’s St. Augustine, Florida design for 31 L2 chargers providing 62 ports across 11 hub locations with Florida Power & Light was listed as a success story. Its Level 2 installation endured rigorous compliance testing, demonstrating KMB’s early problem-solving to meet the utilities electrical harmonic requirements.
How KMB Assists Clients to Leverage EV Charging Infrastructure Incentives
Central to KMB’s EV infrastructure solution is their complete-service engineering method of integrating:
- In-house electrical engineers
- Utility interconnect specialists
- Incentive-aware project managers
This methodology allows KMB to reduce project risk, speed up rebate applications, and implement systems that are future-proof. Without incentives, ROI on EV charger installs can be 15–17 years out. With successful rebate capture, that milestone can be shortened to as low as 5–7 years.
In the current market, that’s the difference between sinking and floating a project.
Industry Trends and the Road Ahead
Two speedily evolving trends were also highlighted by Banks:
- Fleet EV Charging: When it’s time for corporate and logistics fleets to become electric, they’ll require centralized, high-capacity charging—a problem in design KMB is uniquely suited to address.
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): This system allows EVs to return electricity to the grid during peak usage times, saving operators on utility bills. It’s a market that prioritizes smart design and flexible interconnects, areas where KMB excels.
With a solar, telecom and MEP background, KMB provides a full picture of the integration of EV projects with other building systems. This includes renewable energy sources and smart metering.
Final Thoughts from the Panel
Stephen Banks left attendees with one critical piece of advice:
“Advanced coordination and planning with utilities are the most critical elements of successful EV deployment. In their absence, even the best funding will prove to be insufficient.”
Why KMB is a Reliable EV Charging Infrastructure Partner
What sets KMB apart isn’t technical sophistication—it’s strategic vision. We treat each EV project as an evolving ecosystem, not an individual installation. KMB helps clients:
- Formulate long-term goals
- Design for scalability and future compliance
- Select the right Charge Point Operator (CPO) vs. owning outright
- Navigate permitting, interconnects, and incentive paperwork
KMB Design Group works with property developers, retailers, municipalities, and private fleets to create smart, scalable, and funded EV infrastructure solutions. If your business is spearheading EV deployment or desires to capitalize on infrastructure incentives, our engineering services will help you plan, apply, and build with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What EV charging incentives are available for developers?
Programs vary by state and utility but can include rebates for installation, federal tax credits, and grants for hardware or labor costs.
How does KMB help clients qualify for EV charging incentives?
KMB manages the paperwork, compliance checks, and site readiness to ensure clients meet all application requirements on time.
What is the difference between owning an EV charging station and using a CPO?
Owning gives full control and long-term gains but requires higher upfront investment. CPOs offer shared revenue models with less risk.
Why should I consider future-proofing my EV site?
Trends like fleet charging and V2G require additional capacity and connectivity. Planning now helps avoid major retrofits later.