The number of public electric vehicle chargers in the U.S. doubled over the past four years due to a surge in ownership and government funding under the Biden administration.

Why it matters: There has been a longstanding chicken-and-egg-problem with the EV transition: People won't buy an EV unless they have access to chargers, but companies won't invest in chargers without enough EV owners.

By the numbers: There are more than 207,000 publicly available EV charging ports in the U.S. today — up from around 95,000 when Biden first took office.

Zoom in: California is among the states with the most chargers with a total of 18,224 EV charging stations or about 46.8 EV stations per 100,000 residents.

• Above California, Vermont ranks in first with 71.5 and Massachusetts in second with 52.7 stations per 100,000 residents.
• There are about 152,300 total public and private chargers across California, per its dashboard.

Yes, but: While charging might be getting easier, the U.S. is still far short of its goal, as is California. The state projects it needs a million public chargers by the end of 2030 — nearly 10 times more than what's available today.

The big picture: The EV transition had been a key part of the Biden administration's climate agenda. His policies expanded consumer EV tax credits and manufacturing incentives for carmakers and mandated tougher tailpipe emissions laws to make EVs account for 50% of new car sales by 2030.

State of play: California's EV push has also been crucial to cutting carbon emissions.

• The state was the first to ban the sale of all gas-powered cars by 2035. The landmark regulation is being phased in gradually, beginning with 35% of 2026 models, increasing to 68% in 2030, until reaching 100% in 2035.

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Editor's note: Cox Automotive and Axios are both owned by Cox Enterprises.

The IRS is sending out $2.4 billion in stimulus payments to 1 million eligible taxpayers who didn't receive 2021 COVID recovery relief payments.

The big picture: The special payments are as high as $1,400 per individual and should arrive by late January in most cases.

Context: The payments are for taxpayers who didn't receive the Recovery Rebate Credit, also known as stimulus payments, in 2021.

• No action is needed to receive the payments, which will automatically be direct deposited or sent by paper check.

How it works: Check your payment status by accessing your IRS online account to view the total of "your first, second and third Economic Impact Payment amounts under the Tax Records page."

Pro tip: Make sure to file 2021 returns by April 15 for unclaimed stimulus money.

What's next: The 2025 tax filing season begins on Jan. 27. The filing deadline is April 15.

Go deeper

☕ The Starbucks in downtown off Jackson and Davis streets is set to close on Feb. 9 after 30 years. (San Francisco Chronicle)

💀 Overdose deaths in the city fell about 22% in 2024 from the year before, according to preliminary reporting data. (San Francisco Examiner)

🔥 A massive fire broke out at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County last Thursday evening, prompting evacuations and closures along Highway 1. (CBS News)

If you're looking to find another way to support ongoing wildfire relief efforts in LA from the city, these local bars have you covered. You can help by contributing a direct donation, buying a special drink, or attending a fundraiser.

💸 Trick Dog: The Mission's esteemed cocktail bar will host a wildfire-relief fundraiser on Jan. 21 and serve up cocktails from five popular LA-based bars, including Thunderbolt, Death & Co., Mirate, Employees Only LA and Dante Beverly Hills.

• The new circus-themed cocktail menu will also be available. All sales of the evening will be donated to hospitality workers affected by the fires.
• Today, from 4pm to midnight at 3010 20th St.

🥃 The Snug: This spirit-driven haven in the Fillmore will be donating $3 from every "City of Angels" cocktail sold through the end of the month to the California Fire Foundation and the Pasadena Humane Society.

• The cocktail comes with your spirit of choice, kumquat, citrus, rosewater and a rosemary vermouth.

🍸 Holbrook House: $3 from every purchase through Jan. 31 of the swanky downtown spot's signature "Los Angeles Gin Martini" will be donated to the American Red Cross.

🍹 Pearl 1601: All proceeds from this Richmond favorite's special "Skylark" cocktail will be donated to LA fire victims.

🍷 El Chato: The Spanish wine bar in the Mission is soliciting donations through their website. You have the option to make it a one-time or ongoing contribution.

More ways to help

BART implemented new changes last week to synchronize schedules with other transit systems, reduce wait times and improve transfers to help make its operations more efficient.

Why it matters: The changes are part of BART's extensive, multi-year effort to modernize its train control system that will enable more trains to arrive per hour with fewer delays.

By the numbers: The adjusted departure times are expected to save some riders up to 16 minutes on their trips.

What to know: Most rides have only shifted by a few minutes, but make sure to check the BART Trip Planner with the new schedule for accurate times. You can also check the times for each line here.