Switching away from fossil fuels is almost always good for the environment, and often your bank account, too. If you’re planning a project that requires an electrician—such as upgrading your garage outlet to accommodate charging an electric vehicle—think about any other electrical jobs you might have on the horizon. The electrician who handles the garage could also prewire a connection for a heat pump. Or if you’re swapping a gas stove for induction and plan to get an EV soon, get wired for both at the same time. You’ll usually save by bundling multiple tasks into one appointment, even if it’s just the $25 to $75 they typically charge to travel to your home. And a bigger job might make an in-demand electrician more likely to take your gig in the first place.

For the charger, consider buying one that plugs into a 240-volt outlet (more specifically, a NEMA 14-50 type): They’re easier to replace than hardwired models and are also portable. The biggest investment of all of this, of course, is an EV—but it costs less to maintain than a conventional car, and you’ll save thousands of dollars on fuel costs.