Tethered or untethered EV charger: What should I get?

Tethered vs untethered EV charger: What's the difference?

In effect, both tethered and untethered EV chargers work in the same way – with the main purpose being to charge an electric car.

The difference between them is the charging cable. In simple terms, tethered chargers have a fixed cable that can’t be removed. Whereas untethered chargers have a detachable cable.

If you’re just stepping into the world of EV charging, you may want to start by reading our complete guide to EV charging at home - it’s a great starting point.

What is a tethered EV charger?

A tethered EV charger features a permanently attached charging cable that stays plugged into the charging point, making it easy for users to plug in their electric vehicles at home.

Tethered chargers are a popular choice with EV owners because of their convenience and ease of use. They work by simply unravelling the cable from the charging port and inserting it into your vehicle, much the same as filling up your car with petrol.

One of the biggest benefits of tethered chargers is that the price of the charging cable is included in the price of the EV charger unit.

Most manufacturers provide 5-metre cables as standard, but they can vary between 2-10 metres. So, before buying a tethered charger, it's worth checking what length of cable is included – in a lot of cases you can upgrade to a longer cable at an extra cost, if you need to.

If you’re looking to find out more about home charging costs, take a look at our guide on how much it costs to charge your EV.

Pros of a tethered EV charger

• Easy to use: Tethered EV chargers are a popular choice because of their convenience. Simply plug in and go.
• Cost effective: The cost of your cable is included in the price of your EV charger which can be upwards of around £500 (without installation).
• Security: With the cable being attached to the charger, you won’t lose it, and it means it’s less likely to get stolen.
• Compatibility: Chargers usually support several models of car, making them a versatile choice.
• Consistent charging speed: Tethered chargers are often designed for optimal charging efficiency.

Cons of a tethered EV charger

• Limited cable length: You can be restricted to a certain cable length. The standard length for cable is 5-metres, so you’d need to pay more if you want or need a longer cable.
• Restricted connections: While it's usually standard for Europe, tethered chargers are restricted to Type 1 and Type 2 charging connections.
• Weather damage: As the tethered cable is attached, it’s more exposed to the elements, which can cause damage over time.
• Space constraints: In smaller areas, the fixed cable can create obstacles and hinder movement.

What is an untethered EV charger?

Untethered EV chargers are a type of charging station that don’t have a permanently attached charging cable. Instead, they have a port which allows users to connect a charging cable and attach it to your electric vehicle.

Arguably, one of the biggest advantages of untethered chargers is that they’re more future proof. This is because the cable can easily be replaced without having to pay for a whole new charging unit.

Another advantage of the detachable cable is that you can take it wherever you travel, meaning you’re not just restricted to charging your car at home. So, you can use it on public EV chargers, providing they have the right connection type for your car.

This also means that any family or friends with an electric vehicle can plug their own charging cable into your home EV charger.

It’s fair to say that untethered chargers are a bit more pleasing to the eye, too. As they’re more compact and the charging cable can be removed, they often look tidier than tethered alternatives.

So, if you’re concerned about how your unit will look aesthetically then you’re probably best to look at untethered chargers.

Pros of untethered chargers

• Cost effective: If your EV charger cable gets lost or damaged, you can replace it without having to buy an entirely new EV charger.
• More flexibility: The untethered charging cable can be used in public charging points, so if you have the right type of charger, it gives you the flexibility to use it on a variety of public and residential charging points.
• Reduced wear and tear: With an untethered charging cable you have less risk of weather damage as you can safely keep it stored away from the elements.
• Space efficiency: Untethered chargers can be installed into smaller areas as they take up less space compared to tethered charging points.
• Aesthetics: With an untethered charger you can keep it packed away and tidy when you’re not using it, so it’s nicer to look at. Cons of untethered chargers
• Cost of cable: While it’s great having a separate cable that can be replaced easily, a replacement cable can vary in price depending on the type and length of cable you need.
• Less convenient: Because you attach and detach the untethered charger, it could be considered less convenient than a tethered EV charger. Higher loss or theft risk: As a portable charger there’s a higher risk that it could be lost or stolen.

Cons of untethered chargers

• Cost of cable: While it’s great having a separate cable that can be replaced easily, a replacement cable can vary in price depending on the type and length of cable you need.
• Less convenient: Because you attach and detach the untethered charger, it could be considered less convenient than a tethered EV charger.
• Higher loss or theft risk: As a portable charger there’s a higher risk that it could be lost or stolen.

So, should I get a tethered or untethered EV charger?

Hopefully this article has given you some food for thought when considering what sort of EV charger would be best suited to you and your needs. Whether you’re looking for the convenience of just being able to plug in your car overnight, or you’re wanting to have it ready when you’re on the road – there’s a lot of choice on the market.

It can also depend on budget or aesthetics, so we’d always recommend shopping around to find the right EV charger for you.

Looking for reliable EV charger installation?

If you’re looking to install an EV charger at your home, we’ve teamed up with BOXT to bring you fast EV charging at home, with transparent fixed prices and an effortless installation service. Answer a few simple questions and get a free quote today.