Understanding The Differences Between Tethered & Untethered EV Chargers

Electric vehicles (EVs) are accelerating in popularity. As driving habits evolve and plugging into the modern world of electric vehicles becomes increasingly commonplace, the infrastructure supporting them is also rapidly changing too. One of the most significant aspects of EV ownership is the way you charge your car, and home EV chargers are now a must-have investment for anyone looking to enjoy the full convenience and efficiency of going electric.

No more worrying about range on longer trips and goodbye to queuing at public charging stations... A home charger allows you to plug in overnight and wake up to a fully-charged electric vehicle every morning. But before making that all-important EV charger purchase, it’s vital to understand that not all chargers are created equal.

One of the most important - and often overlooked - decisions you’ll need to make is whether to opt for a tethered EV charger or an untethered EV charger. This single choice can affect everything, from a matter of simple lifestyle convenience to future vehicle compatibility prospects, so it’s a decision you should definitely put some thought into.

In this guide, Eco Wizard will unpack the key differences between tethered and untethered chargers, exploring exactly what these terms mean while helping you to understand which type of EV charger might be the best fit for your needs. Whether you’re a new electric vehicle owner, or considering a charger upgrade, we'll give you the insights you need to make an informed decision.

Along with our extensive range of EV chargers, Eco Wizard also provides a selection of must-have electric vehicle essentials and accessories, including EV charging cables, electric vehicle mounts and posts, EV charging accessories and portable EV chargers for on-the-go charging...

What Is A Tethered EV Charger?

A tethered EV charger comes with a charging cable permanently attached to the unit — much like a traditional petrol pump. The cable is typically designed to be coiled or wrapped around a holder on the charging, and it’s always ready to go. Simply grab the connector and plug it into your vehicle - quick, easy and incredibly convenient.

Benefits Of Tethered Chargers:

• Faster Plug-In Time: Just grab your cable, plug-in and charge.
• Ease Of Use: No need to unpack a separate cable every time you charge.
• Secure Connection: It's not going anywhere! The cable is not only permanently attached but specifically matched to the charger, making it less susceptible to theft with potential socket locking features on some models. The tethered design also reduces wear and tear from repeated plugging and unplugging of a separate cable.

Drawbacks:

• Replacement Challenges: It can be difficult to replace a tethered EV charger cable with a like-for-like replacement without opening up the charger casing and professional help may be required. If your next car has a different connector type, the charger may also not be compatible.
• Aesthetics: The cable is always on display, which might not appeal to everyone, especially if installed near a front entrance or driveway.

What Is An Untethered EV Charger?

An untethered EV charger, on the other hand, does not include a fixed cable. Instead, it features a universal socket — just like a power outlet — into which you plug your own charging cable. This approach gives you a cleaner look and more flexibility, particularly if you own or plan to own multiple electric vehicles with different plug types.

Benefits Of Untethered Chargers:

• Future-Proofing: Easily switch in and switch out EV charging cables to suit different Type 1 or Type 2 electric vehicles and individual charging requirements.
• Lower Cost: Generally, untethered chargers cost less than tethered chargers because they are 'socket only' and the charging cable is not included in the final price.
• Portability: Use a pre-owned cable that you store in your home and take it with you for use with public chargers.
• Neater appearance: No coiled up or dangling wires when not in use for a clean, minimalist look.

Drawbacks:

• Cable Costs: They require you to plug in your own charging cable, so you'll need to purchase a cable if you don't already have one. These chargers are better suited to those who already own a charging cable.
• Less Convenient: You need to plug in both ends of the cable every time you use an untethered charger.
• Storage: You’ll need a safe, secure place to store the charging cable when not in use.

Which One Is Right For Me?

Choosing between tethered and untethered comes down to your lifestyle, your current (and future) vehicles, and personal preferences.

• For Simplicity & Speed, tethered chargers are hard to beat. If you have one EV with a Type 2 connector and no plans to change it, this is probably your best bet.
• For Flexibility & Aesthetics, untethered chargers take the lead. If you own or might own different types of EVs — or you just prefer a tidier look — untethered offers more adaptability.

Also, consider your charging habits. Do you want the plug-and-play convenience of a pre-attached cable every time you park up? Or are you comfortable with a few extra seconds of setup for the sake of flexibility? Ultimately, the choice between a tethered and untethered EV charger is a personal one. It comes down to how you use your vehicle, whether you prioritise convenience or flexibility, and how important visual tidiness is to you.

Installation & Cost Considerations

Pricewise, tethered and untethered EV chargers are generally quite similar, though tethered models may come with slightly higher installation costs depending on the cable length and mounting setup. Some untethered chargers also allow you to select a premium charging cable separately, giving you more control over cost and quality.

Keep In Mind...

• Cable Length Matters: Tethered chargers come with fixed-length cables, usually 5-metre or 7.5-metre options to suit your needs. Make sure you've got the right cable length for your parking setup.
• Grants & Rebates for installing electric vehicle charging points may be available to you if you live in the UK. The government provides a range of grants to help with purchasing and installing costs for renters, flat owners and homeowners with on-street parking as well as a grants for workplaces, businesses and landlords.