As more drivers switch to electric vehicles (EVs), one of the first decisions they face is whether to install a tethered or untethered home EV charger. The choice can have a big impact on convenience, flexibility, and long-term usability.
If you’re considering installing an EV charger, understanding the differences between tethered and untethered options is essential. This article compares these, outlining features, pros, and cons to guide you to the best choice for your needs.
What is a tethered and untethered EV charger?
If you’ve ever looked at EV chargers, you’ll have come across the terms ‘tethered’ and ‘untethered’. A tethered EV charger comes with a fixed (tethered) cable that cannot be removed, while an untethered EV charger does not come with a fixed cable (untethered), and can be used with a range of different cables as it’s a socket-only design.
The main distinction between tethered and untethered EV chargers is how the charging cable is included and connects to the unit. While both charge your vehicle, each has specific strengths and drawbacks, making it important to choose the best fit for your lifestyle.
- Tethered EV charger: has a permanently attached cable, just like a petrol pump. When you want to charge your car, you grab the built-in cable and plug it in.
- Untethered EV charger: the unit is a socket (sometimes called “socket-only”), and you use a separate plug-in cable that you attach when charging. The cable isn’t fixed to the charger.
That difference affects installation, usage, maintenance, and flexibility, so it’s worth considering carefully before you commit.
Pros & cons: Why choose a tethered EV charger?
Advantages of a tethered EV charger include:
- Plug-and-go convenience: the cable is always there. No need to fetch a separate cable, plug it in at both ends, or worry about compatibility. Simply park up and plug in.
- Ease of use for regular charging: ideal for daily home charging, especially if you use the same EV regularly.
- Lower fuss and less clutter: since the cable is attached, there’s no need to store or manage a loose lead.
- Cable is included: you don’t need to buy a separate cable or worry about buying the right one.
- Security and reliability: with a fixed cable, there’s less risk of forgetting or losing a detachable lead; the durability of a fixed unit can also mean less wear from repeated handling.
Possible cons of a tethered EV charger:
- Cable length is fixed: if your car parks a bit further away or you change where you park, a short fixed cable may not reach.
- Less flexible: if you change cars (especially with different plug or connector types), the fixed cable may not be compatible, and it could be an extra expense to update your EV charger.
- Aesthetics: Some users feel a fixed cable can look bulky or less tidy when not charging.
So a tethered charger tends to work best if:
- You have a stable setup: a single EV, the same parking spot, and you want hassle-free daily charging.
- You prefer simplicity and “set it and forget it” charging.
Pros & cons: Why choose an untethered EV charger?
Benefits of an untethered EV charger include:
- Flexibility: You can use different cables depending on which EV you drive or if you change cars in the future.
- Easier to future-proof: if you upgrade to a new EV with a different connector type or cable length, you don’t need to replace the whole charger, just the cable.
- A cleaner look: when no cable is attached, you just have a neat wall box. Good if aesthetics or minimal clutter matter.
- Potential cost advantage: depending on the unit, untethered chargers can sometimes be cheaper (though you must also buy a compatible cable separately).
Possible cons of an untethered EV charger:
- You need to handle and store the cable yourself, which is more effort every time you charge and a pain if you forget it or leave it somewhere.
- It adds an extra step, connecting your cable before charging and storing it after, which can be annoying for people who just want a quick, simple process.
- Risk of forgetting or misplacing the cable, and possibly higher wear on detachable cables compared to fixed ones.
- Less convenience for quick nightly or spontaneous charging sessions.
Untethered is best if:
- You own (or plan to own) different EVs with varying connector types.
- You care about flexibility, want to minimise waste when changing cars, or want a neat install with no dangling cable.
Tethered vs. untethered: what to consider before you choose
When deciding between tethered vs untethered, there are several things to consider and key questions to ask yourself, such as:
- How many EVs will use the charger? If it’s just one car, tethered can be fine; for multiple cars or potential future changes, untethered gives more flexibility.
- Parking setup & cable reach. Will a fixed cable reach your charge port easily? If parking position changes or space is limited, cable length may be a constraint.
- Connector compatibility. If you might upgrade to a new EV, an untethered socket could avoid needing a whole new charger.
- Convenience vs. effort. Do you want plug-and-play simplicity, or are you okay with handling cables?
- Aesthetics & clutter. Do you care about a tidy look when not charging? Untethered tends to look cleaner.
- Budget & long-term cost. Untethered chargers may require a separate purchase of a cable, but they can be more cost-efficient if you switch cars.
Tethered vs. Untethered, which is the most cost-effective EV charger?
Tethered and untethered EV chargers tend to be of a similar cost. Tethered chargers may cost a little more in total when purchasing the unit, but with an untethered charger, you have the additional cost of purchasing a cable, so it can work out around the same price.
On average, EV chargers cost anywhere from £800 - £1200. But how much it costs to install an EV charger at home can differ based on several factors, including the type of charger, the power and features of the charger, installation complexity, and whether or not you are eligible for an OZEV grant.
Next Gen Charge are OZEV-approved installers, so we can help you check your eligibility and apply for the grant on your behalf. An OZEV grant can get you up to £350 off the cost of your EV charger installation. They are available to different people in certain situations. Read more about it here.
Tethered vs. untethered: which is the best option for me?
Choosing between a tethered vs. untethered EV charger ultimately depends on how you plan to use it. If you want simplicity, reliability, and a no-nonsense charging routine, a tethered charger is hard to beat. If flexibility, future-proofing, and neat design matter more, an untethered charger often makes more sense.
At NextGen Charge, we offer a range of high-quality chargers — whether you prefer the convenience of a tethered setup or the adaptability of an untethered one. If you’re unsure what suits you best, our team can help you assess your home setup and EV usage to guide the right choice.
Next Gen charge can help you find the right EV charger.
At Next Gen Charge, we supply and install a range of premium EV chargers. We have both tethered and untethered options available and can advise you on the best choice for you based on your specific needs and budget. As OZEV-approved installers, we can also help you apply for an OZEV grant for money off the installation of your EV charger.
We have worked with many individuals and commercial clients to expertly install EV chargers. As one of the UK’s top providers of reliable, sustainable EV charging solutions, we’re dedicated to making the UK’s shift to electric vehicles as smooth and straightforward as possible. All our EV chargers come with installation included in the price, too.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your requirements and book your installation.