If you own (or plan to own) an electric vehicle, you may have looked into EV chargers and come across the term “tethered EV charger”. But what is a tethered EV charger? And how does it differ from an untethered EV charger? In this article, we explore what tethered EV chargers are, how they compare to other charger types, and explain how you can get one installed in your home or office.
What is an EV charger?
First things first, let’s explain what an EV charger is. Put simply, an EV charger is a device used to charge electric vehicles. It transfers electrical energy from a power source to an electric vehicle’s battery. Dedicated home EV chargers are a much faster option for charging your car than using a domestic three-pin socket and is much more convenient than having to travel to a public charging station.
When it comes to charging an EV at home, there are generally two types of wall-mounted charger units: tethered and untethered.
What is a tethered EV charger?
A tethered EV charger is an EV charging unit that has a cable permanently attached. The cable is permanently fixed to the unit rather than being detachable. This eliminates the need for you to purchase a separate charging cable that you have the fetch and plug in each time you want to charge your car. A tethered EV charger provides a fixed, ready-to-use connection, that makes it quick and simple to plug your car in and charge it.
That means that when you come to charge your EV, you don't need to dig around for a cable in the boot, hope you’ve brought the right one, or plug it in, it’s already there, ready to use. Much like a traditional petrol forecourt pump: pull up, grab the nozzle, plug in, and charge.
Most tethered chargers in the UK use a standard cable length of around 5 metres, though some models offer longer cables too, if your parking setup demands it. Typically, tethered chargers are fitted with a connector type compatible with most modern EVs (in the UK that is usually a Type 2 connector).
Tethered vs. Untethered EV chargers: What is an untethered EV charger?
In contrast, untethered EV chargers are “socket-only” chargers. They simply come with the charging port, which is attached to the wall, but you need to purchase a separate cable (often supplied with your car) each time you use it.
While both EV chargers do the same essential job of charging your electric vehicle, allowing you to charge your car overnight or whenever your car is parked up, a tethered EV charger allows for added convenience and ease of use.
Benefits of a tethered EV charger
A tethered charger has several advantages, especially for home users who want a quick plug-and-go experience:
- Convenience and ease of use: Since the cable is already attached, you just unplug it from its holder and plug it into your car. No rummaging for a cable, no clipping on each time. This is especially beneficial in the cold or bad weather when you want to plug your car in quickly to get inside to shelter.
- Less risk of losing or forgetting cables: Because the cable stays connected to the unit, you don’t need to store it in your boot or risk forgetting it somewhere.
- Added security: Detached EV charging cables can be a target for theft as they can be easily removed and taken; a fixed cable reduces that risk.
- All-in-one cost (cable included): With a tethered EV charger, the cable cost is included, so you don’t need to buy a separate cable for charging which can be an added cost on top.
- Good for everyday use: For most homeowners who will plug in the same car regularly, the fixed-cable setup is more practical.
Tethered chargers do have some limitations. Mainly the fact having a fixed cable length may restrict how you park, and possibly less flexibility if you change EV models (especially if connector type changes).
Average price of a tethered EV charger
If you are thinking about installing a home tethered EV charger, it’s worth knowing what you might expect to pay. The cost of installing a home EV charger usually ranges from around £800 to £1200. This includes the cost of the unit and the installation. In some instances, tethered EV chargers can be a little more expensive than untethered EV chargers because they include the fixed cable.
To read in more detail about how much it costs to install an EV charger and what factors can affect the cost, read our blog on the subject.
So overall, you might expect to pay somewhere between £800 and £1,200 total, depending on your chosen charger, how complicated the install is (e.g. wiring, distance from consumer unit), and any additional extras like longer cables or smart charger features.
You can get money off the cost of installing a home EV charger in certain instances by applying for a government OZEV grant. An Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grant is a UK-government scheme that helps with the costs of buying and installing EV charging points in your home or business. The grant can provide up to 75% of the cost, up to a maximum of £350, off the price of a single charge point socket. To read more about UK EV grants, read our blog and get in touch with Next Gen Charge to find out more about whether you’re eligible for an OZEV grant for your EV charger.
Examples of tethered EV chargers available
If you’re in the market for a tethered EV charger, here are some examples of tethered EV chargers that are available. Next Gen Charge supply a range of EV chargers, many of which are available both tethered and untethered. Get in touch to find out more about our EV chargers and our team can help you pick the right EV charger for your home, office and car model.
- NextGen Nova: One of our premium own-brand EV chargers, built for performance, safety and energy efficiency. OZEV grant eligible, it’s also solar charging and energy tariff compatible, features dynamic charging technology and comes with a 7-year warranty. The tethered version comes with a 5m cable included. All for £949 with installation included.
- Ohme Home Pro: A compact, tethered EV charger designed with smart, cost-saving technology at its core. Full compatible with all electricity tariffs and solar charging, it syncs with your energy provider to automatically charge during the cheapest times. Installation costs are included in the price of £1049.
- NextGen Pro 7.4kW EV Charger: The NextGen Pro provides super-fast charging with mobile app control, scheduled charging during cheaper, greener hours, and energy provider integration. IP65 rated means its weatherproof in all conditions, has several built-in safety protections, comes in two colours and has a 7-year warranty. This tethered EV charger is available with three different cable lengths, 5m for £799, 7.5M for £849, and 10m for £899, so you can pick the best option for you. Installation costs are all included in the price, and we can apply for an OZEV grant on your behalf if eligible too.
Choose NextGen Charge for your tethered EV charger installation
At Next Gen Charge, we offer a range of premium tethered EV chargers, which feature all the latest smart technology and provide convenient, cost-effective EV charging at home or in the workplace. A tethered EV charger is often the most straightforward way to add home charging to your EV ownership with no fuss over cables, just plug in when you get home and charge.
We can assess your home or workplace’s electrical setup; help choose a tethered charger that matches your EV and parking layout and carry out the installation professionally and safely. Whether you want a simple home charger or a smart, solar-ready unit, we’ve got you covered.
We provide both home and commercial EV charging installation and are OZEV-approved installers. This means we can apply for an OZEV grant on your behalf if you’re eligible and will deduct the cost of the grant from your EV charger upon installation. All our EV chargers come with installation included in the cost, so there are no nasty hidden charges.
We handle everything from advice to installation, making the whole process quick and hassle-free. Contact Next Gen Charge today to get a personalised quote, discuss your options and take the next step towards smarter, simpler EV ownership.