The Difference between Tethered and Untethered EV Chargers

Owning an electric vehicle (EV) has several benefits. For one thing, it’s more economical since you no longer have to worry about fuel costs. EVs are also easier to maintain because they have fewer moving parts compared to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine (ICE). Nevertheless, there are some things you need to keep in mind as an EV owner. One of the most important is selecting a home EV charger that’s compatible with your car.

There are two kinds of EV chargers you can install: the tethered and the untethered units. Let’s have a look at their differences, as well as their distinct advantages and disadvantages. This way, you can find a local EV charger installer near you and have a professional install an EV charger that best suits your needs:

What Is a Tethered EV Charger?

A tethered EV charger is a type of charging station that comes equipped with a built-in charging cable. All that the driver needs to do is plug it into the vehicle. Due to its design, this home EV charger provides a convenient one-stop solution for EV owners, which can be beneficial if you’re always in a rush. The cable is typically the most common connector type, Type 2, which makes it suitable for nearly all electric vehicles on the road today. Additionally, with the cable permanently attached to the charging unit, it gives the EV charger an extra layer of cable theft protection, speed, and convenience.

What Is an Untethered EV Charger?

An untethered EV charger distinguishes itself by not having a permanently attached charging cable. Unlike its tethered counterpart, users of untethered chargers need to supply their own charging cable that’s compatible with the charging unit and their vehicle. As a result, untethered EV chargers offer you more flexibility. Since you can use your preferred charging cable, this allows you to select the length and type of cable that best suit your charging requirements and setup.

In the event of cable damage, you can replace the cable without affecting the charging unit. This modularity can result in cost savings and reduced downtime compared to tethered chargers, where cable damage might necessitate more extensive repairs.

While the flexibility of using one's cable is a plus, it comes with the challenge of cable management. Should you decide to own an untethered unit, you must carry and store the charging cable in a safe place, adding a layer of responsibility to the charging process. The detachable nature of the cable also introduces the risk of misplacement or damage. That’s why users need to be mindful of handling and storing the cable properly to avoid inconveniences.

Which EV Charger Is Better for You?

Now that you know the difference between the two types of home EV chargers, it’ll be easier for you to choose which one will serve you better. The decision between a tethered and untethered EV charger ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Thus, if you’re looking for a dedicated home charging station, a tethered EV charger might be the ideal choice. The convenience it provides can simplify your daily charging routine, especially if you own a single electric vehicle model with a compatible charging port. Also, if your car’s parking spot is more or less fixed, then the limited length of the charging cable shouldn’t be an issue.

However, if you prefer a charger that’s more flexible and can adapt to your future EV choices, an untethered unit might fit you better. Since the charging station depends on the type of cable you’ll use, you get the freedom to select the most suitable cable for each situation. This is more relevant in cases where you have multiple EVs or the parking positions of your vehicles tend to change over time.

Ultimately, the decision between a tethered and untethered EV charger is a personal one, influenced by individual lifestyle, charging habits, and your specific EV. Nevertheless, when it comes to installing a home EV charger, one thing’s for certain: the process must be handled by a professional.

If you’re looking for a company that offers reliable and expert EV charging point installation in the UK, Elecology is a name you can trust. Our certified technicians have experience installing a variety of home and commercial EV charging stations, ensuring that your EV charging unit is in good hands. Request a quote today so that we can start developing an electric vehicle charging point installation plan free of charge.