Tethered vs Untethered Chargers

A tethered charger has a cable permanently attached. An untethered charger has a socket you plug your own cable into. Which suits you comes down to how many vehicles you own and which connector types they use.

Tethered chargers

The cable is always there — pull it out, plug in, done. No rummaging in the boot. This is the most convenient option for households with one EV and no plans to change. The vast majority of new EVs sold in the UK use a Type 2 connector, so a tethered Type 2 cable covers most vehicles.

The downside: if you switch to a vehicle with a different connector type, you may need to replace the charger. With most vehicles standardising on Type 2 in Europe, this is less of a concern than it was a few years ago.

Untethered chargers

You bring your own cable and plug it into the charger's socket. This is more flexible if you have two EVs with different connector types, or if you regularly have guests who need to charge. It also keeps the cable in your car where it belongs — and is tidier aesthetically when not in use.

Which do most people choose?

Tethered units outsell untethered by a wide margin in the UK residential market. Convenience wins for most single-car households. If you are undecided, consider whether you are likely to change vehicles within the next five years and whether the connector type will change.

Price difference

There is minimal price difference between tethered and untethered units at equivalent specifications. The installation cost is identical. This is a lifestyle preference, not a financial decision.