Tethered vs. Untethered EV Chargers: Which is Right for You?

For fleets adopting EVs, home charging is an essential part of their charging strategy. According to the Zapmap index, charging an electric car at public rapid and ultra rapid charge points can cost around 10x the amount of home charging on an off-peak tariff. As a result, home charging solutions offer the biggest in-life running cost saving to running an electric fleet. 

If you’re a driver having a home charger installed for work, you will likely have a choice between tethered and untethered EV chargers. Simply put, this means choosing whether the charging cable will be fixed to the unit or not. Both options provide reliable charging for electric vehicles, but the right solution for you will likely depend on your preferences. 

This article will explain what untethered and tethered EV chargers are, highlight the key differences between each, and how to determine which option is right for you.  

What is a tethered EV charger? 

A tethered EV charger is defined by a charging cable that is permanently attached to the unit. This offers a simple plug and charge experience, and has proved to be popular for both homes and fleet depots. 

Benefits 

Tethered EV chargers are highly convenient for frequent users, as they are readily available whenever needed. With a tethered solution, there is also no need to carry a cable; you can simply plug the tethered cable into your car. While no charging cable is completely immune to theft or damage, some users prefer tethered chargers because the cable is permanently attached to the unit, making it less likely to be removed or misplaced. 

Considerations 

With tethered solutions, the attached charging cables are always visible, even when they’re not in use. For homeowners who prefer a simple look, this option might not be suitable. The cable is often stored on the unit itself, leaving it exposed to weather conditions and requiring drivers to unwrap and handle it before charging. Additionally, if the cable becomes damaged, replacing it may not be as simple as it is with an untethered charger. In addition, if the cable becomes damaged, replacing it may not be as simple as it is with an untethered charger. 

What is an untethered EV charger? 

An untethered EV charging unit features no permanent charging cable. Similar to a household plug, an untethered charger comes with a socket rather than a fixed charging cable. Before charging, you’ll need to connect your own cable to the unit. 

Benefits 

In contrast to tethered units, untethered units don’t require the charging cable to be permanently exposed. This can create a cleaner, more discreet appearance, which some homeowners and property managers may prefer. The cable can also be stored away when not in use, protecting it from theft and harsh weather conditions.  

Considerations 

Some drivers may find untethered EV chargers less convenient than tethered alternatives, as the charging cable must be stored and connected before each charging session. In poor weather, this can mean handling a wet or dirty cable and finding somewhere to store it afterwards. However, some drivers prefer this flexibility, particularly when using a shorter cable that can be connected without excess cable length trailing on the ground. 

Which option is best for you? 

Functionally, tethered and untethered options are the same, offering quick charging at a lower rate than public charging points. Deciding what’s best for you will largely depend on your personal preferences, including aesthetics, convenience and security considerations. 

Ultimately, both options offer reliable home charging. If convenience is your priority, a tethered charger may be the better fit. If you prefer a cleaner appearance and the flexibility to store your cable separately, an untethered solution could be the right choice. Both solutions are typically fitted with type 2 standard connectors, making them compatible with the vast majority of EVs available on the UK market today, so your decision will mostly be down to both look and feel. 

Charging Solutions with Holman 

At Holman, we’re committed to making fleet electrification as straightforward as possible, helping businesses navigate every stage of the transition with confidence. Whether you’re assessing readiness, planning infrastructure or managing an existing EV fleet, our expertise and support can help make the journey simpler. If you’d like to discuss your fleet’s transition to EVs, get in touch with our team.