Untethered EV Chargers
An untethered EV charger (sometimes called a socketed unit) offers one of the most flexible ways to charge your electric car at home. Unlike tethered chargers, which come with a fixed cable, an untethered charger has a universal socket that lets you plug in a separate charging cable. This means you can use the same charge point with different electric vehicles, making it a smart, future-proof charging solution for households or workplaces where multiple EVs are in use.
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What is an Untethered Charger?
An untethered charger is essentially a home charger or workplace charger without a permanently attached cable. Instead, you plug in your own Type 1 or Type 2 charging cable. This keeps the unit looking neat and discreet when it’s not in use, and makes it easier to upgrade or replace your cable without changing the entire EV charger.
Benefits of Untethered EV Charging
Untethered EV chargers provide portability and ease of use, making them ideal for homes with more than one vehicle, guests, or anyone who will possibly change cars down the line. Allowing various plug compatibility, they will also see your charging system evolve along with changing needs. Several untethered residential chargers also include intelligent capabilities, such as app control, load balancing, and scheduling, enabling you to maximise charging time and reduce energy bills. Their neater, cable-less appearance gives a minimalist aesthetic that can be integrated into your premises. Future-proofing allows for easy upgrades to different connector types of cars, requiring only the replacement of the charging cable instead of the whole unit.
Things to Consider
While untethered chargers provide flexibility, it’s important to factor in additional costs. You’ll usually need to buy a separate charging cable, which can add to the extra cost compared to tethered chargers. Standard installation is typically the same, but be mindful of where you’ll store the cable when not in use to keep your setup neat and secure.
Untethered vs Tethered Chargers
The choice between a tethered and an untethered EV charger typically comes down to which one you prefer more in terms of convenience and versatility. A tethered charger is always ready to use, with the cable fixed in place, so you can plug it in without having to remove anything, albeit limited to one type of plug. An untethered charger offers greater versatility and a forward-thinking design, with a neater, less obtrusive appearance, albeit at the cost of an upfront expense for a separate cable that must be purchased individually. Both provide robust EV charging, but if you want the option of being compatible with multiple cars and have a more minimalist design that blends with the house, an untethered unit can be the more sensible choice.
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A Complete Charging Solution with Pro EV
At Pro EV, we supply and install a wide range of home chargers and commercial charge points, including untethered and tethered models. Our OZEV-approved electricians provide standard installation, full testing, and aftercare support, giving you peace of mind when it comes to charging your car safely and efficiently.
Whether you’re looking for a flexible untethered charger or a convenient tethered unit, we’ll help you find the right charging solution for your electric vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to have a tethered or untethered EV charger?
It depends on your priorities. A tethered charger offers maximum convenience, with a cable permanently attached so you can plug in instantly. However, it’s limited to one plug type. An untethered charger provides more flexibility, works with different vehicle connectors, and offers a tidier, minimalist look. If you want future-proofing and versatility, untethered is often the better option.
Can you leave the cable in an untethered EV charger?
Yes, you can leave the cable plugged into an untethered charger, but many people prefer to disconnect it for a tidier appearance or to store the cable securely. The key advantage of untethered chargers is that the cable can be easily removed and replaced, providing more flexibility if you change vehicles or need a different connector type.
Are untethered EV chargers more expensive?
Untethered units may involve a slightly higher upfront cost, as the charging cable is usually purchased separately. However, this can save money in the long run, as you only need to replace the cable if you change vehicles, not the whole charger.
Do untethered EV chargers support smart features?
Yes. Most untethered chargers come with smart functionality such as app control, load balancing, and scheduled charging, helping you save money on energy costs while keeping your EV ready to go.
Which option is more future-proof?
Untethered chargers are generally more future-proof because they’re compatible with different plug types and vehicle models. If you change cars or have multiple EVs, you can swap the cable rather than replacing the entire unit.
