When you buy a home EV charger, the main decision is tethered or untethered. Both charge your car at the same speed — the difference is the cable.
Tethered chargers
A tethered charger has the charging cable permanently attached. Pull up, plug in, done — no cable to fetch from the boot. The trade-offs: the cable is a fixed length and connector type, and it’s always on show.
- Pros: most convenient day to day, cable always to hand.
- Cons: fixed length; tied to one connector type; slightly less tidy.
Untethered chargers
An untethered unit is just a socket — you plug in your own cable. Neater on the wall, and future-proof if connector standards change or you switch cars.
- Pros: tidiest look; works with any cable/car; future-proof.
- Cons: you fetch and connect the cable each time.
Which should you choose?
If convenience is everything and you’ll keep the same car, tethered is hard to beat. If you want the tidiest install, flexibility, or you might change vehicle, untethered wins. Most modern units of both types are smart chargers with scheduling and app control. We’ll advise on the best fit for your parking and car — see our EV charger installation service.
Common questions
Neither is universally better. Tethered is more convenient day to day; untethered is tidier and more future-proof. It comes down to convenience versus flexibility.
Untethered gives you the most flexibility — you simply buy a different cable. Switching a tethered unit’s cable type usually means replacing the charger, so choose carefully.
Nearly all modern EVs use a Type 2 connector, which both charger types support. Untethered units are more future-proof if standards ever change.
Not sure which charger to pick?
We’ll recommend the right charger for your car and parking, and install it properly.
Call 020 7473 7807