With more than 1.1 million fully electric cars now found on UK roads and around 70 to 80% of all EV charging taking place at home, deciding on the right charging unit to use at home has never been more essential. But once you begin shopping, you soon encounter a question that trips up many first-time EV owners: Should you opt for a tethered or untethered EV charger?
The two appear, on the surface, very similar. They both use the same underlying technology to charge your electric vehicle. Both can be mounted on the wall in your garage or driveway. The difference comes down to one thing: the cable.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about tethered vs. untethered EV chargers: what they are, how they differ, their cost, and which one will suit your lifestyle. If you’re installing your first home charger or replacing one you have, this guide can help you make a confident, informed decision.
What Is A Tethered EV Charger?
A tethered EV charger refers to a wall-mounted charging unit that has a fixed charging cable attached to it. The cable is fixed; it’s hardwired to the unit itself, as on a petrol forecourt pump.
You grab the cable from the unit when you want to charge your electric car, plug it into your vehicle, and charging starts. No separate cable is required. When charging is finished, remove the cable from the vehicle and wind it around the charger or place it in its storage holder.
Tethered home chargers use a Type 2 connector in the UK pretty much every time; it’s standard for modern EVs across Europe. This means they will work with nearly all new EVs currently on UK roads. Cable lengths vary between 2 metres and 10 metres, allowing you to select a length that is appropriate for the distance from your charging point to your car’s parking position.
The most common type of home EV chargers in the UK are tethered chargers, predominantly due to their ease and convenience of use as part of day-to-day living.
Key Advantages Of Tethered EV Chargers
- Plug-and-go Convenience: You don’t have to go searching for a cable every time you charge, as it’s right there, ready to use.
- Perfect for Outdoor Driveways: Avoid dealing with cables in inclement weather, such as rain, wind, or cold temperatures.
- Cable Theft Protection: The cable is hardwired into the unit, which makes it much harder to steal than a loose removable cable.
- Speedier Daily Routine: Saves time by avoiding the need to pull out, connect, and put away a separate cable after every session.
- Good For Single-EV Households: No more different cables and lengths to juggle.
Key Disadvantages Of Tethered EV Chargers
- Restricted to a Single Connector Type: Tethered chargers are supplied with a set cable, usually Type 2 in the UK, meaning that if you ever need an alternative connector, you have to replace the entire unit.
- Not as Future-Proof: If you switch to an EV with a different charging port, the tethered charger you already have may not work.
- Bulky Design: All cables are permanently attached and on show, which can be messy without a good cable tidy or storage solution.
- Higher Initial Cost: Tied to the unit, tethered chargers often have a higher upfront price than comparable untethered units.
- Cable Wear and Tear: The cable remains outside with the unit, making it more exposed to weather over time.
What Is An Untethered EV Charger?
An untethered EV charger, or non-socketed charger, is a wall-mounted charging unit that does not come with a cable permanently attached to it. Instead, it has a socket, and you bring your own charging cable every time you want to charge it.
With an untethered charger, insert one end of your cable into the unit’s socket and the other into your electric vehicle. At completion of charging, you remove the cable from either end and store it away, generally in your car boot or designated area in your garage.
An untethered charger can handle numerous types of cables, which makes it more universal since it will work with both Type 1 and Type 2 connectors.
This feature will be especially useful if you own an older-generation EV that requires a Type 1 connection, or if multiple people in your family drive several different vehicles that need different types of connectors.
Untethered chargers are also typically smaller and provide a tidier look, since there’s no cable hanging off the wall unit when not in use.
Key Advantages Of Untethered EV Chargers?
- Flexibility: Compliant with versatile cable types (Type 1 and Type 2), which enables it to accommodate a broader spectrum of electric vehicles.
- Future-Proof: When you change your electric vehicle, you only need to replace the cable, rather than the entire charging unit.
- Sleeker, More Minimalist Look: No cable draping down from the unit when not in use for a tidier appearance on your property.
- Lower Initial Cost: The unit itself is less expensive because no charging cable is provided.
- Cable Portability: Take your cable with you to use at public charging points (where untethered sockets are prevalent).
- Cable is Easy to Replace: If the cable gets damaged or you want a longer one, all you do is buy a new cable without needing to touch the wall unit.
Key Disadvantages Of Untethered EV Chargers?
- Not as Practical on an Everyday Basis: Every time you want to charge, you have to pull out the cable, plug it in, and store it away.
- Risk of Losing Your Cable: If you take the cable to charge somewhere else and leave it there, then you won’t be able to charge at home.
- Cable Theft Risk: An unprotected cable that can be detached is more attractive to thieves compared to a model with hardwired cables.
- Need for Cable Management: Must have a storage place that is safe and organised to keep the cable when not in use.
- Cable Amperage is Important: If your cable has a lower amp rating than the charger, it can charge slower than you expect.
What Is The Difference Between Tethered And Untethered EV Chargers? At A Glance
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the major differences between tethered and untethered EV chargers:
| Feature | Tethered EV Charger | Untethered EV Charger |
|---|---|---|
|
Cable |
Permanently Attached |
Detachable |
|
Ease Of Use |
Plug in and charge |
Must connect and disconnect the cable every time before charging |
|
Connector Type |
Fixed (Type 2 mostly) |
Flexible (Type 1 and Type 2) |
|
Charging Speed |
Same as untehthered |
Same as tethered, but can vary if the amp rating of cable is lower |
|
Upfront Cost |
High (includes cable) |
Low (Cable sold separately) |
|
Design |
The cable is always visible which gives it a messy look |
A sleek design gives a minimalist look |
|
Future-Proofing |
Restricted |
Flexible |
|
Theft Risk |
Low, since the cable is hardwired |
Higher, since the cable can be easily removed |
|
Best For |
Daily use, single EV users |
Multi-EV users and future-proofing |
Charge Speed Comparison: Tethered Vs Untethered EV Charger
The speed at which EV chargers operate is also one of the most common misconceptions surrounding tethered vs untethered types. Charging speeds are identical for tethered and untethered home chargers.
There are three factors that determine charging speed:
- Your charger’s power output (7kW or 22kW).
- Your electric vehicle’s onboard charger capacity.
- The electrical supply at your property.
Whether the cable attachment is fixed or detachable, it doesn’t affect how quickly your car charges.
What do you need to know about 7kW vs 22kW?
The majority of homes in the UK work on a single-phase electricity supply, which limits home charging to around 7kW to 7.4kW. At this rate, a 7kW charger will fully charge most electric vehicles overnight in about 8 to 10 hours, which is more than enough for the average commuter.
22kW chargers can cut charge times down to 2 to 3, but they require a three-phase power supply, which is rare in UK homes, being more associated with commercial premises. Plus plenty of EVs don’t have an onboard charger capable of accepting more than 7.4kW, meaning that a 22kW install will do absolutely nothing for those cars in terms of speed.
Bottom Line: When it comes to charging speed, whether or not you’re using a tethered charger matters little, but the type of connection being used really makes a difference.
Want to learn more about 7kW and 22kW EV chargers? Then see our guide: 7kW EV Chargers vs. 22kW EV Chargers: Which Is Better?
Cost Comparison: Tethered Vs Untethered EV Chargers
Cost is one of the most significant factors in deciding between a tethered or untethered EV charger. Here is the cost breakdown for both options:
| Cost Factor | Tethered EV Charger | Untethered EV Charger |
|---|---|---|
|
Unit Price |
£300 to £700 |
£200 to £500 |
|
Cable Cost |
Included in unit cost |
£100 to £200 |
|
Installation |
£150 to £300 |
£150 to £300 |
|
OZEV Grant |
Up to £350 |
Up to £350 |
|
Estimated Total Cost |
£250 to £650 |
£200 to £550 |
|
Cable Replacement |
Complete unit replacement required |
Cable only (£100 to £200) |
The OZEV Grant: The Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant (EVCG), managed by the UK Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), provides a grant of up to £350 off the purchase and installation of a home EV charger, subject to qualifying criteria.
Both tethered and untethered chargers qualify as long as the unit is OZEV-approved and installed by a certified EV charger installer. Before making a purchase, check the most recent grant specifications on the government website.
Learn more about the cost of EV charger installation, from our guide: How Much Will It Cost To Install An EV Charger In 2026? (Guide)
Which Is Better: Tethered Vs Untethered EV Chargers?
Tethered or untethered EV chargers do the same job equally well. The answer is completely dependent on your lifestyle, household, and priorities.
Choose Tethered EV Chargers If:
- You charge one EV every day and want a simple plug-in experience.
- Your charger is outdoors, on a clear driveway, and bad weather makes working with a cable impractical.
- You care about cable security and want to minimise the risk of theft.
- You own a single vehicle and do not expect to swap to another make of EV or connector type in the near future.
- You like the simplicity of always having the cable at home without any additional process.
Choose Untethered EV Chargers If:
- You have several EVs, or different members of your household drive different cars and want a universal solution.
- You will expect to replace your electric vehicle soon and may want to buy a different connector type.
- You’re an aesthetics person and want a cleaner, cable-free look on your wall unit.
- You already have a compatible charging cable and do not want to be paying for one you will never use.
- You frequently charge at public charging points and would like to use the same cables away from home.
A tethered charger is the more preferable and popular option for most UK households that own one EV and charge it on their drive from home each evening. For those who value flexibility, aesthetics, or managing multiple vehicles, a cordless charger is a sensible long-term investment.
Find The Best EV Charger Installers With ComparedExperts
Choosing the right EV charger installer is as important as choosing the right EV charger. A badly fitted charger can pose a safety risk, and fits by an uncertified installer could make you ineligible for the OZEV grant.
That is where ComparedExperts comes in. ComparedExperts is a free UK comparison platform that bridges the gap between you and trusted, pre-vetted EV charger installers near you. It compares multiple competitive quotes on your behalf, so you only need to share your details once, saving you time, hassle, and hundreds of pounds.
Here is why you should use ComparedExperts:
- No fees, no hidden costs: free to use.
- Get multiple quotes from specialist local installers.
- All installers are pre-vetted and OZEV-registered.
- Compare prices, reviews, and availability in one spot.
If you want to find the perfect installer for your tethered or untethered EV charger, just fill in our quick quote form, and we will connect you with top EV charger installers near you.
FAQs
No. Tethered EV chargers and untethered models charge at exactly the same rate. Charging speed is determined by what the unit outputs (be that 7kW or 22kW), your vehicle’s onboard charger capacity, and your home electrical supply; it is not determined by whether the cable is fixed or detachable.
An untethered charger with a Type 2 socket fits just about every electric vehicle sold in the UK. For older EVs with a Type 1 port, you need to find a Type 1 to Type 2 cable. Be sure you check your vehicle’s connector type before ordering a cable or charger.
In a two-EV home, an untethered charger is usually the better option. It allows each driver to use their own cable, which can vary in length or connector type. This sidesteps the limitations of a one-size-fits-all cable and guarantees that both vehicles can be charged easily with the setup best suited to them.
