Should I buy a tethered or untethered EV charger?

Quick Navigation:

• The difference between tethered and untethered chargers
• Why might I prefer a tethered charger?
• Why might I prefer an untethered charger?
• Tethered vs Untethered chargers

There are many benefits to charging your electric vehicle with solar energy at a home charging station. But what’s the difference between a tethered and untethered EV charger? In this guide we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of the two options. If you’re still not sure which option is right for you, one of our Gurus will be happy to discuss this with you. If you haven’t yet, go through our model and you’ll be given the option to speak to one of our Gurus!

The difference between tethered and untethered chargers

The main difference between tethered and untethered electric vehicle (EV) chargers is whether the charging cable is permanently attached. Tethered chargers come with a cable that is fixed to the unit, whereas untethered chargers require you to use your own cable, which you plug into both the charger and your car.

Depending on your personal preference, you might prefer one option over the other. We’ll break down some of the things you might want to consider below so that you’re better able to make an informed decision.

Why might I prefer a tethered charger?

Some people prefer the convenience of a tethered EV charger because the cable is always attached and ready to use. This setup means fewer steps when charging your car—you only need to plug the cable into your vehicle since it's already connected to the charger. This can make the process quicker and simpler.

In contrast, with an untethered charger, you'll need to retrieve the cable from your trunk or wherever you store it, then plug it into both the charger and your car. While this doesn't require much effort, having a tethered charger can streamline the process and might be more efficient if you value that extra convenience.

Why might I prefer an untethered charger?

An untethered EV charger offers a benefit in terms of aesthetics: without a permanently attached cable, the charging station looks tidier and more streamlined. If maintaining a clean and organised appearance is important to you, an untethered charger might be the better choice.

While it might seem like a hassle to fetch the cable from storage each time you charge your electric vehicle, it's worth noting that a tethered charger also requires some effort. You’ll need to carefully wind up the cable after each use to avoid potential damage, such as running over it with your car or other wear and tear. So, if you prefer a neater look and don't mind a bit of extra effort, an untethered charger could be a great option.

Tethered vs Untethered chargers:

Performance

Tethered chargers are considered more reliable than untethered chargers as the former are not as prone to malfunction. Keep in mind that untethered chargers are still more reliable than most battery chargers. Tethered chargers are more powerful though.

Security

Both tethered and untethered charges can attract thieves. Because the cable is always present in the case of a tethered charger, thieves are given more opportunities for theft. Yes, thieves can steal your charging cable despite it being attached to the charger. This would permanently damage the unit as they’d rip the case along with the cable.

While untethered chargers are less likely to be targeted for theft, as they’re not as frequently available, their cables are easier to steal as they’re easier to remove.

Future proofing

Untethered chargers are often described as better future proof than tethered chargers as their charger cables are detachable. If you buy a new electric vehicle in the future, and you need a different type of charger cable, you would need an adapter to still be able to use a tethered charge point. However, this won’t be of help if you need to replace your cable for other reasons, such as because it becomes damaged.

If you have friends and family looking to borrow your charger when they come to visit they’re more likely to have brought a cable for their car than an adapter. So this might make sharing your electricity with others a little bit tricky, but some will consider this a good thing… Again, it comes down to personal preference.

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Now that you know some of the things to consider when choosing between a tethered or untethered charger, you should feel more confident in your decision. But don’t forget that your Guru will be more than happy to continue this discussion with you! If you’re not ready to chat with a guru, have a look at our other Green Guides or our Guru FAQ.

Recommended Guides:

- Electric car home charging guide

- Are solar panels worth it?

- How efficient are solar panels?

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