Tethered or untethered EV charger: which is best?

Choosing the right home electric vehicle (EV) charger is a significant decision for EV owners in the UK. The choice between a tethered and an untethered unit impacts daily convenience, how it looks, and future flexibility. This guide will help you understand the differences, weigh the pros and cons, and make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs.

Charging your EV at home should be straightforward and efficient. Fuse Energy offers smart, untethered EV charging solutions designed for modern homes, ensuring you can power up your vehicle conveniently.

Understanding home EV chargers

Home EV chargers offer a convenient way to power up your electric vehicle overnight, ensuring it is ready for your next journey. Most home EV chargers in the UK deliver around 7.4 kW of power, which is suitable for overnight charging for the majority of domestic setups. The main distinction between different home chargers lies in their cable configuration: whether the charging cable is permanently attached or detachable.

What is a tethered EV charger?

A tethered EV charger has its charging cable permanently attached to the unit. This means the cable is always ready to use; you simply pull it out and plug it into your electric vehicle. Tethered chargers are often favoured for their simplicity and immediate usability, much like a traditional fuel pump.

What is an untethered EV charger?

An untethered EV charger, also known as a 'socket-only' charger, features a universal socket on the unit rather than a fixed cable. To charge your vehicle, you use a separate charging cable that you plug into both the charger and your EV. Untethered chargers offer universal compatibility with Type 2 cables, which is the standard for most modern EVs in the UK and Europe.

Tethered EV chargers: pros and cons

Tethered chargers offer a straightforward charging experience, but they come with their own set of limitations.

Advantages of a tethered charger

The main advantage of a tethered charger is convenience. The cable is always connected to the unit, eliminating the need to retrieve it from your car's boot or storage area every time you want to charge. This can be particularly appealing on cold or rainy days, making the charging process quicker and more seamless.

Disadvantages of a tethered charger

Despite the convenience, tethered chargers present several drawbacks. Cable management can be an issue, as the fixed cable needs to be neatly coiled and stored to prevent it from becoming a trip hazard or looking untidy. The cable's fixed length can also limit where you can park your vehicle. Furthermore, if the cable is damaged, the entire charging unit may need professional repair or replacement. There is also a lack of flexibility if you own multiple EVs with different connector types (though Type 2 is now standard for most modern EVs in the UK) or if you upgrade your vehicle in the future.

Untethered EV chargers: pros and cons

Untethered chargers offer greater adaptability, which can be a significant benefit for many homeowners.

Advantages of an untethered charger

The primary benefit of an untethered charger is its flexibility. Since it uses a universal Type 2 socket, you can use different cable lengths or types depending on your needs, and it remains compatible if you change your EV in the future. This makes it a more future-proof option, especially for multi-EV households or those planning vehicle changes. Untethered units also offer a cleaner aesthetic, as no cable needs to be permanently displayed when not in use.

Disadvantages of an untethered charger

The main disadvantage of an untethered charger is the need to provide your own charging cable. This means you will either use the cable that came with your EV or purchase one separately. You will also need a place to store the cable when it is not in use, and there is a slight added step of plugging in both ends of the cable each time you charge.

Key considerations for UK homeowners

Making the right choice involves more than just convenience; it requires considering cost, aesthetics, future needs, and safety.

Cost implications and installation

The initial cost of the charger unit and its installation is a significant factor. While untethered chargers might appear cheaper upfront because they do not include a cable, you may need to purchase a separate Type 2 cable if your EV did not come with one or if you desire a specific length. The Easee One EV charger, installed by Fuse, is a 7.4 kW universal socket untethered charger, with the cost including installation through Fuse being £899. All EV charger installations in the UK must be carried out by a qualified electrician and comply with IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

Aesthetics and parking

Consider how the charger will look on your property and your parking habits. A permanently attached cable on a tethered unit might be an eyesore if not managed well, and its fixed length could limit where you can park. An untethered unit offers a cleaner look when not in use, as the cable can be stored away. Assess your parking space and the distance to the charger to ensure the cable length (whether fixed or detachable) is practical.

Future-proofing and vehicle compatibility

If you anticipate changing your electric vehicle or if you live in a multi-EV household, an untethered charger offers greater future-proofing. Its universal Type 2 socket means it will be compatible with most new EVs in the UK, regardless of the specific model or brand. A tethered charger, with its fixed cable, might become obsolete if future vehicles adopt different connector standards or require different cable specifications. For more details on setting up your home for EV charging, read our guide on EV charging at home.

Safety and durability

All EV charger installations in the UK must comply with IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and be performed by a qualified electrician. Installers are also required to notify the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) of the EV charger installation. This ensures the safety and stability of the local electricity network. Both tethered and untethered units are designed to be safe, but proper installation is paramount. Durability can also be a concern, especially for cables exposed to the elements or frequent handling. Tethered cables are typically robust, but untethered cables can be replaced if damaged.

OZEV grants and installation requirements

Understanding government grants and regulatory requirements is crucial for UK homeowners.

Navigating chargepoint grants

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) provides chargepoint grants with specific eligibility criteria, available until 31 March 2027. However, it is important to note that a typical homeowner who owns and lives in a house with private off-street parking is not eligible for any current domestic OZEV chargepoint grant. The previous Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) that covered this group has been discontinued.

The EV Chargepoint Grant for renters and flat owners provides up to £500 towards installing a chargepoint at the property. To qualify, you must own and live in a flat, or rent and live in any residential property, and have private off-street parking. There is also the EV Chargepoint Grant for Households with on-street Parking, which offers up to £500 towards a chargepoint and installation if you own or rent a property with no private off-street parking and are installing a cross-pavement solution. For all current domestic OZEV chargepoint grants, the customer applies for the grant themselves via the GOV.UK eligibility and application page; the OZEV-authorised installer's role begins only after the customer's application is approved.

The installation process

Regardless of the charger type, the installation process must adhere to strict UK standards. All installations must comply with IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and be performed by a qualified electrician. The installer is also responsible for notifying your local DNO about the installation. This notification allows the DNO to assess the impact on the local network and ensure your electricity supply can safely handle the increased demand. Pairing your EV charger with a smart meter installation can help you track and optimise your energy usage.

Making your decision: tethered or untethered?

The choice between a tethered and untethered EV charger ultimately depends on your personal circumstances and priorities.

Matching charger type to your lifestyle

Consider your daily routine: if you prioritise ultimate convenience and have a dedicated parking spot close to the charger, a tethered unit might seem appealing. If you value flexibility, a cleaner aesthetic, or anticipate future changes to your vehicle, an untethered charger is likely a better fit. Think about cable management, the visual impact on your home, and whether you will need to use your charging cable elsewhere.

Fuse Energy's untethered solution

Fuse Energy offers the Easee One, a 7.4 kW universal socket untethered charger, as its home EV charging solution. This aligns with Fuse's vision of empowering customers with adaptable energy solutions, providing maximum flexibility and future-proofing for homeowners. Fuse's app can integrate with smart chargers to optimise charging times, helping customers use cheaper, greener energy. Fuse also provides expert guidance and 24/7 human customer support throughout the EV charger installation process, ensuring a smooth experience. Fuse installs the Easee One untethered charger but does not install other charger models or offer tethered options.