If you own an electric car then you’re going to need to keep it charged. In this case, you may be wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of home wallbox chargers with either tethered or untethered cables. You must know the difference between the two and their price differences so you can make an informed decision about which is right for you.
EV Solutions are the experts in EV charger installation in the North of the UK and want to help you make the right decision on what is best – tethered vs untethered EV charger. Continue reading for more details and learn how to get in touch with our team who are specialists in electric vehicle charging.
What is a tethered electric car charger?
A tethered or socketed charger means it has a cable attached to the box that you plug into your car. Most people go for this type since they are more convenient than the alternative. There’s no need to find and have your cable in order to charge up your car. All you have to do is get home, park your car next to the box, unwind the cable and plug it in. It’s important that you not only wind the cable back up properly but that you also store it and keep it in good condition. You want to avoid damaging it or accidentally driving over it. The cable may not be long enough for you depending on if you buy a car with the charging port in a different spot.
What is an untethered electric car charger?
For an untethered wallbox to work you must have your own charging cable. Although most cars come with it, it can cost extra or cost you to replace it if you lose it. Some may say that it’s much more inconvenient than a tethered electric car charger. This is because you’ll need to open the boot or find the cables wherever they are stored in the car, then get them out and plug them in at both ends. Next, you’ll complete the reverse steps when it’s time to leave. Untethered solutions look tidier at your home and on your driveway and you can buy them in different lengths as you need. It’s a great option for future-proofing your charger because you can quickly upgrade the plug configuration when necessary.
EV charger tethered or untethered: What are the main differences?
When it comes to tethered vs untethered charger, the main differences between the two are that tethered car chargers have a cable box that you plug your car into, while with the untethered design, you use a cable that plugs into your car at one end and the box at the other. With an untethered charger, it means there’s a cleaner installation process while with a tethered option it means no messing around with cables. A tethered charger has a charging cable permanently attached and the cable can’t be removed. On the other hand, an untethered EV charger requires a separate cable.
Tethered or untethered EV charger- what should you choose?
If you’re looking for convenience then you should go with a tethered wallbox charger. Overall, most electric vehicle owners choose this option. You won’t need to worry about finding your cable to be able to charge your car. Some choose an untethered EV charger because it offers flexibility for charging your car. Generally speaking, most drivers opt to own a tethered EV charger since you won’t have to remove the cable from the boot each time it’s time to charge your car.
Given the weather in the UK, the practicality of it, and not having to coil or uncoil an untethered cable, a tethered EV charger may be the best choice for you. However, keep in mind that the length of the tethered cable is fixed and one benefit of untethered cables is that as the driver of an electric car, you’re not restricted to a particular connector type. Which charger type you go with all depends on the circumstances and your personal preference.
A guide to tethered EV chargers vs untethered EV chargers by EV Solutions
Here at EV Solutions, we can supply and install electric vehicle charge points at your home and work, and can do so throughout North East England. We truly are the specialists in EV charging and want to see you have a positive experience with your vehicle. We offer a comprehensive selection of charge points from a wide range of manufacturers that are sure to satisfy your requirements and budget.
Have questions about a tethered or untethered charger or want to get started? Get in touch today by giving us a call, visiting our website, or sending us an email.
