What is an Untethered EV Charger

When you install an electric vehicle charger at home, one of the first choices you’ll need to make is between a tethered or untethered charger. While both perform the same essential function of charging your electric car, the difference lies in how the charging cable is managed. An untethered EV charger does not have a fixed cable attached. Instead, it features a socket into which you plug your own charging lead when you need to charge your car. This simple difference can have a big impact on practicality, convenience, aesthetics, and long-term flexibility.

What Is an Untethered EV Charger?

An untethered EV charger is a charging unit that comes without a permanently attached cable. It has a Type 2 socket (the standard connector type for the UK and Europe), allowing you to use your own removable charging lead. You simply connect the cable between your charger and the car whenever you need to charge, and unplug it once you’re done.

Untethered chargers are becoming increasingly popular among UK homeowners because they offer flexibility and a cleaner appearance. Since there’s no cable permanently hanging from the unit, an untethered charger looks tidier on the wall and is less likely to be exposed to weather, dirt, or damage when not in use.

These chargers are compatible with all vehicles that use a Type 2 connector, which is now the standard for nearly every new electric car sold in the UK. The absence of a fixed cable means that if you change cars in the future and your new vehicle uses a different connector type or charging configuration, you won’t need to replace the entire charger—just the cable.

How Untethered EV Chargers Work

In practical terms, untethered chargers work exactly the same way as tethered ones. The difference lies purely in how the charging cable is connected. Instead of plugging the car directly into a permanently attached cable, you connect your own lead between the charger’s socket and your vehicle’s charging port.

Once the connection is made, the charger communicates with the car to ensure everything is safely connected before power begins to flow. The charger then supplies AC electricity to the car’s onboard charger, which converts it into DC electricity to charge the battery.

Most untethered home chargers in the UK use single-phase electricity and deliver between 3.6kW and 7.4kW, depending on your property’s electrical supply and the car’s capacity. In some cases, three-phase installations can support up to 22kW, though this is more common in commercial or industrial settings than in residential properties.

Advantages of Choosing an Untethered EV Charger

There are several reasons why homeowners prefer untethered chargers. One of the main advantages is flexibility. Because the charging cable is separate, you can easily swap it out if it becomes damaged or if you switch to a car with a different connector type in the future. This helps future-proof your installation and avoids the cost of replacing the entire charger.

Aesthetics also play a big part in the decision. Untethered chargers look much neater when installed, as there is no coiled cable permanently attached to the unit. Once you unplug the cable and store it, the charger blends discreetly into your property’s exterior. This is especially appealing for modern homes or those that value a minimalist appearance.

Storage and maintenance are easier too. You can keep the cable in your car boot or garage, protected from the elements, dirt, or damage. This means it’s less likely to suffer from wear and tear compared to a cable left hanging outdoors permanently.

Safety is another consideration. Because the cable is detachable, there’s less chance of someone tripping over it or tampering with it when the charger isn’t in use. Many untethered units also include locking mechanisms that prevent the cable from being removed while charging, adding an extra layer of security.

Disadvantages and Potential Drawbacks

Despite their many advantages, untethered chargers are not ideal for everyone. Convenience is the main trade-off. With a tethered charger, you simply uncoil the cable and plug it straight into your car. With an untethered charger, you have to fetch the cable, connect both ends, and then store it again afterwards. While this process only takes a few seconds, it can feel less convenient if you charge frequently, especially in poor weather.

There’s also the issue of having to store the cable somewhere safe and dry. If you forget to bring it home or leave it in the car, it may be inconvenient when you next need to charge. Additionally, because the cable is removable, it is technically more vulnerable to theft if left unattended, though many chargers have built-in locks to prevent unauthorised disconnection during charging.

Untethered chargers can also require you to purchase your own cable if one isn’t provided with the vehicle. Depending on the length and quality, this can add £100 to £200 to your setup costs.

Compatibility and Charging Standards

Untethered chargers are designed primarily for Type 2 connectors, which are the standard across the UK and Europe. This makes them compatible with virtually all new electric vehicles, from brands like Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, and Ford. Older vehicles that use Type 1 connectors can still charge via an adaptor cable, though this is becoming increasingly rare as Type 2 has become the default standard.

For plug-in hybrid vehicles, an untethered charger provides the same advantages as it does for full electric cars. It allows you to charge efficiently at home and gives you the flexibility to use different cables if you also charge at work or public stations.

Installation and Safety Requirements

Installing an untethered EV charger should always be carried out by a qualified electrician who is familiar with EV charging systems and Part P of the Building Regulations. The installation process involves connecting the charger to your home’s consumer unit via a dedicated circuit, ensuring it can deliver the required current safely.

Your installer will also assess the property’s electrical capacity and determine whether additional equipment, such as load management devices or surge protection, is needed. Like all EV chargers, untethered units must comply with the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and be certified by relevant authorities such as the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) if you intend to claim installation grants.

Safety features built into untethered chargers include automatic shut-off in the event of a fault, ground fault protection, and communication systems that prevent power flow until the cable and car are securely connected. Many models are also weather-resistant, meaning they can be safely installed outdoors in the UK’s variable climate.

Cost and Value Considerations

The cost of an untethered home charger in the UK typically ranges from £700 to £1,000, including installation. Prices vary depending on the model, features, and whether it is a smart charger capable of scheduling and tracking energy use. Smart features are increasingly standard and can save you money by allowing you to charge during off-peak electricity hours when rates are cheaper.

Compared to tethered chargers, untethered models are often slightly cheaper to buy because they don’t include a fixed cable. However, you may need to budget for a high-quality cable separately. In terms of ongoing use, there’s no difference in efficiency or energy cost between the two types the choice is purely about convenience and flexibility.

Choosing Between Tethered and Untethered Chargers

When deciding between tethered and untethered chargers, it often comes down to lifestyle and personal preference. If you prefer a plug-and-go approach where everything is ready to use instantly, a tethered charger might be more practical. However, if you value a sleek, tidy appearance and want the freedom to use your own cable, an untethered charger is likely the better option.

For households with more than one electric car or those planning to change vehicles in the near future, an untethered charger is often the smarter long-term choice. It ensures your home setup remains compatible no matter what brand or model of electric vehicle you drive next.

Conclusion

An untethered EV charger is a socket-only charging unit that allows you to use your own removable cable rather than relying on a fixed one. This design offers flexibility, a cleaner appearance, and future-proof compatibility with different electric vehicles. Although it may be slightly less convenient than a tethered charger, many UK homeowners prefer it for its tidy look and long-term practicality.

Whether you’re new to electric driving or upgrading your home charging setup, understanding the difference between tethered and untethered chargers can help you choose the system that best fits your needs. An untethered charger gives you the freedom to charge your car in the most adaptable way possible while keeping your property looking neat and ready for the electric future.