What is an Untethered EV Charger

As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity across the UK, more homeowners, landlords, and businesses are looking at the best options for installing charging points. Among the choices available, untethered EV chargers have become a common consideration. The term may sound technical, but understanding what it means and how it compares to other options will help anyone planning an installation make an informed decision.

What is an Untethered EV Charger?

An untethered EV charger is a charging unit that does not have a permanently fixed cable attached. Instead, the unit has a Type 2 socket, and the driver uses their own cable to connect the charger to their electric vehicle. This contrasts with a tethered charger, which comes with a cable permanently attached to the unit.

When using an untethered charger, you simply plug in the cable provided with your car or another compatible cable. The charger itself remains mounted on the wall or in a post-style housing, but the flexibility comes from the fact that the cable is not fixed to the unit. This gives users more control and adaptability when charging their vehicle.

Why Some People Choose Untethered Over Tethered

One of the main advantages of an untethered charger is flexibility. As new electric vehicles enter the market, connector designs and cable lengths may vary, but an untethered unit allows you to use whichever cable best suits your needs. This makes it a future-proof choice, especially for households where vehicles may change over time or where visitors may need to charge their own cars.

Aesthetics are another reason many homeowners prefer untethered chargers. Without a fixed cable permanently hanging from the wall, the unit looks neater when not in use. It is also easier to store the cable out of sight, which is especially helpful for properties where the charger is mounted at the front of the house.

Untethered chargers are also more versatile when it comes to charging in different locations. Drivers can carry their cable with them and use it at public charging points that require a plug-in lead. This is already the case for many public chargers across the UK, where Type 2 sockets are the standard connection.

How Untethered Chargers Work

The principle of charging is exactly the same for tethered and untethered units. The charger delivers alternating current to the vehicle, which is then converted by the car’s onboard system into usable energy for the battery. Safety features built into both the charger and the vehicle ensure that power is only delivered once the connection is secure.

With untethered chargers, the user simply inserts the cable into the charger socket and then into the car. The charger and car communicate to confirm the correct charging rate, and protective devices such as residual current devices and circuit breakers monitor the process in line with BS7671 wiring regulations.

Installation Requirements

Installing an untethered charger at home or at a business premises follows the same process as a tethered unit. A qualified electrician will first carry out a load assessment to determine if the property can safely accommodate the charger. They will also check with the distribution network operator if the additional demand needs to be reported.

The charger must be connected to its own dedicated circuit with appropriate protection, including residual current protection and suitable circuit breakers. The installation is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations, which means it must be carried out and certified by a registered electrician.

Many untethered chargers available in the UK are capable of 7kW charging, which is suitable for most domestic single phase supplies. In properties with three phase connections, higher power units up to 22kW can sometimes be installed, offering faster charging speeds.

Safety Considerations

Safety is always central to EV charging. With an untethered unit, it is important to use a high quality, manufacturer approved cable. The cable must be rated to handle the charging current and should be stored properly to avoid damage. For outdoor charging, cables should be weather resistant and kept off the ground where possible to prevent wear and tripping hazards.

Because the cable is not permanently fixed, there is a responsibility on the user to ensure it is plugged in securely and handled with care. However, modern safety features mean that charging will not begin unless the connection is correct, and protective devices will disconnect the supply if a fault is detected.

Suitability for Different Users

Untethered chargers are particularly well suited for households with more than one electric vehicle, or where the property may change hands in the future. Since cables can be swapped, the unit remains compatible with different cars, which is an advantage if you lease vehicles or expect to change models over time.

For landlords, installing untethered chargers at rental properties can be a sensible option. This avoids the complication of providing a fixed cable that may not suit every tenant’s car, while still meeting the growing demand for EV charging facilities. Similarly, businesses offering charging for staff or visitors often choose untethered units, as they allow drivers to bring their own cables and ensure compatibility with a wide range of vehicles.

Public Charging and Infrastructure

Most public charging stations in the UK use untethered Type 2 sockets. Drivers are expected to bring their own cable and connect it between the car and the charge point. This approach makes it easier for operators to maintain chargers and avoids issues with fixed cables wearing out or being vandalised. It also ensures that almost any Type 2 compatible car can connect without difficulty.

By having the same arrangement at home, drivers can get used to carrying and using their own cable, which makes switching between home and public charging seamless.

Final Thoughts

Untethered EV chargers offer a flexible, neat, and future proof solution for charging electric vehicles at home, at work, or in public spaces. They provide the same level of safety and performance as tethered units, while allowing users the freedom to choose their own cables and adapt to changing vehicle requirements. For many UK households and businesses, an untethered charger represents a practical and reliable investment that keeps pace with the rapidly evolving world of electric transport.