Tethered and untethered describe two styles of EV charger, and the difference comes down to the cable. A tethered charger has a charging cable permanently attached to it, while an untethered, or socketed, charger has a socket into which you plug your own separate cable. Both charge your car; they differ in convenience, flexibility, and tidiness. Understanding the difference helps you choose the style that suits you.
Here is the difference between a tethered and untethered charger.
Tethered chargers
A tethered charger comes with the charging cable permanently attached. The cable is always there, ready to plug into your car, much like a fuel pump hose. When you arrive home, you simply take the attached connector and plug it in.
Advantages of a tethered charger:
- Convenience. The cable is always attached and ready, with no separate cable to retrieve.
- Simplicity. Just grab the connector and plug in.
Considerations:
- The cable is fixed, so its length and connector type are set.
- The attached cable needs to be managed and stored.
Untethered chargers
An untethered charger, also called a socketed charger, has a socket rather than an attached cable. You plug your own separate charging cable into the charger and into your car. The cable is not permanently attached to the unit.
Advantages of an untethered charger:
- Flexibility. You can use different cables, including different lengths or connector types.
- Tidiness. With no attached cable, the unit itself is neater, and you store the cable separately.
- Future-proofing. If connector standards or your needs change, you can change the cable.
Considerations:
- You need to retrieve and connect your own cable each time.
- You must keep track of and store the separate cable.
Comparing the two
| Feature | Tethered | Untethered (socketed) |
|---|---|---|
| Cable | Permanently attached | Separate, you plug in your own |
| Convenience | Cable always ready | Retrieve and connect cable |
| Flexibility | Fixed cable and connector | Can change cables |
| Tidiness | Attached cable to manage | Neater unit, separate cable |
Which should you choose?
Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on your preferences:
- Choose tethered if you value the convenience of an always-attached cable and a simple plug-in routine.
- Choose untethered if you value flexibility, a tidier unit, and the ability to change cables.
An electrician can help you weigh the options and install either type.
A tethered EV charger has a charging cable permanently attached for convenience, while an untethered, or socketed, charger has a socket into which you plug your own separate cable, offering flexibility and a tidier unit. Both charge your car effectively, so the choice comes down to whether you prefer the always-ready convenience of a tethered cable or the flexibility of an untethered one. A licensed electrician can install whichever suits you.
Stella Electric installs tethered and untethered EV chargers for homeowners across the Baltimore area and throughout Maryland, with flat-rate pricing and no overtime charges. If you are deciding between the two, we can advise and install. Financing is available on qualifying projects.
