TETHEREDOR UNTETHERED?
The most-asked question at every EV charger quote. Here's the plain answer, from someone who fits both weekly.
The short version
What you need to know.
Tethered means the cable is permanently attached to the charger. Untethered means you plug your own cable in each time. For most single-EV households we quote tethered — one less thing to fetch, one less thing to lose.
Details
What's involved.
Tethered — pros
Grab-and-plug convenience, cable weathers better clipped up, no chance of a stolen loose cable.
Tethered — cons
Locked into one connector type (nearly always Type 2), cable can look messy if not clipped tidy.
Untethered — pros
Any connector, cleaner install, easier to swap the unit later without replacing cable.
Untethered — cons
Faff every session, cable stored in the boot or garage, easier to nick if left plugged in.
Good to know
Fine print, no surprises.
- 5m tethered is the sweet spot for most driveways — 7.5m if the parking spot moves
- Two-EV households: untethered is often better so both cars can share the unit
- Both options carry the same 3-year warranty on our recommended Zappi and Ohme units
Guide prices
From-prices.
7kW tethered — 5m
Zappi or Ohme
from £950
7kW tethered — 7.5m
Add £70 for longer cable
from £1,020
7kW untethered
Loose Type 2 cable extra
from £920