If you’re thinking about installing an EV charger at home, one of the first choices you’ll face is whether to go tethered or untethered.
It sounds like a small detail — but the difference affects how you use your charger every day. Let’s break it down simply so you can choose the right setup for your home.
What Is a Tethered EV Charger?
A tethered charger has the charging cable permanently attached to the unit — just like a traditional petrol pump has a hose ready to use.
You pull up, unwind the cable, plug in, and charging starts. When you’re done, the cable wraps neatly back around the charger.
Tethered chargers are all about convenience. They’re perfect if you want a “plug in and go” setup with minimal fuss. Most models come with a Type 2 connector, which fits the vast majority of modern electric vehicles in the UK.
In homes around Hook and Tadley, where people are looking for fast, easy charging on their driveway, a tethered charger is often the go-to option.
Benefits of tethered chargers:
- Quick and easy to use — no cables to fetch or connect each time
- Ideal for consistent daily use
- Keeps things tidy with built-in cable storage
- Often slightly faster to start charging
However, because the cable is fixed, you can’t easily replace it if it’s damaged, and you’re limited to that specific connector type.
What Is an Untethered EV Charger?
An untethered charger (sometimes called a socketed charger) doesn’t have a cable attached — instead, it has a socket where you plug in your own lead.
You use the same cable that came with your car, plugging one end into the charger and the other into your vehicle. When you’re finished, you simply unplug it and store it in your boot or garage.
Untethered chargers are popular with homeowners in Bramley, Heckfield, and Swallowfield who want a cleaner, minimalist look on the wall — or who may have multiple vehicles using different connector types.
Benefits of untethered chargers:
- Sleek, minimal design — no permanent cable on display
- Works with both Type 1 and Type 2 vehicles
- Easy to upgrade the cable if connector standards change
- Safer if your charger is visible from the road (less temptation for cable theft)
The trade-off is that you’ll need to fetch your cable each time you want to charge — a small extra step, but worth considering if convenience is your top priority.
Which One Should You Choose?
It really depends on your lifestyle and preferences.
If you want the fastest, most convenient setup, go for a tethered charger. You’ll never have to think about cables or connectors — just park, plug in, and walk away.
If you prefer a cleaner look or have more than one EV (or plan to in the future), an untethered charger gives you more flexibility and futureproofing.
In some homes across Sherborne St John and surrounding villages, we’ve even installed dual chargers — one tethered, one untethered — for households with multiple vehicles.
Compatibility and Power Output
Both tethered and untethered chargers can offer the same charging speeds, usually 7.4kW for most UK homes. The choice doesn’t affect performance — only how you connect.
All chargers installed by GU Solutions meet BS 7671 Wiring Regulations and the IET Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment Installation, ensuring they’re safe, compliant, and future-ready.
Why Choose GU Solutions for Your EV Charger
At GU Solutions, we install both tethered and untethered chargers from trusted brands like BG Sync, Hypervolt, Zappi, and Pod Point.
Every installation includes:
- A full pre-installation electrical survey
- Load and safety checks on your consumer unit
- Professional fitting by NICEIC Approved Electricians
- Certification and Building Regulations notification
- Help setting up your charger app and smart features
We’ve been helping homeowners across Reading, Hook, and Tadley modernise their homes with safe, efficient charging solutions for over 20 years.
Book Your EV Charger Survey Today
Still unsure whether a tethered or untethered charger is right for you? We can help you decide.
Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or send us a message to book your home EV charger survey.
We’ll assess your electrics, explain your options, and recommend the right charger for your car, home, and lifestyle.
Because choosing between tethered and untethered isn’t just about cables — it’s about finding what makes charging simple, safe, and convenient for you.
