It is no longer a secret; electric cars are here to stay. As such, there are many EV drivers who wish to buy EV chargers. You may have noticed that we keep stating that there are many factors that you need to consider when buying an EV charge point. So should you buy tethered or untethered chargers?
This is a vital question, as it will determine how easy it is for you to charge your electric car. In order to attempt to answer this question in the right way, we should start with the basics.
What is A Tethered EV Charger?
A tethered charger is a type of EV charging station that is connected to the electrical grid. In other words, it needs to be plugged into an outlet in order to work. In short, these are chargers that come with a cable attached to the unit permanently. Tethered chargers are convenient as the cables are part of the unit and you are not expected to pay extra amounts.
One of the biggest advantages of tethered EV chargers is the fact that you do not have to keep looking for a charging cable. This is definitely a plus, especially if you are always on the go. Additionally, tethered chargers are known to be more reliable as they are not as prone to malfunctioning.
The length of the cable provided with tethered wallbox units will vary. It is advisable to ensure that the charging cable is winded properly after use to avoid unforeseen damages.
What is An Untethered Charger?
An untethered charger, on the other hand, does not need to be plugged into anything in order to work. It gets its power from a battery or another storage device. This type of charger typically comes with a cable that can be plugged into an outlet, but it is not permanently attached to the charger.
The main advantage of untethered chargers is that they are much more portable. You can take them with you wherever you go, which is a big plus. Additionally, they are often less expensive than tethered chargers.
The main downside of untethered chargers is that they can be quite unreliable. Additionally, they may not be as powerful as tethered chargers. These are also referred to as socketed chargers.
What Are the Benefits of a Tethered EV Charger?
There are several benefits of using a tethered EV charger. The main benefit is that they are very reliable. Tethered chargers are not as prone to malfunctioning as untethered chargers. Additionally, they tend to be more powerful than their counterparts. Let us take some time to expound on these advantages in detail.
Theft Protection for charging cable
One of the main benefits of tethered chargers is that they offer theft protection. With an untethered charger, someone could simply unplug it and take it with them. This is not the case with tethered chargers. The cable that is attached to the unit makes it difficult for someone to steal it. Additionally, thieves would have to know where your electrical outlet is in order to unplug the charger.
Ease of Use
Another big advantage of tethered chargers is that they are very easy to use. There is no need to look for a charging cable every time you want to charge your car. The cable is attached to the charger and is always available when you need it. Additionally, tethered chargers are very easy to set up. You simply need to plug them into an outlet and you are good to go.
Future Proof Tethered Cable
One of the advantages of tethered chargers is that they come with a future proof own charging cable. The cable is made from high-quality materials and is designed to last for many years. Additionally, the EV charging cable can be easily replaced if it ever becomes damaged. This is not the case with untethered cables, which typically do not come with a replaceable cable.
What Are the Benefits of an Untethered EV Charger?
There are several benefits of using an untethered EV charger. The main benefit is that they are portable and can be taken with you wherever you go. Additionally, they are often less expensive than tethered chargers. Let us take some time to expound on these advantages in detail.
Portability
One of the biggest benefits of untethered chargers is that they are extremely portable. You can take them with you wherever you go, which is a big plus. Additionally, they are often less expensive than tethered chargers.
Reliability
Although untethered chargers are not as reliable as tethered chargers, they are still more reliable than most battery chargers. Additionally, they may be more powerful than tethered chargers.
Aesthetically Appealing
Another benefit of untethered chargers is that they are often more aesthetically appealing than tethered chargers. They typically come in a variety of colours and styles, which allows you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Tethered or Untethered Charger? What is the Difference
The main difference between tethered and untethered chargers is that tethered chargers need to be plugged into an outlet, while untethered chargers do not. A tethered unit is more reliable and powerful than its counterparts. However, untethered chargers are more portable and less expensive. Additionally, untethered chargers may be more aesthetically appealing than tethered chargers.
Which Option Is the Best for Me?
The best option for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a reliable and powerful charger, then a tethered charger is the best option for you. However, if you are looking for a portable and less expensive charger, then an untethered charger is the best option for you. Additionally, if you are looking for an aesthetically appealing charger, then an untethered charger is the best option for you.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, both tethered and untethered chargers have their benefits. The choice of your EV charger will be influenced by a couple of factors. It is advisable to understand your specific needs before making a final decision. In our view, tethered chargers are reliable and convenient, whereas untethered chargers are portable and of lower cost. Whichever option you choose, we are sure that you will be happy with your purchase.
Thank you for reading! We hope this article has helped you to better understand the differences between tethered and untethered chargers. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them in the comments!
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