Tethered vs. Untethered Chargers: Which is the Right Choice for You?
What is the Right Choice for Your Needs?
In today's fast-paced world, the convenience of charging our vehicles quickly and efficiently is more important than ever. As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, choosing the right type of charger is crucial. At Stevie Charger, we understand the importance of making the best choice for your needs, which is why we offer both tethered and untethered options. But which one is right for you? Let's break down the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each to help you make an informed decision.
What is an Untethered Charger?
An untethered charger, also known as a socketed charger or universal charger, is a charging unit that does not have a permanently attached cable. Instead, it features a universal socket where you can plug in your own charging cable. This design offers the flexibility to use different cables based on your specific needs and the types of vehicles you own or may encounter. At Stevie Charger, all our socketed chargers come equipped with a Type 2 socket, which is compatible with cables from all well-known car manufacturers. This ensures that whether you're charging your own EV or accommodating a guest's vehicle, our untethered chargers provide seamless connectivity and convenience.
Benefits of an Untethered Charger:
- Flexibility: The most significant advantage of an untethered charger is its flexibility. You can use different types of charging cables, making it compatible with a wide range of EVs. This can include older EVs such as the first-generation Nissan Leaf. This is particularly beneficial if you have more than one vehicle with different charging requirements or if you have guests who need to charge their EVs at your location.
- Future-Proofing: With technology rapidly evolving, an untethered charger allows you to easily upgrade your charging cable to match the latest standards without needing to replace the entire unit.
- Portability: If you need to use your charging cable elsewhere, such as at a public charging station, an untethered charger gives you the freedom to take your cable with you.
- Adjustable: If you need a longer cable to reach your vehicle, then you can buy whatever length you need.
Disadvantages of an Untethered Charger:
- Convenience: Unlike tethered chargers, untethered chargers require you to connect and disconnect your cable each time you use it. This might be a minor inconvenience if you're looking for a quick and easy plug-and-go experience.
- Maintenance: With an untethered charger, there’s an additional piece of equipment (the cable) that you’ll need to keep track of, store, and maintain. Over time, cables can wear out, and replacing them can add to your costs.
- Security: Because the cable isn’t permanently attached, there’s a risk that it could be misplaced, stolen, or damaged when not in use.
What is a Tethered Charger?
A tethered charger comes with a permanently attached cable that remains connected to the charging unit at all times, making it ready to use at a moment's notice. This type of charger offers a convenient, one-step process for charging your vehicle, eliminating the need to find and connect a separate cable. Our Stevie tethered chargers are equipped with a 7.5-meter Type 2 connector, ensuring compatibility with all Type-2 plug-in vehicles. Additionally, we include a cable management holder, allowing you to easily and neatly store the cable when it's not in use, keeping your space organised and the cable protected.
Benefits of a Tethered Charger:
- Convenience: The primary advantage of a tethered charger is its ease of use. Since the cable is permanently attached, all you have to do is plug it into your vehicle, making it the perfect option for those who prioritise simplicity and speed.
- Less Maintenance: With a tethered charger, you don’t have to worry about storing or maintaining a separate cable. This can be especially helpful in households where multiple people may need to charge their vehicles, ensuring that the cable is always in the right place and ready to go.
- Security: A tethered cable is permanently attached to the unit, reducing the risk of theft or loss. It also eliminates the hassle of having to search for a cable each time you want to charge your vehicle.
Disadvantages of a Tethered Charger:
- Limited Flexibility: Unlike untethered chargers, a tethered charger is limited by the type of connector it has. This means that if you have multiple EVs with different connectors, you might need to purchase additional adapters or chargers.
- Upgradability: If you want to upgrade to a newer cable with advanced features, a tethered charger requires replacing the entire unit, which could be more costly and less convenient than simply swapping out a cable.
- Aesthetic Considerations: Tethered chargers often leave a cable hanging, which might not be as aesthetically pleasing, especially if the charger is installed in a visible area like the front of your home.
Which Stevie Charger is Right for You?
At Stevie Chargers, we understand that every customer has unique needs, which is why we offer both tethered and untethered chargers. If you prioritise convenience and simplicity, our tethered charger might be the perfect fit. However, if you value flexibility and future-proofing, the untethered option could be the better choice.
No matter which option you choose, you can trust that Stevie Chargers delivers high-quality, reliable charging solutions that will keep your EV powered and ready for the road. Explore our range today and find the charger that best suits your lifestyle.
Contact Us
Still unsure which is right for you? Want to know more information, or need help finding the best solution for your specific needs, or organisation, we have experts on hand to help you choose the right charger for you.
