What is a ‘socketed’ EV charger?

Zaptec go side profile

A socketed EV charger, also known as an untethered charger, is an EV charging system where the power cable is not permanently attached.

This means that the cable must be plugged into the charging unit and the electric vehicle when you want to use it. This is similar to a phone charger, where you need to plug the cable into the three-pin socket and the phone.

The cable for a socketed charger is as an additional purchase and comes in a range of lengths from 2-10 metres, depending on the manufacturer.

Some home chargers also have the benefit of providing a cable lock, to ensure that the cable is secure. Examples include the Zaptec Go and Easee One.

Are there any benefits to a socketed charger?

The most significant benefit is that socketed chargers are usually smaller and tidier than tethered chargers because they don’t have a bulky cable attached to them permanently.

The downside to this is they do not usually have enough of a body to loop the cable around, so you may need a cable tidy (such as a hook) to keep things neat.

Socketed EV chargers are also futureproof, letting you upgrade your cable anytime, while tethered chargers have a permanent cable that is technically upgradeable but doesn’t make things as easy as a socketed unit.

What are some good socketed chargers?

The best socketed charger we have reviewed to date is the Ohme ePod, which has a sensational app with tariff integration, price caps, cost tracking, and physical charger buttons to start, pause, and stop charging sessions.

Another decent socketed EV charger is the Zaptec Go, which has a slick app and a sleek, minimalist design. Zaptec’s software experience is not as good as Ohme’s, but the hardware is arguably more stylish.

Jakk is the founder and chief editor of Top Charger. He drives a Volkswagen ID.3 Family Pro Performance, and despite having a lead right foot, he consistently gets over 200-miles of range.