EV Charging Cable Length Guide: 5m vs 7m vs 10m vs 20m (2026)
Short answer: For most single-bay home garages, 5 m or 7 m is enough when the reel mounts near the charge port. Choose 10 m for deep garages, rear-port EVs, or offset parking. Use 20 m for fleet bays, wide depots, or dual-row charging where the wallbox is far from the vehicle inlet.
Rollkern YSH-EV014 offers all four lengths at checkout on the Retractable EV Charging Reel product page.
How to measure before ordering
- Mark the planned reel mount on the wall (typically chest height, charge-port side).
- Park in your normal charging position.
- Measure the path from reel to inlet along the floor/wall route ??add ~0.5 m for connector bend radius.
- Add 1 m buffer so you rarely use full extension (reduces wear on the rewind mechanism).
Length comparison table
| Length | Best for | Typical users |
|---|---|---|
| 5 m | Compact garage, port-side parking, tethered wallbox beside car | Single EV, Type 2 hatchbacks, PHEVs |
| 7 m | Standard single bay, slight offset parking | Most home installs (recommended default) |
| 10 m | Deep garage, rear charge port, two-car width with one active bay | Model Y/3 rear port, SUV double-width garages |
| 20 m | Fleet rows, depot lanes, wallbox far from bay centre | Workplace car parks, logistics depots, CPO sites |
Common mistakes
- Ordering too short: Running at maximum extension every session accelerates spring and conductor wear.
- Ordering too long: Excess cable on the drum increases weight and rewind time without benefit.
- Ignoring port location: Front-port vs rear-port changes required length by 2?? m in the same garage.
Retractable reel vs fixed-length cable
A wall-mounted reel lets you deploy only the length needed each session while storing the remainder on the drum. That is why length selection matters at purchase ??the reel drum is sized for a specific maximum cable run.
FAQ
Can I change cable length after buying?
Reels are built and certified for a fixed drum capacity. Order the correct length at checkout; contact support@rollkern.com before ordering if unsure.
Does longer cable reduce charging speed?
Within rated 16A/32A specs, length within manufacturer limits does not change AC kW ??voltage drop is accounted for in certified cable sizing. Match reel rating to your wallbox breaker setting.
What length do fleet buyers choose?
Depot pilots often standardise on 10 m for mixed bays; long-row layouts use 20 m. Request a fleet quote for multi-bay planning.
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