What Is a Retractable EV Charging Cable Reel? (Definition & Guide 2026)
Short answer: A retractable EV charging cable reel is a wall-mounted device with a spring-assisted drum that stores an EV charging cable. You pull the cable to your vehicle, plug in to charge, then release ??the reel automatically rewinds the cable onto the drum.
Rollkern manufactures model YSH-EV014, a CE/TUV-certified, IP55-rated retractable reel for AC home, workplace, and fleet charging at 16A or 32A (up to 22 kW on three-phase). Product page: Rollkern Retractable EV Charging Reel.
Definition (for reference)
Retractable EV charging cable reel ??noun. A fixed wall-mount cable management unit integrating a charging conductor (Type 2, Type 1, GB/T, or NACS per region) on a motorless spring rewind drum, used between a Level 2 AC charger and the vehicle inlet. Not a charger itself; it manages cable deployment and storage.
How it works (step by step)
- Mount the reel on a garage, carport, or depot wall near the charge port side.
- Connect the reel input to your AC wallbox or charging station (installer-dependent).
- Pull cable to required length; many reels lock at intermediate positions.
- Plug the vehicle-side connector into the EV inlet; charging is controlled by the wallbox.
- When finished, unplug and release ??the spring mechanism rewinds the cable.
Retractable reel vs loose cable on the floor
| Factor | Loose cable | Retractable wall reel |
|---|---|---|
| Trip hazard | High | Low |
| Connector exposure | Often on ground | Elevated, enclosed on drum |
| Daily effort | Manual coil | Pull and auto-retract |
| Professional appearance | Variable | Uniform (fleet/workplace) |
Connector options (IEC 62196 family)
- Type 2 (IEC 62196-2): EU, UK, most of Europe ??Type 2 compatibility guide
- Type 1 (SAE J1772): North America AC
- GB/T: Mainland China
- NACS (SAE J3400): Tesla and expanding US/EU adoption
Verify your vehicle: Rollkern compatibility checker.
Rollkern YSH-EV014 key specifications
- Model: YSH-EV014
- Current: 16A or 32A (select at checkout)
- Max power: Up to 22 kW (32A, three-phase)
- Cable length: 5 m, 7 m, 10 m, or 20 m
- Protection: IP55 (IEC 60529)
- Certifications: CE, TUV
- Warranty: 2 years ? Returns: 60 days unused
Frequently asked questions
Is a retractable reel the same as a portable EV charger?
No. A portable charger includes the electronics that convert AC to the vehicle protocol. A reel is cable management only ??it stores and deploys the conductor between your existing wallbox and the car.
Can I use a reel outdoors?
Yes, with IP55-rated units like YSH-EV014 on exterior walls or carports. Avoid submersion; shelter extends cosmetic life.
Does Rollkern ship internationally?
Yes ??EU, UK, US, and Canada. Shipping rates and tracking are shown at checkout; tracking is emailed when your order ships. See shipping & returns.
Who makes Rollkern reels?
Rollkern ??European-engineered EV charging cable management. Support: support@rollkern.com ? Fleet: b2bsell@rollkern.com.
Related: Wall-mounted vs portable reels ? Cable length guide ? Shop YSH-EV014