Professional Guide

Best Coiled EV Cables for Tidy Driveways: 2025 Expert Review

OA

Oli at OR Electrics

Fully Qualified 18th Edition Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

If there is one thing that frustrates new EV owners in Leeds, it is the 'spaghetti junction' of cables on a wet driveway. Standard straight cables often end up dragging in the mud, getting run over, or creating a serious trip hazard for pedestrians—especially in our tighter Victorian terraced streets.

This is where coiled EV cables (often called 'pigtail' cables) come in. They are designed to dangle in the air between your car and the wall box, keeping the cable clean, dry, and visible. However, they aren't perfect for every situation, and the 'claimed length' can be misleading.

In this review, I'm looking at three coiled cable options. I've included a budget connectivity solution for inside the cabin, alongside two heavy-duty Type 2 cables for the actual vehicle charging, helping you decide which setup suits your home best.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Cable Length vs Usable Reach"

The Theory

"A '5 metre' coiled cable sounds like it will reach 5 metres."

The Reality

Due to the tight coil memory, a 5-metre cable only has a usable reach of about 2 metres. If you pull it tighter, you risk damaging the charging port or pulling the wall box fixings loose.

The Spec: "Tangle-Free Claims"

The Theory

"Coiled cables never get tangled."

The Reality

Whilst they don't knot like straight cables, they can become interlocked if thrown into a boot carelessly. They are easier to manage but require a specific 'technique' to store neatly.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Coiled Lightning Cable 2 Pack, 90 Degree Disc Fast Charging Cable

Budget In-Car Pick
Coiled Lightning Cable 2 Pack, 90 Degree Disc Fast Charging Cable

MTAKYI

Whilst this isn't a Type 2 cable for charging the vehicle itself, it is an essential piece of kit for the EV driver's cockpit. Clutter is a safety hazard, and this coiled lightning cable keeps your CarPlay connection tidy without trailing wires across the gear stick or handbrake.

Price£14.88 (at time of writing)
TypeUSB to Lightning (In-Car)
CertificationApple MFi Certified
The Good
  • Keeps the dashboard area free of dangerous cable clutter
  • Right-angle connector protects the port in tight spaces
  • Supports CarPlay for navigation and music
The Bad
  • Only for phone charging, not for the vehicle
  • Short reach if passengers in the back need to charge

Installer Tip:

In modern EVs, the USB ports are often in awkward spots. Using a coiled cable prevents the wire from draping over driver controls or getting tangled in the gear selector.

Priced at £14.88 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

EVSTOR EV Charging Cable Coiled | Type 2 to Type 2 | 10 metre | 32 Amp | 3 Phase | 22KW

Quality Option
EVSTOR EV Charging Cable Coiled | Type 2 to Type 2 | 10 metre | 32 Amp | 3 Phase | 22KW

EVSTOR

This is a serious piece of kit for anyone needing a robust, future-proof solution. Being a 3-phase, 22kW cable, it can handle the maximum charge rate of almost any AC charger on the market. The 10-metre coil length gives you a realistic reach of about 4 metres, making it ideal for standard driveways.

Price£258.00 (at time of writing)
Rating22kW / 32 Amp / 3-Phase
Coil Length10m (approx. 4m usable)
Weather RatingIP65 (Water & Dust Resistant)
The Good
  • Heavy duty TPU rubber resists abrasion from concrete driveways
  • Future-proof: 22kW capacity handles current and future EVs
  • Keeps the cable off the wet ground, safer for pedestrians
The Bad
  • Heavy and bulky due to 3-phase copper thickness
  • Significant investment compared to basic cables

Installer Tip:

This cable is heavy. Ensure your wall charger is securely fixed to the brickwork, as the tension from a heavy coil can pull on the unit over time. We always recommend using a dedicated cable hook alongside the charger to take the strain.

Priced at £258.00 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

EVSTOR EV Charging Cable Coiled | Type 2 to Type 2 | 5 metre | 32 Amp | Single Phase | 7.6KW

Problem-solving Option
EVSTOR EV Charging Cable Coiled | Type 2 to Type 2 | 5 metre | 32 Amp | Single Phase | 7.6KW

EVSTOR

If you park very close to your charger—common in Leeds back-to-backs or narrow driveways—this is the problem solver. It's a single-phase cable (lighter than the 3-phase version) and keeps the connection suspended in the air. However, be aware the usable reach is only about 2 metres.

Price£151.00 (at time of writing)
Rating7.6kW / 32 Amp / Single Phase
Coil Length5m (approx. 2m usable)
The Good
  • Much lighter and easier to handle than 3-phase cables
  • Perfect for 'nose-in' parking right next to the charger
  • Prevents the cable dragging in puddles or mud
The Bad
  • Very short usable range - measure your distance carefully!
  • Not suitable if you need to park behind another car

Installer Tip:

Use this only if you have a dedicated parking spot right next to the designated charging point. For many of my clients in terrace housing, this short cable is brilliant because it hangs in the air without touching the pavement, reducing trip hazards for passers-by.

Priced at £151.00 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I choose a coiled EV cable over a straight one?
Safety and cleanliness. A coiled cable naturally retracts, meaning it doesn't drag on the wet, dirty ground. This keeps your hands clean when packing away and, crucially, reduces the trip hazard on your driveway. In damp UK weather, it also stops the cable sitting in puddles.
How much 'give' do coiled EV cables actually have?
This is the most common complaint. You generally lose about 50-60% of the total length to the coil. A '5-metre' cable is usually only good for a reach of 2 to 2.5 metres. Never buy a coiled cable that is the exact distance you need; always size up significantly.
Are coiled cables safe for 22kW charging?
Yes, provided you buy a 3-phase (32A) rated cable like the 10m EVSTOR option reviewed above. However, if the cable is tightly coiled whilst charging at high power, heat dissipation can be slightly reduced compared to a straight cable, though quality cables are designed to handle this safely within BS standards.
Do I need a professional to install an EV charger?
Absolutely. Installing an EV charger involves high loads (32 Amps) that can melt standard wiring if not done correctly. It requires notification to the DNO (Northern Powergrid in our area) and testing to BS 7671 standards. OR Electrics can handle the full installation and certification process for you.

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