RetractEV: Smart EV Cord Management
Role: Co-Founder & Technical Lead | Duration: Aug 2021 - Dec 2021
RetractEV was my first venture into entrepreneurship, where I gained invaluable experience in product development and investor pitching. The project addressed a growing challenge in the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem: efficient and safe management of charging cords. This experience taught me the importance of market validation, technical innovation, and effective presentation skills.
Working alongside my co-founder, we developed a smart retractable system that allowed EV owners to better manage their charging cords. The system featured incremental locking, flexible mounting options, and was designed with UL safety standards in mind. Through this project, I learned to balance technical feasibility with market demands and investor expectations.
The highlight of this project was preparing and delivering our investor pitch, which helped me develop crucial skills in business communication and strategic thinking. The experience of presenting to potential investors provided valuable insights into how to effectively communicate both technical innovations and business potential.
Investor Pitch
Successfully presented to investors
Product Innovation
Novel cord management solution
Market Research
Extensive user & market validation
Investor Pitch
Investor Pitch Presentation
This comprehensive pitch presentation demonstrates my ability to effectively communicate both technical innovations and business potential to investors. The presentation covers our market research, product development journey, and business strategy, showcasing the skills I developed in business communication and strategic thinking.
Target Audience
Presented to potential investors and industry experts, focusing on market opportunity and scalability.
Market Validation
Demonstrated thorough market research and user feedback that shaped our product development.
Growth Strategy
Outlined clear path to market entry and scaling plans for both residential and commercial markets.
Key Features
Loadable Design
- Compatible with existing EV cords
- Easy loading mechanism
- Cost-effective solution
Smart Locking System
- 5.9-inch increment stops
- Secure cord positioning
- Prevents unwanted retraction
Mounting Options
- Wall mount for direct access
- Ceiling mount to save space
- 8-12ft height compatibility
Future Integration
- HomeLink compatibility
- Automated retraction
- Smart home integration
Product Design
The RetractEV design prioritizes safety, reliability, and ease of use. Our innovative split-housing design allows for easy cord loading while maintaining structural integrity. The system is engineered to handle daily use with minimal maintenance requirements.
Dimensions & Capacity
- Housing: 12" x 12" x 6"
- Weight: 8.5 lbs (empty)
- Cord Capacity: Up to 25ft
- Mounting Height: 8-12ft
Mechanical Features
- Split-housing design
- 5.9" increment locking
- Dual-axis rotation
- Quick-release mechanism
Materials
- Powder-coated aluminum shell
- Stainless steel components
- High-grade polymer guides
- UV-resistant coating
Safety Features
- Fail-safe locking system
- Integrated cord strain relief
- Thermal management vents
- Grounding compatibility
Core Mechanism
Market Analysis
of EV owners primarily charge at home
desired better cord management
wanted flexible installation choices
Team & Research
Adam Burke
Co-Founder & Business Development
- Market research and validation
- Business strategy
- Investor relations
- Product vision
Zoheb Alvi
Co-Founder & Technical Lead
- Product development
- UL standards research
- Technical architecture
- Prototype iterations
UL Standards Research
Safety Standards
- UL 2594 - EV Supply Equipment
- UL 62
- NEMA Standards
Electrical Safety
- Thermal management
- Insulation requirements
- Grounding specifications
Project Timeline
Concept & Validation
Aug 2021
- Market research
- Initial concept development
- User interviews
Design & Prototyping
Sept 2021
- First-gen prototype
- Mechanical design
- Material selection
Testing & Refinement
October 2021
- Stress testing
- Heat management
- User feedback
Development & Research
November 2021
- UL standards research
- Design optimization
- Manufacturing planning
Investor Pitch
November 2021
- Pitch preparation
- Live investor presentation
- Market strategy refinement
Team Transition
Decmber 2021
- Joined Prop Pillow team
- Integration of expertise
- Ended development to join Prop Pillow
Challenges & Solutions
Regulatory Compliance
Challenge: Meeting UL standards while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution: Focused on mechanical compliance, utilizing customer's existing UL-certified cords.
Thermal Management
Challenge: Heat buildup during charging cycles.
Solution: Integrated ventilation system with future cooling upgrades path.
Manufacturing Scale
Challenge: High tooling costs and production complexity.
Solution: Strategic partnership with Prop Pillow for manufacturing expertise.
Market Adoption
Challenge: Breaking into a competitive market.
Solution: Leveraged Prop Pillow's distribution channels and brand recognition.
Downloads
Investor Pitch Video
Watch our complete investor pitch presentation showcasing RetractEV's market potential, technical innovations, and business strategy. The presentation covers our journey from initial concept to working prototype.