Car chargers

Car phone chargers — how to choose?

A car charger converts the vehicle's electrical voltage into the USB voltage your phone accepts. This category covers chargers for smartphones, tablets and sat navs — not equipment for charging electric cars. The choice comes down to three things: power output, port type and supported fast charging standards.

Fast charging standards in the car

• USB Power Delivery (PD) — a universal standard for the USB-C port. It fast-charges iPhones, most Android phones and tablets, and with enough power even laptops.
• PPS — an extension of USB PD with continuously adjustable voltage. Samsung requires it for Super Fast Charging (25 W and 45 W) — without PPS the phone will charge more slowly.
• Quick Charge — Qualcomm's standard, found mainly on USB-A ports and in older Android phones.

A phone only draws as much power as it supports, so a more powerful charger won't harm it.

Power and number of ports

A charger for one phone

A compact charger with one or two ports and 20–30 W of power is enough to fast-charge a smartphone. Mini versions sit flush with the socket and don't get in the way of the gear stick.

For several passengers and tablets

With several devices, total power is what counts. A charger rated at 60 W usually splits that power between its ports — with two phones connected, each gets less than it would on its own. Rear-seat passengers will appreciate a model with an extension cable or an extra lighter socket.

What to look out for in a car charger

• Input voltage — most chargers accept 12–24 V, but for a truck or van, check this on the housing.
• Cable — power above 60 W requires a USB-C cable rated for 100 W or more, e.g. from the USB-C to USB-C cables category.
• Protection — protection against overheating, overvoltage and short circuits keeps your phone safe from voltage spikes when the engine starts.
• Socket with the ignition off — in some cars the socket stays live; in that case, unplug the charger so it doesn't drain the battery.

While you drive, your phone stays in place in car phone holders, and music reaches an older car radio through FM transmitters. You'll find other power adapters in the chargers section.