Car chargers in our range plug into the cigarette lighter socket and charge phones, tablets and some laptops while you drive. Most are USB car chargers with two ports, and a few offer three. Brands include Gembird, Vention, Club3D, Duracell and Goobay.
How to choose a car charger
Output power per port. Check the wattage of each port, not only the total. Ports in our range offer roughly 18 W to 45 W, so a 18 W or 20 W port suits a phone, while a 30 W to 45 W USB-C port is the one to look for if you want to charge a tablet or fast-charge a newer phone.
Number of ports. Count the devices that regularly travel with you. Many models charge two devices at once and some manage three, but the total output is usually shared, so two fast-charging devices at the same time may each receive less power than a single port can deliver.
Input voltage. Most passenger cars have a 12 V socket, while lorries, vans and some campervans use 24 V. Several chargers in our range accept 12 to 24 V, which is the safer choice if you drive different vehicles or a commercial one.
Device compatibility. Some chargers are sold as universal, others specifically for laptops or mobile phones. A laptop charger needs enough wattage for your model and the right connector or USB-C Power Delivery support, so check your laptop's original charger rating before you buy.
Car charger brands we carry
- Duracell: best known for batteries, and it applies the same name to a range of power accessories, including car chargers.
- Akyga: a Polish brand known for replacement laptop power adapters and chargers.
- StarTech.com: focuses on connectivity and accessories for IT professionals, with a reputation for solid build quality.
- Club3D: known mainly for display and video adapters, plus cables and connectivity accessories.
- Alogic: an Australian brand specialising in USB-C accessories such as cables, hubs and chargers.
- Gembird: a long-standing supplier of computer accessories and cables, and the brand with the most car chargers in our range.
Also in our range: Vention, Goobay, MediaRange, ACT, Axagon and Qoltec.
Car chargers: frequently asked questions
Can a car charger charge a laptop?
Yes, but only if the charger is designed for laptops and supplies enough power. Some car chargers in our range are made for laptops, while phone-oriented models usually top out at lower wattages. Compare the output with the power rating printed on your laptop's original charger.
Will a car charger drain my car battery?
It can if it stays powered while the engine is off. In many cars the cigarette lighter socket switches off with the ignition, so the charger draws nothing. If your socket stays live, unplug the charger when you park for long periods.
What is the difference between 12 V and 24 V car chargers?
The difference is the electrical system the charger is built for. Passenger cars generally use 12 V and many lorries use 24 V. A charger with a 12 to 24 V input works in both, so it is the one to pick if you are unsure or switch vehicles.
How many watts do I need to fast-charge my phone in the car?
Most phones fast-charge with a port delivering around 18 W to 30 W, though the exact figure depends on your model. Check your phone's maximum charging speed and choose a port at or above it. A higher-rated charger will not harm the phone, because the device only draws the power it can accept.
