Car chargers

Car chargers in this category are DC adapters that power or charge a laptop from a vehicle's 12 V socket, with a few models for tablets and printers. They suit drivers, field engineers and delivery crews who work on the road. Brands include CoreParts, Belkin, Panasonic and Zebra.

How to choose a car charger for a laptop

Output voltage and power. Match the voltage printed on your original laptop charger. Our range includes 19 V, 19.5 V and 20 V outputs for laptops, plus 12 V models for other equipment. Wattage should equal or exceed the original, and options here run from 30 W to 90 W. A 65 W or 90 W unit is the usual choice for larger laptops.

Connector type. The plug must fit your laptop's charging port exactly. Connectors in our range include 7.4*5.0, 4.5*3.0, 5.5*2.5, Lenovo Square and special thin tips. Check the tip size in your laptop's manual or on the original charger before ordering.

Input voltage. Most car sockets deliver 12 V, and many chargers here accept roughly 10 to 15 V. Lorries and some commercial vehicles use 24 V, so choose a model rated for 12/24 V if you drive one.

Device and power type. Most products in our range are laptop chargers, but some are made for tablets, printers or POS printers. A few listings are described as indoor power supplies rather than in-car units, so read the product details to confirm that the charger is meant for a car socket.

Car charger brands we carry

• CoreParts: a supplier of replacement batteries and power adapters, and the largest group in this category.
• Belkin: known for charging accessories and surge protection for computers and mobile devices.
• Panasonic: maker of the Toughbook rugged laptops used in vehicles and field work.
• Zebra: specialist in barcode scanners and mobile printers for logistics and retail, which often run from a vehicle supply.
• Brother: a printer manufacturer with a strong line in mobile and label printers.
• Hama: a German accessories brand covering cables, adapters and chargers.

Also in our range: Origin Storage, Karcher and Akyga.

Car chargers: frequently asked questions

Can I charge a laptop in the car?

Yes, with a car charger that matches your laptop's voltage, wattage and connector. The charger plugs into the 12 V socket and converts the supply to the DC voltage your laptop needs. A universal USB car charger will not do the job unless your laptop supports USB-C charging at a high enough wattage.

What wattage car charger do I need?

Choose a charger with at least the wattage of your original laptop adapter. Many ultrabooks need 45 W to 65 W, while larger work laptops often need 90 W. A higher rating than required is safe, because the laptop draws only what it needs.

Will a car charger drain the car battery?

It can, if you use it for long periods with the engine off. A laptop draws considerable current, and a car battery has limited reserve. For anything beyond a short top-up, run the engine while the laptop is connected.

Do I need a 12 V or a 24 V car charger?

Cars and vans use 12 V, so a charger with a 10 to 15 V input is enough. Lorries, coaches and some other commercial vehicles use 24 V and need a charger rated for 12/24 V. Check the input voltage in the specification before buying.