This category holds car chargers that plug into a vehicle's 12 V socket and inverters that turn vehicle power into mains-style output. It suits drivers, commuters, campers and tradespeople who need to charge phones, tablets or laptops on the road. Brands in our range include Hama, UGREEN, Voltcraft, Belkin and Baseus.
With over 200 models, the main task is matching the output to what you want to power.
How to choose a car charger or inverter
Charger or inverter. A car charger supplies low-voltage USB power and is enough for phones, tablets, dash cams and many laptops. An inverter is only needed if you want to plug in a normal mains plug, for example a laptop power brick, camera battery charger or small power tool.
Output power and ports. Check the total wattage and how it is shared when several ports are in use. A USB-C port with Power Delivery is the one to look for if you charge laptops or recent phones quickly, while a USB-A port is useful for older devices and cables. Chargers with two or more ports are handy if passengers also need power.
Inverter wattage and waveform. Add up the power of everything you will run at the same time and leave some headroom. A pure sine wave inverter is the safer choice for laptops, medical devices and other sensitive electronics, while a modified sine wave model is usually fine for simple heating or lighting loads.
Vehicle voltage and socket limits. Most cars use 12 V, while lorries and some campers use 24 V, so check that the product supports your system. A cigarette lighter socket is normally fused at around 10 to 15 amps, which caps what you can draw through it. Higher-power inverters are often connected directly to the battery with clamps.
Safety protections. Look for overload, short-circuit, overheating and over-voltage protection, plus a replaceable fuse. These features protect both your devices and the vehicle's electrics.
Car charger and inverter brands we carry
- Hama: a German accessories brand known for a broad choice of everyday charging and cable products for phones and tablets.
- UGREEN: known for USB-C chargers and multi-port charging products, including fast-charging designs.
- Voltcraft: a power and measuring equipment brand with a strong focus on voltage converters and inverters.
- Belkin: well known for mobile charging accessories, including products made for Apple devices.
- Baseus: popular for fast-charging car chargers and compact USB-C accessories.
- Delock and InLine: both are known for cables, adapters and connectivity accessories, which suits buyers who need a specific connector.
- Green Cell and everActive: Polish brands known for batteries and power supplies, with inverters and chargers alongside them.
Also in our range: SBOX, Wentronic and RealPower.
Car chargers and inverters: frequently asked questions
Can I charge a laptop in the car?
Yes, in two ways. A car charger with a USB-C Power Delivery port can charge many laptops directly, provided its wattage matches the laptop's requirement. Otherwise, an inverter lets you plug in the laptop's original mains charger.
What size of inverter do I need?
Choose an inverter rated above the combined power of the devices you will run at once. A laptop charger usually needs well under 100 W, whereas kettles and hair dryers need much more and are not practical through a car socket. Check the power rating printed on each device's label.
What is the difference between pure sine wave and modified sine wave?
A pure sine wave inverter produces power closest to household mains and suits sensitive electronics such as laptops and chargers. A modified sine wave inverter produces a rougher signal and is generally fine for simple loads, but it can cause noise or heat in some equipment.
Will a car charger drain my battery?
It can, if the socket stays live with the engine off, because even an idle charger draws a small current. Inverters drain a battery much faster when they are powering a device. Unplug the product when the vehicle is parked for a long time, and run the engine when using a higher-power inverter.
