What the Tech?: Charging phone in the car
JACKSON, Tenn.–We’ve all been there: plugging our phone into the car’s USB port, expecting a quick boost, only to find the battery barely creeping up, or worse, still draining. Even with the latest vehicles promising advanced charging, this frustrating reality persists. Why does it seem like our cars are intentionally slow-charging our devices, and what can we do to truly power up on the go?
The common culprit is surprisingly simple: low wattage. Most built-in USB ports in cars, even those less than a decade old, deliver a measly 5 watts of power. Compare that to a typical wall charger, which can provide four times as much! While some newer cars boast wireless charging pads advertising up to 15 watts, real-world performance often sees phones receiving only 5-10 watts, especially if you’re actively using the phone for music, navigation, or other apps.
The problem intensifies with “power draw.” Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and streaming applications constantly demand power from your phone. When combined with a low-wattage charging source, these apps can effectively cancel out any charging gains, leaving your battery stagnant or even depleting. It’s a frustrating cycle that leaves you feeling like you’re fighting a losing battle against your phone’s battery life.
So, how can you break free from the slow-charge struggle and get a full battery while driving? The answer isn’t in your car’s integrated USB ports, but rather in a dedicated high-wattage USB-C car charger. These devices, often plugging into your car’s 12-volt socket (what we used to call the cigarette lighter), can be a game-changer. For around $10, you can find chargers that deliver 30 to 45 watts, capable of rapid charging your phone from zero to 50% in as little as 30 minutes. Look for models that offer both USB-C and standard USB connections for versatility.
Beyond the charger itself, the cable you use plays a crucial role. Don’t skimp on quality; old or cheap cables can significantly limit the power reaching your phone, creating a bottleneck that negates even a high-wattage charger. And while wireless charging pads offer convenience, don’t expect more than a trickle charge, especially on long trips where consistent power is essential.
A quick note for those who rely on CarPlay or Android Auto: since these systems typically connect through your car’s infotainment center via USB, you won’t be able to use the higher-wattage cigarette lighter charger for data transfer. Instead, connect to your car’s infotainment system over Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, freeing up the 12-volt socket for dedicated fast charging.
Finally, a word of caution regarding portable battery packs: while they’re great for on-the-go charging, never leave them in your car. Extreme heat can cause them to overheat, potentially catching fire or even exploding. Safety first!
If you have trouble with a phone dying too fast after a long commute, give the cigarette lighter a try!
