How to Choose a Multifunction Car Charger: A Buyer's Guide

Our car interiors have become an extension of our offices and homes. Between smartphones, kids' tablets, laptops, and dashcams, the need for in-car power has never been greater. Faced with an overwhelming number of options, finding a multifunction car charger that is powerful, safe, and suited to your needs can be a complex task. The goal of this guide is to provide you with clear benchmarks to make an informed choice, in line with current standards and the expectations of drivers in the UK.

Buyer's Guide: 3 Key Points for a Smart Choice

Before looking at specific products, a few technical criteria are worth considering. They not only guarantee the efficiency of your charger but also the safety of your devices and your vehicle.

1. Power and Charging Protocols

Power, measured in watts (W), determines charging speed. A modern charger must offer enough power to supply multiple devices simultaneously without a drop in performance. Pay close attention to fast charging protocols:

• Power Delivery (PD): This is the charging standard for USB-C. A PD port of 65W or more can efficiently charge a laptop. For a smartphone, 20W to 30W is more than enough.
• Quick Charge (QC): Developed by Qualcomm, this protocol is widespread on Android devices. Version QC3.0 or higher offers fast, optimised charging.

A good fast USB-C car charger should clearly state its total power output and the maximum power per port.

2. Safety and Certifications (CE & RoHS)

An electrical product plugged into a vehicle must meet strict safety standards. In Europe, two certifications are fundamental:

• CE Marking: This certifies that the product complies with the European Union's requirements for safety, health, and environmental protection.
• RoHS Certification: This guarantees that the product does not contain certain hazardous substances (lead, mercury, etc.).

Also, check for built-in protections against overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits. This is a guarantee of reliability for your in-car power station.

3. Additional Features

A multifunction charger stands out for its expanded capabilities. Depending on your needs, you might look for:

• A cigarette lighter splitter to plug in other accessories like a sat-nav or a portable cooler.
• Retractable cables to avoid clutter in the cabin.
• A battery booster function (also called a car jump starter) to handle an unexpected breakdown.

Recommended Multifunction Car Chargers

Taking these criteria into account, here is a selection of products that cater to different user profiles.

ATSHARK K006S: Integrated Organisation and Fast Charging

• Why we recommend it: This model directly tackles the problem of cables cluttering the centre console. With its two 90 cm retractable cables and a total power of 160W, it offers a charging solution that is powerful, tidy, and ready to use out of the box. The QC5 certification ensures compatibility with the latest charging technologies.

• Pros:

  • 160W total power: Allows you to simultaneously charge a laptop, a tablet, and a smartphone at full speed.
  • Integrated retractable cables: No more tangled wires or searching for cables; the car's interior stays neat and organised.
  • Universal compatibility: Supports PD, QC, Huawei SuperCharge, and other protocols.
  • Enhanced safety: Integrates cooling technology and a trickle charge mode to preserve your devices' batteries.

• Who is this product for?: Ideal for mobile professionals and hyper-connected drivers who use multiple devices (including a laptop) and place a high value on a well-organised car interior.

GOOLOO 3000A: The Emergency and Mobile Power Solution

• Why we recommend it: The GOOLOO 3000A goes far beyond a simple charger. It's a true battery booster capable of starting petrol engines up to 9L and diesel engines up to 7L. It combines the function of a car jump starter with that of a robust in-car power bank, offering complete peace of mind on the road.

• Pros:

  • 3000A peak starting current: Sufficient for most cars, SUVs, vans, and even some boats.
  • 10 levels of protection: The smart clamp system prevents sparks, reverse polarity, and short circuits.
  • 4-in-1 Functionality: Acts as a jump starter, power bank with QC3.0 ports, LED torch (with SOS and strobe modes), and a 15V DC power supply.
  • Rugged design: Built to withstand drops and extreme temperatures (-20°C to 60°C).

• Who is this product for?: Perfect for the prepared motorist, owners of vehicles with large engines, RV enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a reliable backup solution in case of a dead battery.

BESTEK 9-in-1: The Power Station for the Whole Family

• Why we recommend it: This product transforms a single cigarette lighter socket into a true in-car power station. With 9 outputs in total, including 3 cigarette lighter sockets and 6 USB ports (including 65W PD and QC3.0), it meets the needs of large families or teams on the go. It's the ultimate solution to ensure no one ever runs out of battery.

• Pros:

  • Massive connectivity: 9 devices can be charged or powered simultaneously.
  • Very high-power charging: The 65W USB-C PD port can power a laptop, while the other ports handle phones and tablets.
  • Independent switches: Each cigarette lighter socket has its own switch for added safety and to preserve the lifespan of connected devices.
  • Voltage display: An LED screen allows you to monitor the vehicle's battery voltage in real-time.

• Who is this product for?: Designed for families, rideshare drivers, taxis, or professionals who use a lot of equipment in the car (dashcam, sat-nav, car fridge, multiple phones, etc.).

Looking for a Different Charging Option?

If your needs are focused primarily on fast charging with the latest technology, without the additional features of a splitter or a booster, a dedicated solution may be more suitable. For optimised performance and maximum compatibility with modern devices, we invite you to discover our selection of chargers and accessories compatible with the TYPE-C Charging Port.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What power output should I choose for a multifunction car charger? The required power depends on the devices you want to charge. For a smartphone, a port from 18W to 30W is effective. For a laptop, aim for a USB-C PD port of at least 45W, ideally 65W or more. If you plan to charge multiple devices at once, make sure the charger's total power output is sufficient to supply all ports simultaneously.

2. Can a cigarette lighter charger drain my car battery? Most modern vehicles cut power to the cigarette lighter socket when the ignition is off. In this case, there is no risk. If your socket remains powered at all times, a high-quality charger has very low standby power consumption. However, to prevent any long-term drain, it is advisable to unplug it or choose a model with a power switch, like the BESTEK 9-in-1.

3. How does an integrated battery booster work? A car jump starter like the GOOLOO 3000A is simple to use. Just connect the smart clamps to the device, then the red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the car battery and the black clamp to the negative (-) terminal. A green light indicates that the connection is correct and secure. You can then start the engine. For completely dead batteries, a "BOOST" function can force the start. It is recommended to keep the booster charged to over 50% for optimal performance.