Can I charge my phone in a car with a wall charger and an inverter?

Main answer · Wecent Editorial Team

Short answer: Yes, an inverter turns the car’s 12-volt power into mains-style power so a wall charger works. For a phone, a car USB charger is usually simpler, smaller and more efficient. If you do use an inverter, choose one with enough rating, keep the engine running for longer sessions and use it only with undamaged equipment.

How it works

A car’s 12-volt socket supplies direct current. An inverter converts that to alternating current at wall voltage, so your normal charger can plug into it. The wall charger then converts it back to low voltage for the phone.

Why a car charger is simpler

A car USB charger converts 12 volts directly to the voltage the phone needs. It avoids two conversions, wastes less energy, takes up less space and costs less. It also fits into the socket without a cable to the inverter.

When an inverter makes sense

• You need to charge a laptop that has only a wall charger.
• You want to run several devices at once.
• You need a standard socket for a small appliance.

Choosing an inverter

1. Check its power rating and compare it with the total of all devices.
2. Check the socket’s fuse rating. Many car sockets are limited.
3. Look for safety marks and a short-circuit and overload protection.
4. Use a modified or pure sine wave type as recommended by the maker of your device.

Safe use

• Keep the engine on for long charging, so the car battery is not drained.
• Do not leave an inverter plugged in with the car off.
• Place it where it can cool, away from carpets and seats.
• Do not use damaged chargers or cables.
• Do not exceed the rated power.

Practical advice

For a phone, buy a good dual-port car charger and keep the inverter for laptops. If you travel a lot, a power bank gives a second option.

Quick summary

It works, but a car USB charger is better for phones.

Check the car’s limits

Many 12-volt sockets are fused at a modest current, so a large inverter may blow the fuse. Check the car manual for the socket’s limit, and keep the total load below it. For heavy loads, an inverter wired directly to the battery with its own fuse is the safer choice, and is best done by a qualified installer.

Where this answer says to confirm with Wecent, the detail is not published on the product page and has to come from the datasheet or the factory. General facts come from the regulators, standards bodies or device makers named in the text.