Previous laptop models used to get charged via wall-mounted AC chargers. However, this is not the case now as modern technology has revolutionized the way laptops get charged. As we speak, you can now charge your laptop in your car and still remain connected to the internet. This way, you can be assured that you will continue working even as you travel to your desired destination. However, you need to have the right adapter or charger and also ensure that your car is running. Thankfully, there are a plethora of compatible adapters that can enable you to charge your laptop in your car. To learn more about how to charge a laptop in the car, read this article, and you will be good to go.
Charge a Laptop In a Car – Is It Safe
Yes. As we speak, you can now go ahead and charge your laptop in your car and enjoy unlimited convenience. However, you need to have the correct inverters and connectors. After all, having the wrong charging devices can damage not only your car’s power ports but also your precious laptop. To be on the safe side, always purchase high-quality laptop chargers, USB cables, inverter chargers and so forth.
Car Battery Gets Depleted Whenever You Charge Your Laptop In Car
Your car’s battery can get depleted as you charge your laptop. Such is usually the case if your car is not moving or is stationary. For instance, if you charge your laptop overnight when your car is in the garage, chances are that the car’s battery charge will get depleted. However, if your car’s engine is still running and the car is stationary, be certain that its battery’s charge will not get depleted even after charging your laptop for long hours.
If you do not want to charge your laptop when the car’s engine is running, ensure that your car has a deep-cycle battery. Unlike conventional car batteries, these usually charge back up faster after its charge gets depleted. Consequently, you will not grapple with a low car battery after charging your laptop for 3 hours or even more.
5 Safe Methods To Charge Laptop In Your Car
By now, you are aware that you can charge your laptop in the car. Here are some of the best methods for how to charge a laptop in the car:
1. Use a USB charger
This is one of the easiest methods on how to charge your laptop when you are driving a car. With a laptop charger that features a Type-C USB port, and a Type-C cable, be certain that you will be able to charge your laptop seamlessly. All you need to do is to connect the Type-C car laptop charger to your car’s charging port.
The other end can be connected to the Type-C USB port on your laptop. Once you connect the laptop to your car’s charging port, your laptop should start charging immediately. In case you experience some challenges, check the connections again and you will be all set.
2. Use an inverter
Besides using a USB charger, you can now charge your laptop using an inverter. Typically, a laptop using an AC current back at home or at the office. However, your car’s battery normally offers Direct Current.
Unfortunately, you can use the Direct Current (DC) directly to charge your laptop. After all, it requires AC power for it to get charged optimally. Thankfully, a car inverter can help to convert the DC power into AC power.
Therefore, you can go ahead and purchase a car inverter charger and then use it to charge your laptop. Once you purchase this device, connect its power cable to the charging port in your car. Thereafter, plug in your laptop’s charging cable to the car inverter charger. Connect the other end of the laptop’s charger to the charging port of the laptop. After making this connection, your laptop should start charging.
3. Use a power bank
In most cases, a power bank is normally used to charge tablets and smartphones. Interestingly, this device can be used to charge a laptop o your car. To charge your laptop using a power bank, you will be required to purchase a model with a higher battery capacity.
After all, your laptop’s battery capacity is higher than that of your phone’s battery. Simply put, a laptop needs 40W to get charged. Therefore, your power bank of choice should come with a capacity of 40W or even more.
For optimal results, ensure that your power bank is fully charged before you start your journey. You will be at liberty to use it to charge your laptop whenever you want. However, you need to have a USB cable that you can use to connect your laptop to the power bank.
4. Use a car laptop charger
Apart from the methods that we have discussed above, you can now utilize a car laptop charger to charge your laptop. As far as the car laptop charger is concerned, it is imperative to note that it works the same as a typical laptop charger.
However, its power jack is slightly different. Unlike the common laptop charger, one of its end can fit in a cigarette lighter socket power outlet present in your vehicle. The good news is that a car laptop charger comes at a budget-friendly price and is available in both online and brick-and-mortar electronic stores near you.
To get started, you should purchase this charger from any of the stores that we have mentioned above. Ideally, it should fit well on the power port of your laptop. Once you have the charger in place, connect one end to the power outlet available in your car and the other end to the charging port of your laptop. After making the above-mentioned connection, your laptop should start charging on the go.
5. Utilize an adaptor
It is important to note that the adaptor works more or less like a car inverter charger. Although it works the same as an inverter charger, it eliminates the need for an extra cable other than the regular charger that comes with your laptop.
If you want to use an adaptor, you should first purchase it from the nearest electronic shop close to you. After that, connect it to your car’s power source. Once you are done, plug in one end of the laptop’s charger into the adaptor’s port. The other end can now be plugged into the charging port of your laptop. Since the adaptor is more portable, most users prefer carrying it whenever they travel with their laptops.
Charge A Laptop Before The Battery Gets Drained – How Long You Can
Well, this duration will depend on your laptop’s wattage and the car’s battery capacity. Ideally, a normal laptop can be charged for about 3 hours before your car’s battery is depleted. However, to avert the chances of low car battery issues, consider charging your laptop for about 2 hours. After that, unplug it from the charging port, and you will be good to go.
