Charge cell phone in the car - how it works

If your cell phone battery runs out on the go, you can charge it in the car with little effort. We show you in this practical tip how this works and what you need for it.

Charge your cell phone in the car - how it works

• You need a car charger cable to connect the cell phone to the cigarette lighter socket. You get this with a micro USB connection for around 6 euros, with a Lightning connection for the iPhone for around 10 euros.
• The car battery is hardly discharged by the charging process. So you don't have to worry that your car won't start by charging your smartphone.
• Note: Only cigarette lighter connections with permanent plus give power even when the ignition is switched off. Otherwise, you can only charge your cell phone battery via this connection when the engine is running. With most cars, however, it is sufficient to switch on the ignition.
• Alternatively, you can also use a USB car adapter that you plug into the cigarette lighter socket. It provides a normal USB interface for your smartphone. You will need an additional USB cable for this.

Charge mobile phone while driving: is this legal?

• In Germany, drivers have already been punished for looking at the watch on their cell phones while driving. In 2016, a driver plugged his cell phone into a USB cable while driving and was fined.
• This driver complained and was now right. Charging the phone in the car has nothing to do with the phone's phone function. You can confidently plug in your mobile phone while driving. Of course, it is much safer at the traffic lights or in the parking lot.