How many amps does a car charger need for fast charging?
2 Answers
Car chargers with 4.8A provide fast charging. Selection rules: Higher amp car chargers are safer because low-amp car chargers can make charging very slow, causing electronic devices to overheat and get damaged over time. Common car chargers nowadays typically range between 2A and 5A, with the more suitable options being 2.4A, 4.2A, and 4.8A. If choosing between a 4.8A and 2.4A car charger, the 2.4A one is generally better. Risk factors: A 2.4A car charger is suitable for both car cigarette lighters and electronic devices using the charger, and its current falls within the normal safe range, so safety concerns are minimal. However, the current from a 4.8A car charger is too high for devices like phones, tablets, and navigation systems, which can easily burn out internal components, potentially damaging the cigarette lighter or even the car battery.
It depends on your device. A regular phone is fine with 2.4A, charging 30-40% in half an hour is no problem. I keep a dual-port charger in my car, one port with 3A fast charging for my iPhone, and the other 2.4A for headphones. Make sure to buy a metal-shell one with overload protection. Last time I bought a cheap plastic-shell charger and it burned out the cigarette lighter, scared me into switching to a branded one. The PD fast charging port is even more powerful, the new chargers with 20W power can charge an iPad Pro for half a day in just half an hour.