Whether you’re working on a project for work or school or just want to stay in touch with friends and family, being able to use your laptop in the car can be a great convenience. Ironically, the more we are surrounded by electronics, the more we run into trouble with them. One of the challenges of using a laptop in the car is keeping it charged.
Depending on how you’re using your laptop, the battery can drain quickly, and if you’re not near a power outlet, you may be out of luck.
Fortunately, there are a few different ways that you can charge your laptop in the car. In this article, we’ll show you some of the most popular methods so that you can keep your laptop charged no matter where you are, including using your MacBook charger and a power bank.
How to Charge a Laptop in a Car
1. Use a power inverter
How to charge a laptop in a car? One of the most popular methods is to use a power inverter.
Power inverters come in a variety of different sizes and capabilities, so it’s important to choose one that is right for your needs. For example, if you’re only going to be using your laptop for a short period of time, you may not need a very powerful inverter.
On the other hand, if you’re going to be using your laptop for extended periods, you’ll want to make sure you choose an inverter that can handle the power demands of your laptop.
2. Get a USB charger
One of the most convenient ways to charge your laptop in the car is to use a USB charger. This type of charger plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter socket and then provides one or more USB ports that you can use to connect your laptop.
Most modern laptops can be charged via USB, and many come with a USB charging cable in the box. If yours doesn’t, you can usually purchase one from the laptop’s manufacturer or a third-party retailer.
Once you have your charger and cable, simply plug them into your car and laptop and let the charging begin. This method is typically very fast, so you won’t have to wait long for your laptop to reach a full charge.
3. Use a car battery
If you can’t manage a power bank, you can use your car battery to charge your laptop.
Though a 300W Power Inverter can power anything that requires up to 300 watts, there is a setback to this method. Power tools require more wattage than what the inverter can provide, so it might not be enough to run them. It can, however, charge up your laptop without any issues.
4. Use a power bank
A power bank is a portable battery that can be used to charge devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Power banks for laptops are available that come in a variety of sizes, and the size you need will depend on the battery capacity of your laptop.
To use a power bank to charge your laptop, simply connect the power bank to your laptop using the appropriate cable. Most power banks will have multiple ports, so you may need to use a separate port for your laptop. Once the power bank is connected, it will begin charging your laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size power bank I need?
The size power bank you need will depend on the battery capacity of your laptop. A general rule of thumb is that you’ll need a power bank with a capacity of at least twice the battery capacity of your laptop.
How much time can it take to completely charge your laptop in a car?
It can take around two to four hours to charge your laptop in the car, depending on the method you’re using and the battery capacity of your laptop. So, it’s best to charge your laptop while you’re driving or when the car is parked and turned off.
Can I use a power bank to charge my laptop while I’m using it?
Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that charging your laptop while you’re using it will cause the battery to drain more quickly. So, if you’re planning on using your laptop for a long period of time, it’s best to charge it up beforehand.
How do I keep my laptop charged while traveling?
There are a few different ways to charge your laptop while on the road. One way is to use a power bank. Another way is to use an inverter to connect your laptop to your car battery.
How long does it take to charge a laptop with a power bank?
It depends on the power bank and the laptop. In general, it will take longer to charge a laptop with a power bank than it would with a wall charger. However, the exact time will vary depending on the capacity of the power bank and the battery of the laptop.
Final Thoughts
So, here is how to charge a laptop in a car. The best method for you will depend on your needs and preferences. If you need a quick charge, then using a USB charger is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more long-term solution, then using a power bank or an inverter is the way to go. In any case, check your battery level and charge your laptop only when necessary.