Charging electronics in the car

Being able to charge electronics can be extremely useful in everyday life as well as during emergencies. There are three ways I do this:

-          Use the 12 volt socket (with or without a splitter)

-          Use a inverter to convert 12V to 110 or 220 Volts

-          Use a inverter to convert to USB

When I started I primarily used 12 volt connectors/chargers (usually supplied with your electronics) or you could get a 12v cable fairly easily. Due to all the different kinds of plugs, you end up with lots of these 12V cables. Which means lots of clutter.

An inverter to convert to 110 or 220 Volts is ideal for regular (household) appliances. Make sure you do not draw more power than your 12V socket and/or fuse can take. If you want to use a more powerful inverter, get one which clams directly to the car battery. These new ones are fairly compact and some are even design to fit in a cup holder and have additional options as USB sockets.  

Mine current favorite charging option is to have a inverter to convert to USB output. Most devices are now equipped with a USB type of plug. Mine favorite item for this is the TomTom high speed multi charger. This is a small compact splitter, which splits to one 12V and 2 USB output, including one 2100 mah USB output. Having an extra high output USB output allows you to charge certain devices much faster and is compatible with high input devices like the Ipad.  Having interchangeable USB cables and 2 outputs, allows me to have less cables and thus a much clutter free charging option in the car.