Back to Car Charger
Nekteck

Nekteck PD 45W Type-C Car Charger

Overview

The Nekteck PD 45W Type-C Car Charger is Wirecutter's top-pick USB car charger, delivering up to 45W total output through one USB-C PD port and one USB-A QC port in a compact thumb-sized design. The USB-C port provides up to 45W Power Delivery 3.0 to fast-charge compatible laptops, tablets, and phones, while the USB-A port delivers 18W Quick Charge 3.0 for a second device. USB IF Power Brick Certified (TID:1000081) for safe, standards-compliant charging, it includes a durable USB-C to USB-C cable and features an LED power indicator in a compact aluminum-alloy body that sits nearly flush in most car lighter sockets.

Key Highlights
  • 45W total output across 2 ports — 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0 single-port max) and 1x USB-A (18W QC 3.0) — enough to fast-charge a MacBook Air, iPad Pro, or iPhone while also charging a second device simultaneously
  • USB IF Power Brick Certified (TID:1000081) — the first 45W Power Delivery USB Type-C car charger to pass rigorous USB compliance testing, ensuring safe and reliable charging with industry-standard protocol adherence
  • USB-C port delivers up to 45W PD 3.0 for laptops and tablets (MacBook Air, iPad Pro 12.9") to 50% in about 45 minutes; dual-port mode delivers 30W (USB-C) + 18W (USB-A) for simultaneous multi-device charging
  • Compact thumb-sized aluminum-alloy body with LED indicator fits flush in most car cigarette lighter sockets for a clean, low-profile installation ideal for road trips and daily commuting
  • Broad device compatibility with PD 3.0/2.0, QC 3.0/2.0, AFC, FCP, and Apple 2.4A protocols — works with iPhone 15/16 series, Samsung Galaxy S24/S25, iPad Pro/Air, MacBook Air, Dell XPS 13, Google Pixel, and Nintendo Switch (dock mode supported)

Technical Specifications

Brand Nekteck
Model Nekteck PD 45W Type-C Car Charger
Output 45W Max Total — USB-C: 45W PD 3.0 (single-port), 30W (dual-port); USB-A: 18W QC 3.0
Input DC 12-24V / 3.6A Max (cigarette lighter socket)
Ports & I/O 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0)
1x USB-A (18W QC 3.0)
Technology PD 3.0, QC 3.0/2.0, AFC, FCP, Apple 2.4A, BC1.2, USB IF Certified (TID:1000081)
Airline Safe
Dimensions Approx. 52 x 26 x 26 mm (2.05 x 1.02 x 1.02 in)