What's worse than a dead battery? Whether we're talking about your mobile or EV car, it's nearly guaranteed to ruin your day. Thankfully, the former can be avoided in most cars; simply plug your phone charger to a USB slot (most new cars come equipped with one) and charge away.
This presents a new issue: you'll be constantly plugging and unplugging your phone which is a bit of a faff. And while a good phone holder will mean you can charge and use your phone as a sat-nav, it's still a bit fiddly.
This is where wireless charging can be really useful. There are a bunch of chargers that will charge your phone without you having to plug your phone in.
Why you need a wireless car charger
Obviously, it is illegal to hold a phone while you are driving. It's an automatic £200 fine and a whopping six-points on your license. In some cases you can be disqualified from driving and receive a £1000 fine.
It is however legal to operate a phone so long as you aren't holding it. Most smartphones have voice commands (like Siri or Google Assistant) you can use. So long as you don't hold it you're allowed to use it. That is why a phone holder is such a good idea to own.
Which phones support wireless charging?
Not all phones support wireless charging. Your phone needs to be Qi compatible in order to be able to be charged wirelessly. Most modern smartphones come with wireless charging but it's best to double-check with your phone's manufacturer.
Some older phones support Qi through special phone cases. In any case, it's worth checking before purchasing a wireless car charger.
The best wireless car chargers:
Xiaomi Mi Wireless Car Charger
Editoru2019s pick
View offer
Boasting twice the power of most chargers of this type, with a sleek design, and value, the Mi wins as our top recommendation for wireless car chargers. It's a well thought-out charger: the clamps automatically grip the phone when placed on the charger; efficient cooling actually works; wireless charging works up to 4mm, which takes phone cases into account; and the clamps open to a maximum width of 81.5mm, which is wide enough for most smartphones.
Pros: Unmatched fast charging; electronic clamps; value
Cons: Doesn't rotate
Beeasy Wireless Car Charger
Best for using sat nav
View offer
Indeed, it Be-easy to use your phone as a sat nav if you opt for this wireless charger. Place on your dashboard and you'll be able to see your phone's navigation clearly and totally legally. This charger also offers a great 10W fast charge.
Pros: Sticks to the dashboard without leaving damage
Cons: Thick phone-cases will need to be removed; adhesive wears out over time
Belkin Boost Charge Wireless Car Charger
Best quality
View offer
The Belkin charger isn't as fast or sleek or high-tech as the Xiaomi model, but it is very solid and dependable with few parts to go awry. The charger has 10W of power, like the Beeasy charger, but can be rotated to landscape if you need it to and will fit any smartphone. While the charging distance of 3mm is a little short of the Xiaomi model, it should be enough for most phones with cases. We also appreciate the additional USB port in the 12V plug.
Pros: Simple and robust; rotates
Cons: Xiaomi charger looks nicer
TEEPAO C7 Wireless Car Charger
Best wireless charging tray
View offer
This pad will make sure your phone stays protected when on charge. The anti-slip mat will also stop your phone from sliding about as you drive along. Just make sure you have a sufficiently flat surface to place the mat or it won't be as effective. It's a useful option if you don't want or need your phone while driving.
Pros: Non-slip will keep your phone safe
Cons: Cannot use your phone as a sat nav; may require a QC2.0 car charger to charge properly (depending on car model)
Scosche Wireless Car Charger
Magnet power
View offer
Using magnetism to grasp a phone is simple, elegant and reliable, as demonstrated with the Scosche charger. This is the only model here to use a suction cup rather than a clip or adhesive. And the suction cup is very good (so too is the strength of the magnet), which allows you to place the Scosche charger in a variety of places. While the price may be a bit steep, this is a seriously impressive wireless charger highly recommended by us and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Pros: Excellent magnetic holding power; strong suction mount; lifetime warranty
Cons: Noticeably more expensive than the competition