This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
There are plenty of tiny, high-wattage car chargers. I deliberately picked a slightly larger one: the Lamicall 57W 3-in-1 charger for the 12V socket. After two to three months of daily use, including hot summer days, I think the extra size was the right call for a charger that stays in the car.
What I tested
- Lamicall 57W car charger with a built-in retractable USB-C cable (30W max, 75 cm)
- A second USB-C port (15W max) and a USB-A port (2.4A)
- Output measured with a USB power meter while charging a MacBook
- Used in my car from late August, in temperatures around 35°C
What I found
- Heat: I chose a bigger body because many reviews of very small chargers mentioned melted connectors and overheating. In my use it never got very hot and charging almost never stopped, although I judged this by feel and did not measure temperatures.
- Output: the retractable cable delivered about 27W (12V at roughly 2.3A), close to its 30W rating. The second USB-C port was also close to its 15W rating.
- Laptop use: 30W is not fast charging for a laptop, but it kept my battery from draining while I edited videos in the passenger seat.
- Handling: the head swivels, so it stays out of the way, and the larger body is easier to grip when pulling it out.
| Port | Rated | Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Retractable USB-C | 30W | About 27W |
| USB-C | 15W | About 15W |
| USB-A | 2.4A | Not measured |
How I use the three ports
The USB-C port feeds the MagSafe phone holder that is wired into my car. The retractable cable is for the passenger seat, for a laptop or a phone. The USB-A port stays free for anyone with an older iPhone and their own cable. Rear passengers use the car’s own USB ports, so three ports are enough for me.
Who it is for
- Good if you leave the charger plugged in and want something that copes with summer heat.
- Good if you charge a phone and a laptop from the front seats.
- Not ideal if the area around your socket is tight, or if you want the built-in cable to reach the back seats.
Watch the video
The video is in Japanese. The output test starts at about 5:15.
Limitations
I used one unit in one car. In some cars the socket stays powered when the engine is off, so you may need to unplug it each time. The price in the video was about 1,700 yen on Amazon Japan at the time of recording. Availability outside Japan may vary.
Products
Lamicall 57W 3-in-1 car charger: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Chargers & Cables (29) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.