How do you charge an M1 Mac from a 12v car plug?

[rbpeirce]

That says it all. We just had a 21 hr. power failure and I was wondering what I could do if my battery ran down. I can charge my iPhone and iPad in my car using a USB plug but the M1 has a plug-in charging brick and I don't know if I can by-pass it. The brick uses a USB-C connector but I have no idea what kind of voltage it puts out. I think the car plug drops the voltage to 5v but I'm not positive of that either.

 

[pm-r]

According to Google Chrome's AI Overview and it's Learn more option:

To charge an M1 Mac from a 12V car plug, you'll need a car charger that supports USB-C and can deliver the necessary power (65W or higher). The M1 MacBook Pro requires at least 61W for charging. You'll also need a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect the charger to your Mac.

- Patrick
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[rbpeirce]

Thanks, but what voltage? All the plugs I've seen drop that to 5V. I haven't seen a pass-thru plug, altho they may exist. Also, I don't want to buy a 12 to 115v convertor that I can plug the brick into.

I assume my socket can deliver 65W. The critical part would be the connector.

I would have to use the M1 cable. It has a C connector at the charger end but the part that plugs into the computer is some kind of Apple part.

 

[ferrarr]

I would have to use the M1 cable. It has a C connector at the charger end but the part that plugs into the computer is some kind of Apple part.

MY mistake.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

The typical USB ports in a car are really meant for handled devices and it might charge a laptop when asleep. You might have better luck with the lighter->USB adapter.

But be warned that depending on the fuses, you might blow something if more than supported wattage is pulled.

And obviously, unless your running your car, you risk draining the car battery.

Just go to your local coffee shop, library or something and charge your laptop.

 

[pm-r]

Thanks, but what voltage?

Google Chrome's AI Overview says and Learn more:

To power an M1 MacBook Pro from a car battery, you'll need a compatible car charger and potentially a converter. The 14-inch MacBook Pro typically comes with a 96W USB-C Power Adapter, while the 16-inch model uses a 140W adapter. A 12V car outlet will need to be converted to a 5-20V USB-C output, and you'll need a car charger that can deliver at least 65W (or more for faster charging).

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Google Search

Edit:
Be aware that many cars have a limit on the power draw of their 12 volt socketsn and it may not be enough to support the requirements of an M1 MacBook Pro. You will need to check the specs on the power limitations of your 12 volt auxiliary output. As mentioned, the convenience Outlets aren't normally rated for heavy loads.



- Patrick
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[rbpeirce]

I like the go somewhere and charge it idea. It doesn't look like the car is really a viable option. OTOH, I could learn to use the iPad better. I'm told it can do just about anything the MBP can do but I'ver never really checked it out.

 

[pm-r]

I'm told it can do just about anything the MBP can do but I'ver never really checked it out.

Don't forget, regardless of what device or computer you might be using, if your home is without power during a general power factor outage there is a good chance that all the other essential elements to communicate or use the internet or possibly also without power so your access would remain about zero. At that point, maybe a good book and a nice glass of good whiskey would be a good alternative for the duration of a power failure.




- Patrick
=======

 

[rbpeirce]

Don't forget, regardless of what device or computer you might be using, if your home is without power during a general power factor outage there is a good chance that all the other essential elements to communicate or use the internet or possibly also without power so your access would remain about zero. At that point, maybe a good book and a nice glass of good whiskey would be a good alternative for the duration of a power failure.

Or a nice glass of a good red wine!

Actually, I had the opportunity to connect my MBP to my iPhone hot spot and I was surprised how well it worked.

Still I really need to learn how to get the most out of my iPad.

 

[Rod]

You could invest in a portable power bank for laptops. There are plenty around now. Pictured below is a 65w one from Cygnet in Australia. The price equals US$105.78 so not too expensive.



"Overview
This high-capacity Power Bank (20K mAh) allows you to charge powerful USB-C laptops like MacBook Pro, HP, Dell, Microsoft Surface and more, anywhere you need it most. With 65W total output shared across 3 ports, this Power Bank affords you the luxury to charge multiple devices at once. A game changer for remote workers, to stay charged and productive from anywhere."

If you have regular blackouts it would be worth it and it can be used for iPhone/iPad too.

 

[rbpeirce]

You could invest in a portable power bank for laptops. There are plenty around now. Pictured below is a 65w one from Cygnet in Australia. The price equals US$105.78 so not too expensive.

This high-capacity Power Bank (20K mAh) allows you to charge powerful USB-C laptops like MacBook Pro, HP, Dell, Microsoft Surface and more, anywhere you need it most. With 65W total output shared across 3 ports, this Power Bank affords you the luxury to charge multiple devices at once. A game changer for remote workers, to stay charged and productive from anywhere."

If you have regular blackouts it would be worth it and it can be used for iPhone/iPad too.

Great idea!! Thanks. I found a 50000 mAh on Amazon for $50. With any luck I may never need it.

 

[RadDave]

Great idea!! Thanks. I found a 50000 mAh on Amazon for $50. With any luck I may never need it.

We live in North Carolina and have occasional power outages that can last a couple of hours to over a day - battery backup devices usually work for us unless we hit a 'prolonged' lack of power. My first line of defense are APC UPS(s) (like the one at the bottom attached to our iMac & modem/router (and several attached to my main electronics in the den i.e. stereo & HDTV) - of course, other companies make these devices and a WIDE variety of power sizes are available (surge protection is an added feature) - the AC adapter to your laptop could be plugged into this UPS (how long will it last - need to check the stats).

Also own the Xantrex power pack (they have many models) - works off a PbAcid battery and has AC outlets so a laptop adapter could be attacked - but Rod has shown you another choice - actually wife and I have about a half dozen of these battery packs to charge our iPhones/iPads - these work well and the larger ones provide extra charges.

Of course, the REAL solution if you have frequent power outs would be a house generator - we priced one running on natural gas a number of years back - $10,000 for the WHOLE house - could have gotten a much smaller one to run our fridges and some AC outlets and a number of lights. Hope that your outages are few otherwise some of these considerations might help? Dave

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