220V Socket
PerformanceAverage price
100€ - 500€
The 220V socket, also known as a domestic socket or mains outlet, is increasingly common in modern vehicles, particularly SUVs, MPVs, and premium sedans. Integrated directly into the cabin, often at the rear of the center console or in the trunk, it allows electronic devices to be plugged in just like at home. Technically, it operates via an inverter (or converter) that transforms the 12V direct current from the vehicle's battery into 220-230V alternating current. The available power is generally limited, ranging from 150W to 400W depending on the model, which is sufficient to power laptops, phone chargers, tablets, portable gaming consoles, or camera batteries. Although often perceived as a comfort feature, the 220V socket can indirectly support performance. It turns the vehicle into a true mobile office for professionals, allowing them to work without interruption. For leisure enthusiasts, it ensures the recharging of equipment such as action cameras or drones, thereby capturing their performances on the road or track. It is a genuine asset for anyone seeking versatility and autonomy far from a conventional power source.
Benefits
- ✓Recharging a wide range of devices (laptops, tablets, etc.)
- ✓Turns the vehicle into a mobile office or leisure space
- ✓Eliminates the need for specific cigarette lighter adapters
- ✓Offers higher power output than USB ports for certain devices
Learn more
The 220V Outlet: Your Home on the Road
Gone are the days when the only power source in a car was the 12V cigarette lighter. With the proliferation of electronic devices, automakers have integrated a much more versatile solution: the 220V outlet. Similar to a standard household socket, this feature brings an unprecedented level of convenience, transforming the cabin into a fully self-contained workspace or entertainment area.
How does a 220V outlet work in a vehicle?
A car's electrical system operates on a 12-volt direct current (DC). Our household appliances, on the other hand, require a 230-volt alternating current (AC). To bridge this gap, cars equipped with a 220V outlet (a common term for 230V) feature a device called an inverter or converter. This unit, usually hidden away, draws power from the 12V battery and transforms it into 230V AC. However, the power output is limited, most often ranging between 150 and 400 watts. This limitation is a safety measure to prevent draining the battery too quickly and to avoid overheating. It is therefore crucial to check the power consumption of the device you wish to plug in.
What are the advantages of an onboard 220V outlet?
What devices can be plugged in (and which ones to avoid)?
The limited power of the car's 220V outlet requires making wise choices. Here is a non-exhaustive list of compatible and restricted devices:
Where can you find this option and at what price?
The 220V outlet is rarely offered on entry-level trims. It is mainly found on the mid-range and upper trims of SUVs, MPVs, and large sedans. It is often located at the back of the center console, making it accessible to rear passengers, but can also be found in the front console or the trunk. As an individual option, its cost generally ranges from €100 to €500, but it is frequently included in 'Comfort', 'Business', or 'Family' packs. Brands such as Audi, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Renault, and BMW widely feature it in their catalogs. It is a modest investment given the gain in practicality and versatility it provides on a daily basis.
Finitions équipées
36 finition(s) proposent cet équipement
BMW BMW i3
Atelier (1st generation / Phase 1) (2013-2017)
Citroën Citroën Ami
Ami Tonic (single generation 2020) (2022-2025)
Citroën Citroën Ami
My Ami Blue (unique 2020 generation) (2020-2023)
Citroën Citroën C-Zero
Airdream (1st generation) (2010-2015)
Citroën Citroën C4 Picasso
Business Lounge (C4 SpaceTourer) (2018-2022)
Citroën Citroën E-Mehari
E-Mehari (1st generation) (2016-2019)
Citroën Citroën E-Mehari
E-Mehari 2018-2019 Model Year (1st generation minor facelift) (2018-2019)
Citroën Citroën Jumper
Business (3rd generation - 2019 facelift) (2019-2024)
Citroën Citroën SpaceTourer
ë-SpaceTourer Shine (2nd generation) (2020-2026)
Citroën Citroën ë-C4
Live (1st generation ë-C4) (2020-2022)
Citroën Citroën ë-C4
Max (1st generation ë-C4 - facelifted range) (2023-2026)
Citroën Citroën ë-C4
Max ë-C4 X (facelifted range derivative) (2023-2026)
Ford Ford Galaxy
Business Nav (3rd generation) (2016-2020)
Ford Ford Grand C-Max
Business Nav (Phase 2) (2015-2019)
Ford Ford Tourneo Connect
Titanium Business (2nd generation) (2015-2019)
Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz EQV
EQV (base) (phase 2 / facelift) (2024-2026)
Opel Opel Ampera
Ampera (1st generation) (2011-2015)
Opel Opel Ampera
Ampera Business (1st generation) (2013-2015)
Opel Opel Rocks-e
Rocks-e Color (1st generation) (2021-2023)
Peugeot Peugeot Traveller
E-Traveller Business Lounge (2nd electric generation) (2020-2026)
Associated equipment
Smartphone induction
Smartphone induction charging is a comfort and connectivity technology integrated into the cabin of modern vehicles. Based on the universal Qi standard, it allows the battery of a compatible phone to be recharged without having to physically plug it in via a USB cable. The system consists of a charging pad or surface, usually located in the center console, under the armrest or in a dedicated storage compartment, which generates an electromagnetic field. When the smartphone, equipped with a receiver coil, is placed on this surface, the magnetic field induces an electric current that recharges the battery. This feature eliminates cable clutter, frees up USB ports and contributes to a sleeker, more minimalist interior design. Increasingly widespread, it is often paired with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, thus offering a completely cable-free connectivity experience. It is a feature that symbolizes the technological upscaling of automobiles, aiming to simplify the driver's interaction with personal devices while improving safety and ergonomics on board.
Front USB-C Port
The front USB-C port is a next-generation connector located in the front part of a vehicle's cabin, typically on the center console or beneath the dashboard. Gradually replacing the older USB-A port, USB-C is distinguished by its smaller, more practical, reversible design, which eliminates the frustration of having to plug the cable in the right way. Beyond its ergonomics, its true added value lies in its technical performance. It supports the USB Power Delivery (PD) protocol, enabling much faster and more powerful charging (up to 100W, though typically between 15W and 60W in automotive applications) for a wide range of devices, from smartphones to laptops. In addition, it offers significantly higher data transfer rates, which are essential for ensuring a smooth and responsive experience with modern infotainment systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By providing a stable and fast connection, the front USB-C port has become an essential feature, synonymous with modernity, connectivity performance, and everyday ease of use. It prepares the vehicle for tomorrow's technological ecosystem, where USB-C is the universal standard.
Center console with storage
The center console with storage is a fundamental element of the modern automotive interior, located between the front seats. Much more than a simple divider, it has become a true multifunctional nerve center. Designed to optimize ergonomics and comfort, it integrates various storage spaces, ranging from a simple catch-all tray to a refrigerated compartment. Its upper part is often capped with an adjustable armrest, improving the driving position on long trips. Over the course of its evolution, the center console has also integrated numerous technologies: it frequently houses cup holders, USB ports, a 12V socket, or even a smartphone induction charger. On high-end models, it may also accommodate controls for the infotainment system, drive mode selector, or climate control. Its design, materials (slush-molded plastic, leather, wood or aluminum inserts), and modularity (adjustable compartments, sliding lid) are important markers of the trim level and the attention paid to the on-board vehicle experience. Thus, it contributes directly to an orderly, practical, and pleasant interior for everyday life.
12V Socket
The 12V socket, more commonly known as the 'cigarette lighter', is a standardized electrical interface found in virtually all motor vehicles. Originally designed to power a small heating element for lighting cigarettes, its use has evolved drastically to become a universal auxiliary power source. It supplies a 12-volt direct current (DC), powered directly by the vehicle's battery. Its simple and robust cylindrical design has made it a de facto industry standard. Today, although the cigarette lighter element itself is often an option or has disappeared, the socket remains an essential interior feature. It allows a multitude of third-party accessories to be plugged in, ranging from simple USB chargers to more power-hungry equipment such as electric coolers or air compressors. It is generally located on the center console, but many modern vehicles also offer them for rear passengers or in the trunk, thereby increasing practicality and on-board connectivity. Its power output, typically limited between 120 and 180 watts (10 to 15 amperes), makes it more versatile than standard USB ports for many applications.