Why Do Cars Still Use Cigarette Lighter Ports?
By
Staten Island, NY Posted: 4/22/2015 1:00:00 AM
Cigarette lighter ports are just plain stupid.
Isn't it strange that cars still have the same cigarette lighter ports as cars from the 50's had... even though they don't even come with actual cigarette lighters anymore?
When you think of it, do you know of anyone who actually uses their 12V cigarette lighter for anything other than plugging in a 5V USB power adapter? So, why do they still use them? After all, cigarette lighter ports are not only bulky, but they're frequently unreliable, because the plug pops out.
The original design was made specifically to accommodate the spring loaded cigarette lighter coil, and every plug that's been made since then uses some form of awkward spring loaded contraption that easily breaks or makes poor contact.
Since the only thing people tend to plug into them are USB adapters, doesn't it make sense to just get rid of them, and put more USB ports in the car?
I know some die-hards are saying that there's still a lot of people who need the full 12V functionality of the cigarette lighter, for things like tire inflators, and various RV gear, they should come up with a newer, more flexible design for the plug itself. I have no problem with creating additional ports for accessing 12V power, but the 1950's styled cigarette lighter plug is an antique. It's about time they retire the plug itself and make something smaller, and more reliable, as well as providing more USB power ports.
Joe Crescenzi, Founder
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