Citys's automobile auxiliary power outlet (also known as car outlet, automotive power socket, automobile outlet, vehicular outlet, and similar; formerly known as a cigarette lighter receptacle, cigar lighter receptacle or cigar lighter socket[1]) in an automobile was initially designed to power an electrically heated cigarette lighter,[1] but became a de facto standard DC connector to supply electrical power for portable accessories used in or near an automobile,[1] directly from the vehicle's electrical system.
In most vehicles, at least one car outlet is present. Some vehicles, especially vans, tend to have more power outlets, usually one for the front passengers, one for the rear passengers and one for the luggage trunk.
The voltage of the power outlet is usually near 12 V DC, (14V to 15V while the running engine is turning the alternator, in order to charge the car battery while providing electrical power), because it is directly powered without regulation from the car's electrical system.