Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I purchased the product in this review.

The Anker PowerDrive Speed+ 2 is a car charger with both USB-C and USB-A ports. With the right length of cable it will fast charge both a Nintendo Switch and a phone anywhere in the vehicle.

Anker PowerDrive Speed+ 2
A2229011

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-C x1, USB-A x1
• USB-C Output: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/2A, 20V/1.5A
• USB-A Output: 5V/3A + PowerIQ 2.0
• Power Input: 12-24V, 5A
• Size: 2.5 x 1.4 x 1.4 inches | 63 x 35 x 35 mm
• Weight: 1.1 oz | 30 grams

Switch Chargers Ratings:

• Speed Rating: Great
• Safety Rating: USB-IF Certified

Included In Box:

• Anker PowerDrive Speed+ 2

 

Pros

• Charges Switch at the fastest rate in handheld mode
• Supports iPhone fast charging with Apple’s USB-C to Lightning cable
• PowerIQ 2.0 will fast charge Quick Charge 3.0 enabled devices
• Charge Switch and phone at same time and full speed
• Works in any vehicle with a 12V or 24V DC power port (aka cigarette lighter)

Cons

• Not suitable for a Switch connected to mounted display
• Doesn’t included a USB-C cable ($8-10 value)

Compared With Similar Chargers

Good For

• Road trips
• iPhone and Android phones
• iPad and tablets
• Quick Charge 3.0 enabled devices
• Power banks
• Laptop, up to 12-inch (MacBook, Chromebook, etc)

First Impression

The Anker PowerDrive Speed+ 2 looks like your average car charger. It is a bit bigger and heavier. But that doesn’t matter for a charger that will stay in your car. When plugged in and provided power (car is on or running) a blue LED ring lights up around the two USB ports. It will not draw power unless the ignition is set to the accessory, on, or start position.

PowerIQ 2.0

This is one of the first Anker chargers to support PowerIQ 2.0. PowerIQ is Anker’s fast charging standard. It identifies devices and tries to provide the fastest possible charge for them. PowerIQ 2.0 competes with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0. An Anker charger with PowerIQ 2.0 can fast charge a Quick Charge 3.0 device. With its support of iPhone fast charging over USB-C it will fast charge many different phones.

The fast charge occurs by charging at a voltage higher than the standard 5V. That allows for a lower current (less amps) to get the same or better results. Amps generate heat, so these fast charging options mean a phone would be less likely to overheat. In some climates you can overheat a phone that is in the sun, running navigation, and charging. The phone protects itself by shutting down until it cools off. This charger should reduce that occurrence for fast charge supported phones.

Quick Charge and PowerIQ have no affect on the Nintendo Switch, good or bad. PowerIQ 2.0 runs on the USB-A port. My testing showed the Switch drew its usual 5V/1.41A from that port.

Summary

The Anker PowerDrive Speed+ 2 is a great car charger for handheld gameplay during a road trip. Its dual ports and power output options allow it to support a large number of devices you might want to charge on the go. And the charger itself is USB-IF certified, though Anker doesn’t advertise that fact.

You’ll need to provide your own USB-C to USB-C cable, but that might be a good thing. Most cables will reach from the dashboard to the front passenger seat. But for kids in the back you’ll need something longer. I recommend measuring from your power port to the back of the seat before you buy a cable. You can always buy a cable longer than you need and shorten it with a cable tie. USB-C cables can reach up to 4 meters (13.12 feet) and maintain power throughput.

If you’re planning on connecting the Switch to an in vehicle display this charger is not going to work. Connecting the Switch to a display requires the dock. The dock requires 15V/2.6A power output to function. This charges doesn’t provide that output. You should look at the Nekteck car charger in the comparison table above.

If you’re planning on mounting the Switch itself and use its built-in display then this car charger will work perfectly.

Anker has U.S. based support contacts (web, email, phone) and warranty service. They are a beloved brand within and outside of the Switch community.

Bottom Line

The Anker PowerDrive Speed+ 2 is a huge upgrade from the USB-A port in your car. It is best suited for a road trip with the Nintendo Switch. Or for charging phones, tablets, and power banks between home and your destination. Measure from power port to back of the seat, then buy a long enough USB-C cable.

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