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

Available from:

Model: CC-Y12

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-C
• USB-C Output:
  • 21W USB-C Power Delivery 2.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2.33A, 12V/1.75A)
• Input: DC 12-24V
• Size: 1.7 x 1 x 1 inches | 42 x 25 x 25 mm
• Weight: 0.6 oz | 16 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

• AUKEY CC-Y12 Expedition Flush-Fit 18W

Good For:

• Commute
• Road trips
• iPhone
• Android
• Power banks
• Nintendo Switch (handheld)
• iPad Pro (pre-2018)

First Impression

The AUKEY CC-Y12 Expedition Flush-Fit 18W is as small as USB car chargers can get. Fitting into a standard 12 or 24V power slot. In some slots only a few millimeters protrude out. This was the case with a 2017 Honda Accord. But with a 2011 Honda Civic it protruded about twice as much. Still much less than 2+ inch long car charger. Just be aware the actual flushness will vary by car model.

If your power port has a cover it may or may not make this smaller charger a better option. With no cover or covers that open to the side you get the full advantage of a smaller charger. But with covers that open to the top and have a spring hinge it closes partway. Covering the USB-C port. A longer charger would allow for an easier time plugging in a USB-C cable.

Compared To Similar Chargers

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-04-24.

You can see more USB-C chargers here.

Device Testing

Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.

USB Power Delivery & Quick Charge 4+ Phones

• Apple iPhone 8/X/XR/XS
• Essential Phone
• Google Pixel
• LG ThinQ/V30
• Razer
• Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9
• Xiaomi Mi 8/9
• ZTE Axon Pro 9/10

Using an iPhone 8 for testing we find USB PD phones will fast charge over the USB-C port. iPhones will need to use a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, also not included.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

• HTC
• LG
• Motorola
• Nokia
• Samsung Galaxy
• Sony
• Xiaomi Mi 5/6
• ZTE

Using a Moto G6 for testing we get normal charging rates. As no Quick Charge or compatible fast charging standard is supported that’s as fast as it goes. Still, the 12W result is better than I normally see with non-QC chargers. And will charge a phone at a decent rate.

Nintendo Switch

 

Works well for all model Nintendo Switch in handheld/tabletop mode.

• Nintendo Switch (original) – Charges while you play, but the original model Switch underdraws at 12V. So it won’t charge as fast as a similar charger offering 9V or 15V (12W vs 18W).
• Nintendo Switch (2019 update) – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
• Nintendo Switch Lite – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.

It will not support the Switch’s dock, as it doesn’t offer the required output.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

Over Delivering On Power Output

AUKEY lists the charger’s specs as support 18W USB-C PD. Specifically using 5V/3A, 9V/2A, and 12V/1.5A power profiles. But my tester showed it capable of ~21W USB-C PD. Offering more current at 9V and 12V.

5V/3A, 9V/2.33A, 12V/1.75A

This isn’t a safety issue for your devices. All USB-C devices control their own power draw. So they only draw as much current as they want, provided the charger supports it. In this case USB PD phones will stay within their own power draw specs. If they allow for more than 18W this charger will provide it. If not then it’ll provide the same power as a “normal” 18W USB-C PD charger.

Summary

The AUKEY CC-Y12 Expedition Flush-Fit 18W is part of AUKEY’s Omni-Power. A line of products using newer innovations found with USB-C chargers.

For phones it fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. And any other models which support USB PD. It does not support Quick Charge. Leaving most LG, Motorola, and other Android phones with a normal charging rate. Though it performed a few watts higher on my Moto G6 than expected.

For the Nintendo Switch it charges in handheld mode while you play. The charge rate is near the Switch’s max draw rate for newer model Switches and Switch Lite. If you have an original model Switch it’ll charge a bit slower. Due to that model Switch underdrawing from 12V power profiles. But still enough to charge the Switch with the most demanding games. This charger is not enough to power the dock. So if trying to hook up the Switch to your vehicle’s entertainment system you’ll want a 45W USB-C PD car charger instead.

The flush fit is either right on or close, depending on your model vehicle. My experience had it protruding out a few millimeters with one car. And closer to half a centimeter with another. AUKEY’s own pictures on their site show a similar variance with different plugs. Either way it is far less than a 2+ inch long car charger. Try it out in your own vehicle and make sure you’re happy with the fit before you toss the box.

The charger offers ~21W output rather than the listed 18W. Your device will only draw what it wants, so some phones may see a slightly faster charge. While others will operate at their usual rates. As the device controls its own power draw there’s no safety concerns.

This particular charger is only available from AUKEY directly. But they offer free shipping within the USA.

About AUKEY

AUKEY has U.S. based support (web and email) and a 24 month warranty. You must have purchased the product either from them or through Amazon for support.

Bottom Line

The AUKEY CC-Y12 Expedition Flush-Fit 18W will give your vehicle a fast charger. Compatible with newer iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. Its “flush-fit” may be off by a few millimeters, depending on your vehicle model. But it is still one of the smaller USB-C car chargers on the market.

Buy if you:

• Need to fast charge an iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11, Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10, or any Google Pixel
• Want to minimize how much space outside the charging port a USB-C charger takes up
• Plan to plug in and forget your new car charging

Don’t buy if you:

• Need to fast charge two phones at once
• Have a car power port with a spring loaded cover

Available from:

 

 

Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.

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