Editing Automobile accessory power (section)

==Electrical==
Early automobiles used a [[ignition magneto|magneto]] for ignition, which provided no accessory power. 

The first electrical accessory connection was supplied by a [[Direct current|DC]] [[Electrical generator|generator]]. Voltage varied with engine speed and because of technological limitations, complicated mechanical devices were used to regulate it. Even so, voltage at idle was too low to be useful. A lead-acid [[Battery (electricity)|battery]] was used to provide proper voltage when the generator could not, and was recharged at higher engine speed or lower electrical load. The [[automobile self starter]] was an early engine system to use this.

Lighting, which had previously been provided by [[kerosene lamp]]s or [[Carbide lamp|gas lamps]], was one of the first common electrical accessories. 

Early systems used 6 volts, but 12 volts became the standard because it provided greater power with less current. The original DC generator was replaced by an [[alternator (auto)|alternator]] controlled by a [[voltage regulator]].<ref>first introduced on the 1960 [[Plymouth Valiant]]</ref> Due to mechanical and electrical properties, it is more efficient to first produce [[alternating current]] and then immediately convert it to direct current.  By regulating the current sent to the alternator's rotor and thus the strength of the magnetic field, a stable voltage can be produced over a wider range of engine speeds. 

Starting, lighting and ignition systems of most gasoline-powered vehicles remain as 12 volt systems. Diesel-powered vehicles, including mobile construction equipment and heavy trucks use 24 volt electrical systems, as do many military vehicles.  Research is ongoing into adopting a [[42-volt electrical system]] standard for automotive electricity, but the entire electrical system will have to be redesigned and new components manufactured to work with the higher voltage.  The main advantage of higher voltage is that electrical components can be made with less metal, saving weight and cost, and improving [[Efficient energy use|energy efficiency]]. As such an [[48-volt electrical system]] has been introduced.

Most modern systems, such as [[power window]]s, [[power seat]]s, and [[power door locks]], are electrically powered. Electrically driven [[power steering]] systems have been developed and are used in numerous models.  High-efficiency all-electric refrigerant compressors for air conditioning are starting to be used, especially in hybrid or all-electric vehicles.

The [[cigarette lighter receptacle]] serves as a de facto standard for use of portable 12 volt equipment in or near an automobile, it is sometimes used with [[Battery_charger#DC–DC_charger|car charger]] to power devices with batteries. [[Anderson Powerpole|Anderson plug]] for high amperage.