Most car chargers exist for one purpose: To power mobile devices from a 12-volt accessory port (formerly known as the cigarette lighter jack before manufacturers yanked ashtrays from cars in the ‘90s). There are thousands of models available, many priced well under $10.

The secret to Zus is Bluetooth support and a free mobile app offering several handy connected services in tandem with the hardware.

The Zus Smart Car Charger ($30; available on Amazon) is priced three times higher than competing products, but stands out with its distinctive, German-engineered design. While average “smart” chargers only power devices faster, Zus not only charges a pair of iPhones in under two hours, but includes Bluetooth support and a mobile app for a truly connected experience.

Weighing less than an ounce, Zus is constructed from military-grade plastic made to withstand high temperatures. 3.3 inches long, 0.68 inches thick, and 1.44 inches wide at the base, Zus has a smaller form factor than other chargers I’ve owned, with titanium coating on the metal tip and prongs for a premium look and feel. It’s also longer, which may get in the way on certain vehicles.

Forgot where you parked the car? Open the Zus app and follow the arrow so you’ll never have to wander around another parking lot.

I wasn’t thrilled about the placement of the dual USB ports on each side of the base. In my Ford Explorer, I had to turn Zus at a slight angle to give the cables enough clearance. On the plus side, the ports are reversible — plug them in either way! — as well as backlit, making them easier to find in the dark.

Auto smart

Although Zus isn’t as connected as devices like Automatic, the app offers several smart features worth the extra dough. Whenever the car shuts off, Zus saves your current location, sending an optional Parking Meter Alert reminder. You can set up “do not disturb” zones for places where push notifications aren’t necessary, like at home.