If you are using a 'intelligent' charger (my Accumate is one) connecting it only results in energy transfer if it sees a battery.
Thus the issue of whether the cigarette lighter socket is permanently live is solved (it should be) and also the fact it is can lead to poor connections.
Woodstock (the 4/4) has two banana sockets on the dash, and the Elk (the three wheeler) has two hidden under the passengers seat for charging purposes.
