Thanks to all who have replied. I mus admit to some embarrasment. I realise that I was using the lightening to connect the phone in the previous car, and to charge by the bed every night at home.
In my charging station set up for my iPads I have USB C connectors to charge them. For some unexplained reason, I was thinking that I needed that design of connector. I now have no idea why, as while searching for a suitable connector for the car, I have siill been charging the phone every night in the bedroom using the lightening, and without it registering.
BTW, I am not new to the iPhone as I have a 4, 2 5s, 2 6s and a 7.
Thanks again.