USB-C is really the closest thing to universal connectivity that technology has seen so far, capable of charging everything from headphones to smartphones to laptops. However, despite its growing popularity, its utility has limits. For example, USB-C Power Delivery had a limit of 100W for a while now. While this is plenty for most devices, certain powerful laptops still require older power adapters that can take larger wattages.
That concession could soon become outdated. According to Android Central, the new USB-C cable and connector specification allows it to transmit up to 240W of power.
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The USB Implementers Forum (known as USB-IF) officially confirmed on Tuesday that the specification had been updated to version 2.1. Extended Power Range is the name of this new potential to charge devices at 240W. This implies that the USB charging specification can now charge a variety of vast devices with higher power consumption.
That should be sufficient for most outrageous laptops, such as Razer’s 17-inch Blade laptop equipped with an Nvidia RTX 3080. All connectors that support charging gadgets at a maximum of 240W will be required to show a specific icon in the future to indicate that they are capable of these lightning-fast charging speeds. They may indeed be sufficient to power high-power devices such as gaming laptops, large power banks, 4K monitors, laser printers, and even e-bikes.
When Can You Expect It?
According to Android Central, the new version of USB-C cables with the label “Extended Power Range” will be available soon. This new USB-C cable will replace the old top-tier Standard Power Range. These cables must also be completely safe in theory and in practical use. This should be ensured to hold you off on purchasing a new high-power USB-C cable until the new EPR cables arrive later this year or in early 2022.
This is great news for people who have wished for the ability to charge multiple devices with a single charger. I can’t tell you how many times I was using a laptop charger to power my mobile and vise versa. Perhaps by 2030, we’ll be able to charge our electric vehicles using USB-C as well.
