USB-C gets support for 240W charging via Power Delivery – Computer – News

The USB Implementers Forum has released revision 2.1 of the USB-C specification, adding the Extended Power Range for charging via USB Power Delivery. Charging is therefore possible with a maximum of 240 watts. Now that is a maximum of 100 watts.

With Extended Power Range, USB Power Delivery can be configured with a voltage of 28V to 48V, at a current of 5A, according to version 2.1 of the USB-C specification. Currently that is a maximum of 20V at 5A. EPR allows charging with 140 to 240 watts over USB-C, something that could be used for gaming laptops, for example. USB-C chargers are currently not suitable for gaming laptops, because they often consume more than 100W and therefore lose battery capacity while they are connected to the charger during use.

New chargers and new cables are required to use EPR. Cables receive both an optical and electronic marking to make it clear that they are suitable for EPR. To meet this requirement, they must be able to handle a voltage of up to 50V. The electronic marking ensures that charging with 240W will only take place if the cable is actually suitable for it.

According to the specification revision, it is intended that all USB-C cables that can handle a current of 5A will also support EPR. Cables that can only handle the Standard Power Range will be phased out. It is not yet known when products will be released that can handle the renewed USB-C charging specification.

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