Proprietary laptop cables could be a thing of the past, thanks to new USB-C spec

Dell XPS 15 power brick (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

USB-C cables could support up to 240W charging at some point in the future.
The USB Implementers Forum outlines the new spec, known as Extended Power Range.
Powerful laptops can draw more power than the current USB-C spec, making them need proprietary chargers.

The 2.1 update from the USB-IF pushes the power spec of USB-C up to 240W (via Tom's Hardware). It could be years before we see any cables and devices that support that much power, but when it does arrive, it could allow more powerful laptops to rely on universal cables rather than proprietary chargers.

Cables with the higher wattage will be designated as Extended Power Range cables. They will have to meet additional requirements that allow them to support higher voltage. The specification states:

All EPR cables shall be Electronically Marked and include EPR-specific information in the eMarker as defined by the USB PD specification. As defined in the USB PD specification, EPR cables are marked as 50 V and 5 A capable.All EPR cables shall be visibly identified with EPR cable identification icons as defined by the USB-IF. This is required so that end users will be able to confirm visually that the cable supports up to as high of PDP = 240W as defined in the USB PD specification.

Even in cases where powerful laptops support USB-C charging, they can draw more power than they can take in through USB-C. For example, the Surface Book 3 comes with a 127W charger to meet power demands. In contrast, the Surface Book 2 has a 102W charger, which can drain even while plugged in.

Specifications like this often take years to implement, but it will be nice to be able to use USB-C cables for powerful laptops.

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.