The EU now requires USB-C for laptop charging up to 100W

All new laptops in the EU must use USB Type-C for charging (up to 100W)

The next stage of the EU’s common charging standard has come into force. As of today, new laptop models sold in the EU must support USB Type-C charging. The only exception to this rule is laptops that can charge with over 100W of power. This means that high-powered gaming laptops can still use traditional power connectors.

Technically, the USB Type-C standard supports cables that can deliver up to 240W of power. That said, these cables remain uncommon, and were even less common when this law was approved in 2022.

USB Type-C charging has been mandated for smaller devices in the EU, such as smartphones, cameras, and tablets, since 2024. This forced Apple to move away from its Lightning connector and adopt USB Type-C. Now that this law applies to most laptops, USB-C charging for laptops is expected to become much more common.

Why Type-C?

USB Type-C is a versatile charging standard that is much more wear-resistant than prior compact USB standards. By enforcing a common charging standard, the EU hopes to reduce E-waste and save consumers money. The EU expects its common charging standard to save consumers €250 million annually. This standard also makes charging electronics more convenient for EU customers, as a single USB Type-C charger can charge a wide range of devices.

You can join the discussion on the EU’s common laptop charging standard coming into force on the OC3D Forums.