USB-C PD Wattage: What You Need to Know

USB Power Delivery — often shortened to PD — is one of the biggest upgrades in charging technology in the last decade. If you’ve ever noticed that some chargers can take your phone from 20% to 80% in minutes while others crawl, PD is the reason why.

But here’s the catch: not all PD chargers are the same, and the wattage printed on the box makes a huge difference.

Let’s break it all down in a way that actually makes sense.

---

What Exactly Is Power Delivery (PD)?

USB Power Delivery is a fast-charging standard that lets devices and chargers communicate to deliver the right amount of power safely and efficiently.

Think of it as:
“The charger and device negotiate how fast they can charge without overheating.”

PD can range from 5W all the way up to 140W+, depending on:

• The charger
• The cable
• The device you’re charging

---

PD Versions — And Why They Matter

PD 1.0 – The Beginning

Basic power negotiation. Limited wattage. Mostly older devices.

PD 2.0 – Standard Fast Charging

Common for phones and tablets. Usually up to 18W–30W.

PD 3.0 – The Big Upgrade

Introduced PPS (Programmable Power Supply), which gives smoother and more efficient charging.
Often seen in 25W–65W phone fast chargers.

PD 3.1 – The “Laptop-Level” Generation

The newest version. Supports:

• 100W
• 140W
• 180W
• 240W

This is the version that finally made it possible to charge full-size laptops through USB-C — no giant brick needed.

---

So Why Do Some PD Chargers Only Do 20W or 35W?

Because “PD” only tells you the charging standard, not the power output.

A charger can technically support PD…
but only offer 20W, 25W, or 35W power levels.

This is super common with:

• Budget car chargers
• Small wall chargers
• Chargers that were designed mainly for phones/tablets
• Older PD 2.0/3.0 chipsets

These chargers are still “PD,” but they’re not powerful enough for high-wattage devices like:

• Laptops
• Power-hungry tablets
• Steam Deck / ROG Ally
• USB-C battery packs
• High-speed wireless pads

 

---

Then Why Can Some Chargers Do 100W, 140W, or Even More?

Because they use newer PD 3.1 controllers and higher-capacity power stages.

True high-power PD chargers need:

• More robust internal components
• Better heat management
• Advanced circuitry
• PD 3.1 compatibility

This is what separates a 35W “PD” charger from a 140W “real performance” PD charger.

---

Example: TYPE S Charge & Glow 140W Car Charger

The TYPE S Charge & Glow 140W Car Charger, now available at Walmart, is a great example of what real high-power PD looks like.

It delivers:

✔ Up to 140W USB-C Power Delivery

Enough to charge a laptop in your car, whether it’s:

• MacBook Pro
• Windows laptop
• Chromebook
• USB-C gaming handheld

✔ Glow Ring Indicator

LED ring lets you see the charger at night — clean, functional, and stylish.

✔ Multiple Ports for Multi-Device Charging

Simultaneously charge a laptop + phone + accessories without slowing down.

This is the difference between “PD that’s technically PD” and “PD that actually performs.”

---

What Devices Benefit Most From High-Wattage PD?

• Laptops (MacBook Pro 14"/16", Dell XPS, Lenovo ThinkPad)
• Tablets (iPad Pro, Galaxy Tab)
• Gaming handhelds (Steam Deck, ROG Ally)
• Charging pads that need more power for 15W wireless
• Portable power stations
• High-capacity power banks

If a charger only outputs 20–35W, these devices will either charge slowly or not work at all.

 

---

How to Choose the Right PD Charger

Use this cheat sheet:

If you want one charger that covers everything, go with 100W+ PD.

 

---

The Bottom Line

“PD” on a box doesn’t guarantee fast charging — it only guarantees a standard.

The real speed comes down to the wattage, and that’s where the difference truly shows.

A 20W PD car charger is fine for your phone.
A 140W PD charger like the TYPE S Charge & Glow lets you charge your entire setup, including your laptop, all from your car.

It’s the difference between:

“My phone is charging.”
vs.
“Everything charges — and fast.”