List of Cars With USB-C Chargers

By Russ Heaps 06/06/2023 4:00pm

 

Quick Facts About USB-C Charging

  • More user-friendly, a USB-C connection offers the potential for faster charging and data delivery, and it’s more convenient to use.
  • USB-C connections are becoming more common in new cars.
  • Apple devices with Thunderbolt 3 connections are compatible with USB-C.

As car technology increases by leaps and bounds, for all but the more committed techies, one newer bit of tech seems somewhat ignorable: USB-A versus USB-C device charging. It is an international debate that has spilled over into car manufacturing. Many carmakers still consider USB-C charging ports in their models as luxuries. In other words, they only provide them as an option or make standard for higher-cost models and advanced trim levels. However, USB-C is becoming more democratized as carmakers release new models.

We don’t intend this story to be a definitive expose on the USB-A versus USB-C discussion or a deep dive into any other versions or types of USB connections. Yes, there are additional USB charging types, like USB-B. There are also mini, micro, and so forth. And then, you have Apple. Here we are sticking to USB-A and USB-C.

Read on as we discuss some benefits of USB-C charging in general. Moreover, we’ll tell you how that translates into device charging in your vehicle. We’ll also list some carmakers and their models offering USB-C charging.

What Is USB-C?

USB-C (USB Type-C) is a more advanced charging and data-delivery technology to accommodate the latest generation of power-hungry devices. USB-C can accommodate a higher power (and data) delivery than the more recognized USB-A, although the power specifications of the device, the power source’s port, and the connecting cable bind its effectiveness. In other words, USB-C has the potential and capacity to charge a device more quickly with the right equipment. This translates to data transfer, too, of up to 640 megabits per second (Mbps) versus 480 Mbps. Quicker is better, right?

What Is the Future of USB-C?

Many experts believe USB-C will eventually win out as the universal mode for charging. For instance, the European Union has crowned USB-C as the prevailing charging tech, mandating it by the end of 2024. Furthermore, there is a movement within the United States federal government to establish a national standard. If or when that happens, we suspect the winner will be USB-C.

In the meantime, the typical car shopper may wonder: what’s the big deal? That question isn’t surprising unless you are a user of Apple products with Thunderbolt 3 connections. Apple has phased out USB-A ports in several of its devices in favor of the USB-C compatible Thunderbolt 3 connector. For the rest of us, right now, USB-C in cars remains more of a want than a need. Still, all-new and recently redesigned models are more likely to offer USB-C among their trim levels.

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What Are the Benefits of USB-C Chargers in Cars?

We won’t wander too far into the weeds here. There are currently very few differences between USB-A and USB-C charging in automotive applications. Here are some benefits of USB-C:

  • Ease of use – As a matter of convenience, one of the more practical benefits is the USB-C’s ability to function no matter how you plug in the cable. Why does that make USB-C connections better? The widely adopted USB-A is a wide, rectangular shape with a trident embossed on the side of the male connector engineered to face up. Usually, you can only plug it in when the trident is facing up. However, even if you can somehow plug it in upside down, it won’t work because the connecting pins won’t make contact. The symmetrical, pill-shaped USB-C connector functions equally, no matter which way you insert it. I’ve found this especially helpful attempting to plug in while trying to keep my eyes on the road when driving.
  • Faster charging capability – Although restricted by the limits of a vehicle’s power output port and the cable’s capacity for transferring a charge, USB-C can provide up to 20 times the charging speed of USB-A, according to Digital Trends. However, you probably won’t see much speed benefit because of the USB 2.0 (2.5 watts) rate of the power output in most vehicles.
  • Versatility – Thanks to USB-C’s greater power flow, it is better suited to charge larger devices like laptops. Moreover, it is compatible with Apple’s Thunderbolt 3 connections.

Tip: Most vehicles, even newer ones, limit data transfer rates in USB-C ports to the slower 480 Mbps.

What Are the Disadvantages of USB-C Chargers?

  • Compatibility – Many devices don’t offer USB-C connections, especially in previous generations. Using USB-C power ports will entail buying new USB-A/USB-C cables.
  • Confusion – Depending on the variables already discussed, USB-C doesn’t guarantee faster charging or data delivery. In other words, USB-C still lives in a USB-A world.

USB-C Charger Adapter: How I Get the Most Out of USB-C in My Car

My personal car is a 2023 Hyundai Kona, which I sometimes drive even when I have an available manufacturer’s car I’m evaluating. While Hyundai doesn’t currently provide a USB-C port in its more affordable gas-fueled models, there’s no need to worry.

Quick research discovered a Type-C car charger that plugs into the Kona’s 12-volt power port. There are variations on such auxiliary chargers, but mine provides USB-A and USB-C ports in one unit. The USB-A port doesn’t disperse any extra power beyond the 2.5 watts delivered by the car’s built-in USB-A port. However, the USB-C port can push as much as 45 watts. I also purchased a 60-watt USB-C-to-USB-C cable. You can find a variety of cables and chargers at physical stores and online retailers. I paid about $31 for both items.

Even with the much higher charging potential provided by the 12-volt USB-C charger and cable, my fast-charging capabilities are limited by my Pixel 6 Pro smartphone. Google claims a maximum charging rate of 30 watts; however, many independent testers report a number closer to 22 watts. Even so, it’s still measurably faster than 2.5 watts.

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What Cars Offer Built-In USB-C Chargers?

We can’t begin to list every trim level by model with USB-C connections available or standard. Generally, every mainstream carmaker offers USB-C connections somewhere in its model lineup. A few automakers, like Audi and Cadillac, offer USB-C in every model. Also, though we don’t break them out, most new fully electric vehicles (EVs) provide USB-C connections. This list simply provides some representative models from each carmaker. Here are examples, by manufacturer, of 2023 models offering USB-C ports somewhere among their trim levels. You shouldn’t consider this list complete.

Acura — Integra, MDX, and NSX

Alfa Romeo — Tonale

Audi — Entire Audi lineup

BMW — Entire BMW lineup

Buick — Encore GX and Envision

Cadillac — XT6, XT4, and Escalade

Chevrolet — Corvette, Blazer, Trailblazer, Equinox, Silverado 1500, Tahoe, and Suburban

Chrysler — Pacifica

Dodge — Hornet

Ford — Bronco, Bronco Sport, Escape, Explorer, and F-150

Genesis — G90 and GV60

GMC — Sierra 1500, Terrain, Acadia, and Yukon

Honda — Accord, Pilot, and CR-V

Hyundai — Palisade

Infiniti — QX50, QX55, and QX60

Jaguar — E-Pace

Jeep — Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Wrangler

Kia — Telluride

Land Rover — Range Rover and Defender

Lexus — Entire Lexus lineup

Lincoln — Nautilus and Corsair

Mazda — Mazda3 and Mazda6

Mercedes-Benz — Entire Mercedes-Benz lineup

Mitsubishi — Outlander and Outlander Sport

Nissan — Entire Nissan lineup except for the GT-R

Polestar — Polestar 2

Porsche — Panamera, Cayenne, Taycan, and Macan

Ram — Ram 1500

Subaru — Ascent and 2024 Impreza, Legacy, Crosstrek, and Outback

Toyota — Crown, Prius, Camry, Corolla, Venza, Corolla Cross, Rav4, and Highlander

Volkswagen — Entire Volkswagen lineup

Volvo — Entire Volvo lineup