A New Generation of USB Chargers for Commercial Equipment

Commercial drivers and technicians rely on more personal electronic devices than ever before. Let’s take a quick look at the evolution of in-vehicle charging ports for these devices and examine the latest generation of USB ports, known as Type-C. 

Traditional USB Ports

When mobile charging components first came on the market, cigarette lighter adapters were the most common configuration. With the increasing number and variety of mobile devices needing power, as well as the requirements for each, succeeding generations of charging ports were better equipped to support a wider range of electronics, from consumer devices such as laptops and tablets, to industry specific equipment such as radios, GPS trackers, and dashboard cameras. 

With the introduction of IP rated devices, mobile charging ports powered a wider range of applications than ever before, such as lawn and garden, agricultural equipment, marine and more. Ease of installation became another factor driving this category forward. At one time, installing a GPS or similar device meant rewiring the vehicle, but the introduction of USB chargers allowed operators to simply "plug-in and go."

Right: Two-slot USB 2.0 ports like the V-Charger from Carling quickly become a mainstay for vehicle manufacturers and upfitters. 

The USB 2.0 version of the USB standard was released in 2000 and is still used in many devices. USB 2.0 is capable of transferring data at a rate of up to 480 Mbps. 

Blue Sea Systems, Carling, and Switch Components are among today’s leading manufacturers of USB 2.0 ports for use in 12-volt vehicle electrical systems. In addition, Blue Sea Systems offers USB 2.0 ports for use in 48-volt vehicles (shown at right). This port is ideal for use in golf carts and recreational vehicles. 

Introducing Type-C USBs and Chargers

Type-C USBs, the latest generation of charging cables for commercial equipment, are gradually replacing the types A, B, and Mini-B USBs that have dominated the marketplace up to now. The European Union required small devices to support USB-C charging by the end of 2024, thus pushing the industry worldwide to migrate from standard USB.

The USB-C is a reversible 24-pin plug that works across many types of devices. While the plug itself is universal, the features it supports—such as USB 3.x, USB4, video output, or Power Delivery—depend on the device and the cable.

There are some game-changing features that distinguish Type-C USB ports and connectors from 2.0 ports and their predecessors. First, they are a universal connection that transmits both power and data. Second, they are relatively smaller than previous generations. And third, the connector doesn’t have to be inserted “right side up” to go into the port: It fits correctly in either orientation, up or down, as shown by the left slot in the picture at right. 

Shown at right: This dual-type USB from Switch Components features the latest type-C oval-shaped port on the left and a “traditional” 2.0 rectangular port on the right, making it ideal for charging a wide range of electronic devices. 

The adaptability of the USB-C standard sets it apart, making this type of port more adaptable and powerful than previous generations while allowing it to fit into nearly any small device. USB Type-C cables are becoming ubiquitous in most modern laptops and smartphones, driving manufacturers and upfitters to install Type-C USB ports in work trucks and specialty vehicles.

Type-C USB supports data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps. That’s the equivalent of transferring a full-length, high-definition movie in 30 seconds, or about 20 times faster than USB 2.0. Some USB-C ports support newer standards like USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 or USB4, which allow 20 Gbps, 40 Gbps or more.

In addition to data, USB-C transmits power—up to 100W of power or 3 amps, enough to charge many different devices including laptops, high-resolution monitors, printers, smartphones, laptops, and earphones. 

While not everyone is currently using a USB-C accessory, it’s only a matter of time before they take hold in every corner of the marketplace. The Type-C generation of cross-platform connectors is quickly replacing the older USB generations, much like the way the original USB standard replaced FireWire and serial ports on PCs and Macs.

For now, many vehicle fleets and upfitters are continuing to make use of traditional USB 2.0 ports. But the newer Type-C ports such as those offered by Switch Components will increasingly be in demand. 

See more type-C charging ports and other USB ports commonly used in today’s vehicles on the Waytek website.