Chargers

In short: A charger supplies batteries with power and controls the charging process.

In more detail: For phones and laptops the charging electronics are usually in the device, the power supply only delivers regulated direct current. A charger for single cells contains the complete charge control.

In Depth

Standards

• USB Power Delivery (USB-PD): negotiates voltage and current, up to 100 W (standard) and 240 W (EPR).
• Quick Charge and manufacturer-specific methods.
• GaN chargers: small and efficient.

EU requirement

Since 28 December 2024 USB-C is the uniform charging port for smartphones, tablets and many other devices; for laptops from 28 April 2026. See USB-C, power supplies, rechargeable batteries.

See also: Power Supplies, USB-C, Rechargeable Batteries