ELECOM released the U3HC-C040PBK, a USB hub that doubles as a charging cable for laptops, in mid-July[1]. Both the cable that plugs into the charger and the cable that plugs into the PC are attached to the body, so the hub can draw up to 100W over USB Power Delivery without any extra cable. It adds four ports in total: two USB-A and two USB Type-C. The idea is to solve power and port shortage with a single device, whether at a desk or on the road.
One device for charging and for extra ports
Charging the laptop itself is a quiet annoyance when using a USB hub. Ports fill up, and a separate charging cable ends up occupying one of them anyway. The U3HC-C040PBK folds that into one unit. Two cables come out of the body: plug one into an AC adapter and the other into the PC, and power delivery and port expansion happen at the same time[1].
Power passes through USB Power Delivery with a maximum input of 100W. The unit itself consumes 10W, so the laptop receives up to 90W. ELECOM notes that a 100W AC charger is required if 90W of charging is the goal[1][2]. Actual delivered wattage depends on the connected hardware, and the PC side naturally has to support USB Power Delivery.
Four data-only ports at USB 5Gbps
The hub adds two USB-A ports and two USB Type-C ports. A mouse, a keyboard, and USB flash drives can all hang off the same unit. Transfer runs at USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen1), which ELECOM lists as roughly 10 times the theoretical speed of Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0)[2]. That gap matters when moving large photo or video files.
One caveat: these four ports are data only. They support neither charging nor video output[2]. ELECOM specifically advises against charging a smartphone or tablet through them. Power is meant to travel through the attached cable to the PC, and nowhere else.
The hub works in both bus-powered and self-powered modes, and connecting an AC charger gives it a stable supply. Current available from the ports is capped at 3A across all four, with 1.5A per port[2].
Cables of 0.15m and 1m, built with portability in mind
The two cables are deliberately different lengths. The one that plugs into the PC is about 0.15m, short enough that slack does not coil up on the desk. The one for the charger is about 1m, leaving room to reach a floor outlet[1][2]. Both are permanently attached, so neither can be lost.
The cables use a soft mesh sleeve and can be bundled with the included cable band[2]. When charging is not needed, the 1m cable can be tied down, which keeps it from taking up space in a bag. The body measures roughly 94mm wide, 29mm deep, and 10mm tall, and weighs about 60g. Black is the only color.
Supported operating systems are Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS Tahoe 26, and iPadOS 26. The warranty runs one year, and the JAN code is 4549550436755[2]. The product also carries ELECOM's THINK ECOLOGY mark, with packaging made only of paper, cardboard, and plastic bags[1].
Pricing
The press release lists a street price of 4,280 yen including tax, or 3,891 yen before tax[1]. The list price on ELECOM's product page is 6,589 yen including tax, or 5,990 yen before tax[2]. The low-4,000-yen figure from the press release is the more realistic guide to what shops will charge.
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エレコム USB-Cハブ 充電ケーブル一体型 PD対応(最大90W出力) 5Gbps A×2ポート C×2ポート バスパワー対応 ブラック U3HC-C040PBK
USB hubs start at around 1,000 yen, so the value here sits less in the hub itself than in the fact that it replaces a charging cable. For anyone who carries a laptop and works away from the desk, one less cable in the bag is a real gain.
Summary
ELECOM's U3HC-C040PBK combines a USB Power Delivery charging cable rated for 100W input with a four-port USB hub. It passes up to 90W to the laptop and offers two USB-A and two USB Type-C ports running at USB 5Gbps. The attached cables measure 0.15m and 1m, a cable band is included, and the unit weighs about 60g. It suits anyone trying to cut one cable out of their desk setup.
Source[1]: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001489.000026881.html
Source[2]: https://www.elecom.co.jp/products/U3HC-C040PBK.html
