Ugreen’s EC604 challenges conventions with its desktop-like design and high power output, offering a versatile solution for drivers who need to charge laptops, tablets, and multiple accessories on the go.
UGREEN’s EC604 is an unusual sight in the category of car chargers. Instead of the familiar small cylinder that offers a couple of phone-grade USB sockets, this model is built more like a downsized desktop power adapter. Reviews of the EC604 describe a four-outlet layout, a retractable USB-C lead and a quoted combined output of 145W, which places it well beyond the needs of a single handset and into the territory of laptops, tablets and multiple accessories.
That higher output only makes sense when the load is shared intelligently. According to hands-on testing and teardown coverage, the charger includes one high-output USB-C port rated at up to 100W, a built-in retractable USB-C cable rated at up to 60W, two further ports for lower-power devices and support for fast-charging standards such as USB Power Delivery 3.0 and PPS. The result is a device aimed at drivers who may need to charge a notebook alongside a phone, rather than simply top up a battery on a short commute.
The built-in cable is the feature that most clearly sets the EC604 apart. ChargerLab’s teardown and other reviews say the flat USB-C lead is about 70cm long, retracts into the body and can be locked in several positions before being wound back in. In practice, that reduces cable clutter around the centre console and makes the charger feel more like a fixed desk station than a loose accessory hanging from a socket. Reviewers also note soft port illumination, which is useful in the dark without being overly bright.
There are trade-offs, however. At roughly 106 x 62 x 36 mm and around 118 grams, the EC604 is bulkier than many conventional car chargers. That size reflects the extra hardware inside and the more ambitious power delivery, but it also means the device will not disappear unobtrusively into a socket. Several reviews also note that the retractable cable is fixed in place, so if it wears out, replacement options are limited.
The bigger practical warning is that the 145W figure is a system maximum, not a promise that every port can deliver its headline rating at the same time. Third-party reviews show the charger dynamically redistributes power as more devices are connected, so a laptop may get priority while the remaining ports drop to much lower levels. That is not unusual for multi-port chargers, but it matters in a car because the vehicle’s own electrical system becomes the limiting factor. A 12V socket must supply enough current to support the load, and older wiring or a weak outlet may not be suitable for sustained high-demand use.
Taken together, the EC604 is best understood as a specialist product for long drives, mobile work and heavy device users. It is over-specified for charging one phone, but that is precisely the point. For motorists who regularly need to power a laptop, a handset and a second or third accessory at once, UGREEN has built something far more capable and better organised than the average plug-in charger.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
