Ryobi 18V ONE+ Power Source and Charger PCG043: Portable Power with USB-C

Introduction

Ryobi has been on a steady run of new releases lately, and the 18V ONE+ Power Source and Charger PCG043 is the latest addition to its portable power lineup. It is a new generation of a product the company has offered before, this time with a slimmer profile and, more importantly, a proper USB-C port. At a tool-only price of $60, it is one of those accessories that could appeal to a wide range of people: DIYers, weekend campers, sports parents, and anyone who spends time away from a wall outlet.

What It Does

This is a two-in-one product. It functions both as a portable power source and as a charger for Ryobi 18V ONE+ batteries. Slide it onto any battery in the ONE+ family, from a compact 2Ah pack up through larger capacity options, and it turns that battery into a power bank.

The bidirectional USB-C port delivers up to 60W of charging power for compatible devices, and it can also recharge 18V ONE+ batteries through the same port. The USB-A port provides up to 10W of output for older devices that still rely on that connection. A 4-foot USB-C cable is included in the box.

Charging Speed and Power Output

The headline spec is the 60W max bidirectional USB-C port. Some competing products offer 100W, and it is fair to ask why Ryobi did not go there. In practice, though, 60W covers most real devices. Even a flagship Samsung phone that advertises higher charging speeds often tops out well below 100W in everyday use, so the gap matters less than the spec sheet suggests.

For laptops and other high-draw devices, the 60W limit is the one trade-off to weigh. For phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras, and drones, it should be plenty.

Real-World Uses: From the Shop to the Sideline

The portability angle is where this product earns its place. Because it runs on batteries you may already own, it becomes a grab-and-go power station. The product images show it in a golf cart charging phones, and propping up a tablet so the screen sits securely without tipping over.

One practical example: filming youth sports games means constant worry about a camera battery dying mid-game. Bringing a power source like this along removes that concern entirely. The same logic applies to camping trips, job sites where you need to reference schematics on a tablet, and anywhere else a wall outlet is not within reach.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The unit is sold as a tool-only product, so the battery is not included. If you are not already invested in the Ryobi 18V ONE+ ecosystem, you will need to factor in the cost of a battery, which changes the value equation considerably. If you already own a shelf of ONE+ batteries, this is a low-cost way to put them to work as portable power.

The included 3-year manufacturer warranty is a solid point in its favor, and the slimmer design is a clear improvement over the previous version, which was bulkier.

Availability and Pricing

The PCG043 is set for an October release at a tool-only price of $60. Availability may roll out unevenly across retailers, so checking the Ryobi site for pre-order or waitlist options is a good starting point. Some retailers tend to list new tool releases faster than others, and Home Depot in particular has a track record of slow listings for brand-new Ryobi products.

If you own an older version of this power source, the slimmer profile and the addition of USB-C are the two most obvious reasons to consider upgrading.

Conclusion

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ Power Source and Charger PCG043 is a straightforward product with a clear purpose: turn the batteries you already own into portable USB-C power. With 60W bidirectional output, a 10W USB-A port, an included cable, and a 3-year warranty at $60, it is an easy recommendation for anyone already in the ONE+ ecosystem who spends time away from outlets.