electronics
European Parliament clears the way for uniform charging cables
Farewell to adapters thanks to the EU: consumers will soon only need a USB-C cable (second from the right) to charge cordless devices. photo
© Franziska Gabbert/dpa-tmn
The question of charging cables has been driving politics for years. It looks like there is now an agreement. And consumers could save a lot of money in the future.
The EU Parliament has given its final approval for the uniform USB-C charging standard for smartphones and many other devices. Politicians voted almost unanimously on Tuesday for a regulation previously found by negotiators from Parliament and the EU states.
Accordingly, the new requirements will come into force in 2024. In a last step, the EU states still have to agree, which is scheduled for October 24th. However, this is considered a formality, as is the now confirmed majority in the European Parliament.
Legal requirements have long been the subject of debate. More than ten years ago, the commission brought the charging cable issue up for the first time. 14 manufacturers – including Apple – agreed in a self-commitment to a uniform standard for mobile phone power supplies. When it comes to the sockets in smartphones and tablet computers, there are only three of the dozen types left: USB-C, Apple’s Lightning connector and micro-USB.
In addition to mobile phones, numerous other devices are now also subject to the new rules. These include tablets, digital cameras, headphones, speakers, e-readers, keyboards and mice. According to information from the EU Parliament, the new guidelines should lead to consumers in the EU saving 250 million euros per year because unnecessary charger purchases would be avoided.