By EU votes to mandate universal phone charger connection
The European Union has taken steps to form a common universal charging port for phones, tablets, and headphones instead of different connections.
According to reports, there will be an assembly vote on the matter next month.
The EU commission allegedly suggested a single mobile charging port over a decade ago, it proposed a draft legislation last year, in agreement with the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee.
The typical iPhone is charged using a Lightning cable whilst Android-based devices use a USB-C connection, with the majority in the EU being Android phones.
At present, if the connection isn’t correct many adapters are widely available to purchase.
From EuroNews, Alex Agius Saliba, who is leading the debate said ” With half a billion chargers for portable devices shipped in Europe each year, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes of e-waste, a single charger for mobile phones and other small-medium electronic devices would benefit everyone.
“It will help the environment, further help reuse old electronics, save money, and reduce unnecessary costs and inconvenience for both businesses and consumers.
“We are proposing a truly comprehensive policy intervention, building on the commission’s proposal by calling for the interoperability of wireless charging technologies by 2026 and improving information given to consumers with dedicated labels.”.
The committee wants the USB Type-C to be standardized for phones, tablets, headphones, e-readers, low-powered laptops, keyboards, computer mice, earbuds, smartwatches, and electronic toys.
The move would be in unison with the EU’s mostly Android-based market.
The Independent reported that MEPs on the influential committee came in with 43 votes in favour of the proposal, only having two against it.
