2024-03-14 17:38:00
By the end of 2024, there should be standardized charging cables based on USB-C for smartphones, digital cameras, headphones, tablets, portable video game consoles, keyboards, e-readers, navigation devices, headsets and portable speakers. On Thursday, the Bundestag decided to amend the Radio Equipment Act. In addition to the government factions, the CDU/CSU and the AfD also voted for the change in the law. Only the left-wing group abstained. From 2026 onwards, the requirement will also apply to laptops in accordance with the EU directive for a uniform charging port. Politicians want to reduce cable clutter and tons of electronic waste and simplify the search for chargers. FDP MP Nicole Bauer spoke of an “anti-cable clutter law” during the debate on Thursday.
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With the reform (PDF), the MPs also linked the goal of enabling future harmonization in this area in accordance with technological developments and, for example, taking into account “any non-wired charging systems” such as Qi. In principle, the directive uniformly provides for the USB-C port and the “USB Power Delivery” protocol for wired charging. Parliament has also enshrined a right for end users to always be able to purchase included radio systems without a charging adapter. There are also various information requirements based on the directive regarding pictograms relating to charging power supplies and their performance characteristics. Above all, this should show whether a charger is included in the scope of delivery.
Apple relied on Lightning for a long time, but gave in
The SPD parliamentary group rated the law as good and important in terms of making everyday life easier. But she also recalled that the directive should have been implemented by the end of 2023. The federal government introduced a bill for this at the end of October, but did not submit it to the Bundestag until December 20th. He might therefore only be advised in 2024. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group said that inductive loading was increasingly being used. Current technical developments must therefore be monitored and looked at which technology will be the most practical in the future. However, the current standardization does not in principle prevent innovations. Charging power and associated software might be variable despite the USB-C requirement, admitted leftist Ralph Lenkert.
USB-C has actually already established itself as the standard, especially in mobile phones. Only Apple swore by its own Lightning connector for a long time. In September, the US company presented new smartphones with a USB-C port for the first time, the iPhone 15. The current point in time is right and sensible for standardization, according to the Federal Ministry of Economics. This creates efficiency, saves waste and makes daily life easier. The green digital politician Tabea Rößner estimated that consumers would be relieved of around 250 million euros per year. Manufacturers should always offer devices without power supplies. Users might then decide for themselves whether they needed it or not. For the Greens, the EU directive that has now been implemented is also an example of the strength that the internal market can develop and also counter powerful tech companies.
(anw)
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