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“It’s Time for the Chargers,” The European Commission ex post On 28th December, 2024. Although the feeling only applies to one continent (and not all of it) and only to some devices, the Common Charger Directive now in force in the European Union suggests that many fewer gadgets barrel, USB-micro, or proprietary plugs before their owners.
D General Charger Guidelines Claims that “radio equipment” will be equipped with a “USB-C receptacle” that is “equipped with a removable or embedded rechargeable battery” and “can be recharged via wired charging.” If it has a battery and can be powered up to 100 watts via a USB-C connection, it’s usually subject to the European Union. USB-C requirements. The directive applies to devices “placed on the market” — shipped to a distributor or buyer after Dec. 28 — even if they were originally designed and sold before that date.
Laptops have until April 2026 to comply, but most other items – phones, tablets, handheld gaming devices, computer accessories and wireless headphones – must be powered by USB-C to be sold within the EU from now on. Drones are, for now, largely neutral by this directive, but the EU will likely approach them.
The directive has several exceptions and some wiggle room. Devices with non-rechargeable batteries like coin cells or AA/AAA batteries get a pass, as do many smart home gadgets off the hook. There is some vague language around devices that recharge inside a case or box, although earbud cases are specifically included in the order. Devices that only charge wirelessly are also exempt And a device may offer another charging option, such as Apple’s MagSafe or a proprietary plug, as long as USB-C charging is available.
Less brick, standard “fast charging”
This USB-C requirement has had the most significant impact so far on Apple, which, while initially resisting, Gradually moved his products USB-C is from the proprietary Lightning connector. of The latest iMac Comes with a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad all connected via USB-C. The firm stopped selling the Lightning-charging iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in the EU after December 28.
In addition to claiming to have a USB-C port present, the guidelines require “fast charging” with anything drawing more than 5 volts, 3 amps, or 15 watts. USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standard. This should ensure that they properly negotiate charging rates with any charger including USB PD, rather than requiring their own proprietary charging brick or adapter.
In Europe, devices must indicate on their product boxes whether they have a charging plug or mid-cord brick. A different label will indicate the minimum and maximum power required to charge a device and whether or not it can support USB PD.
Can the EU combine cables and cords?
The EU’s celebratory post on X was heavy with replies from skeptics, suggesting that mandating USB-C as a “charger” could stifle companies innovating with other ways to deliver power. Most of these criticisms are addressed in the actual text of the law, as more powerful devices are exempt, secondary power plugs are allowed, and wireless mostly gets a pass. “What will happen when USB-D arrives?” Something that no one person can really answer, although it seems like a vague reason to avoid e-waste, fragmentation and consumer confusion in the larger device charging ecosystem.
It remains to be seen how the Common Charger Directive will be implemented, as it is left up to member states. Also unconfirmed is whether companies will comply with it across their international product lines or only make specific EU-compliant products.
This story originally appeared Ars Technica.
