EU Votes For Universal Phone Charger

SmartAboutThings writes "The European Union has voted in favor of a draft legislation which lists among the 'essential requirements' of electrical devices approved by the EU a compatibility with 'universal' chargers. According to a German MEP, this move will eliminate 51,000 tonnes of electronic waste. The draft law was approved by an overwhelming majority: 550 votes to 12. At the moment, according to estimates, there are around 30 different types of charger on the market, but manufacturers have two years at their disposal to get ready for the new restriction."

Comments

Someone is against this?

[rujasu]

"This is a backwards step because imposing a single charger stifles innovation, curbs research, and may impose extra costs on the consumer. The alternative and better action is to encourage diversity, competition and greater development..."

Seriously? How much "diversity" and "innovation" do you need in terms of a charger?

Re:Someone is against this?

[lgw]

Any cable that has any sort of orientation required to plug in is a crap standard and needs to die. All connectors need to be barrel or minjack style connectors, that are easy to plug in blind.

Re:Gubbamints...

[RightSaidFred99]

BS. Android phones would use USB charging anyway, it's the cheapest path.

Why standards?

[Valdrax]

Why do they think this is a matter for governments to decide?

Same reason each country has a standard railroad track, a standard power outlet, etc. Letting industries decide on mutually incompatible standards largely serves to lock in consumers and also creates great inefficiencies in the economy due to incompatbility. Standardization would allow business like cafes & airports to offer charging solutions that fit all their customers, and it would produce less physical waste.