USB-C test drive: what we need to know about the new connectors
Test Drive

USB-C test drive: what we need to know about the new connectors

USB-C test drive: what we need to know about the new connectors

Familiar USB-A sockets disappear one by one from new cars

If you are ordering a new car now, you will probably need a new cable for your smartphone, because more and more manufacturers are relying on the smaller USB-C standard. You must pay attention to this!

Whether it's a high-end flagship or a city kid, the USB interface is in all modern cars. USB stands for "Universal Serial Bus" and allows you to establish a connection between your computer and external digital devices. Using a suitable cable, data from mobile devices in the vehicle can be transferred via the USB inputs. Initially, these were mainly music files for MP3 players, which could be controlled and played in this way using the car's music system. Today, the USB connection in various cases allows you to display applications and content from smartphones on large dashboard displays (Apple CarPlay, Anroid Auto, MirrorLink).

USB Type C has been available since 2014.

Until now, the oldest connector type (Type A) was required for use in cars and chargers, while various smaller models were used in the field of smartphones. The relatively bulky Type A connector is too large for flat phones. The problem is that different manufacturers use different USB models. Android smartphones have long been equipped with Micro USB ports, and Apple had its own format with a Lightning connector. Since 2014, with the new USB Type C connector, a new format has emerged that needs to be developed according to the new industry standard.

More data, more power

USB-C features a new elliptical shape and thus significantly differs from the previously used USB Type A. USB-C is symmetrical and fits into the connector no matter where it is directed. In addition, a USB-C connection can theoretically transfer up to 1200 megabytes of data per second (MB / s), while USB Type As does not even reach half that amount. In addition, more powerful devices such as monitors or laptops around 100W can be connected or charged via USB-C as long as the outlet and cable also support USP power delivery (USB-PD).

Many manufacturers are reorienting

Almost all new Android smartphones come with a USB-C slot, and even Apple has switched to USB-C. It is for this reason that we find new USB-C connectors in more and more cars. Since the introduction of the new A-Class, Mercedes has relied on the USB-C standard worldwide and intends to subsequently re-equip all model series. Skoda has been installing USB-C connectors since the world premiere of the Scala, followed by the Kamiq and the new Superb.

Conclusion

The transition of car manufacturers to the USB-C standard is relatively late, but in this case, it matches the pace of development of smartphone manufacturers. They also only launch USB-C devices now and one by one. Additional costs for car buyers are within acceptable limits. If you don't want to spend € 20 on a new cable, you can purchase a cheap adapter. Or negotiate with a dealer. He will probably add a suitable new cable to the car for free. Important: stay away from cheap cables! They often suffer from low data rates.

Jochen Knecht

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