At the end of 2025, the metro of the new generation will replace old cars on a line 10: MF19 (Metro Iron 2019 offers). One of its peculiarities is the presence of USB charging ports, which adds your phone for free during the trip. Alstom still makes an amazing choice: uses USB-A connectors.
Update published at 15:00. Île-de-France Mobilités responded to Numerama’s request and explains that the time between the train command and its delivery explains the use of USB-A. It is unlikely that the MF19 will be updated in USB-C, although IDFM is aware that this is a new standard.
Original article, published at 12:00: USB-A ports in the new metro line? If this proposal may seem ordinary (although almost all new phones sold are USB-C USB-C cables, on the European Directive), it could happen very quickly when almost all users switch to a new generation device. The logic wants the USB-C to become a norm, with a gradual disappearance of USB-A (rectangular).
In its official communication, île-de-French mobility refers to MF19 as metro “Comfortable, connected and reliable”. In particular, Connected refers to the presence of USB ports to recharge its electronic devices, to the screens in the subway to mark the name of the next station and 100 % moderate LED lighting.
What the press release does not say is the connection used. The Paris video designs a charger with two USB-A ports, which adds two devices simultaneously.
USB-A in 2025: Lack of expectations of Alstom and RATP?
Why did you choose USB-A in 2025? Numerama contacted île-de-French mobility et alstom to get the answer. The car manufacturer has not yet responded, but île-de-French mobility explains that the MF19 fees calendar comes from 2016–2017, the era when the USB-C was not far from the standard. Here it is necessary to question the delay between the design of the project and its van: Metro 2025 is a subway that imagined almost ten years ago. For the time being, no update is planned to modernize trains that should be delivered in USB-A.
By deploying MF19s on lines 3 and 7 (between 2031 and 2033) we can imagine that USB-A will be almost abandoned. Alstom can undoubtedly update its new metros in USB-C, but what about old lines? Updating the charging blocks is certainly possible, but it will probably not be a priority (especially because it will be expensive, it requires a change in several electrical components and that charging in the subway is not the main requirement). Do not recall the new meter in USB-C reflects lack of expectations and poor market understanding: USB-A condemns the “recharge” of parts of the new meters to become outdated. It is also a bad environmental choice: you should never opt for old technology, especially if its replacement has existed since 2015.
We remind you that since the end of 2024 Europe has required manufacturers to sell phones that are recharged in USB-C. There is no obligation to insert a USB-C cable in a USB-C box in a box, but the industry is more and more aimed at this practice to have one connector. Most of the devices purchased today are supplied with USB-C on USB-C.
In modern aircraft, especially in Airbus, airlines choose USB-A and USB-C connectors, with two ports on the same catch. The USB-C socket generally guarantees more energy, supplying a computer. It seems that the aviation industry will choose another trajectory, oriented to future needs, not the current situation.
Go on
Another important reminder: Be careful with public charging ports. Always remember to refuse to share data to avoid hacking.
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