The curb with integrated charging electronics has been tested in real-world conditions in Cologne since 2024. The accompanying case study now draws a positive conclusion.
The loading curb is now available as a standard product.
Rheinmetall AG
The Rheinmetall Group, the City of Cologne, and TankE GmbH have successfully completed a pilot project to install a curb-side charging infrastructure in the city's public transport area. Since April 2024, the charging curbs have been used more than 2,800 times per day on average at two locations, with each charging point being used more than twice per day. Technical availability was over 99%. “The curb charging station we have developed is a production-ready product that rethinks urban charging infrastructure: space-saving, robust, barrier-free – and integrated into existing urban structures,” says Christoph Müller, CEO of Rheinmetall's Power Systems division.
The charging concept for electric vehicles integrates the charging electronics into the curb so that electric vehicles can charge directly there. There is no need to lay cables across sidewalks, and the use of existing urban infrastructure is intended to help avoid space problems, deterioration of the cityscape, and high costs. The modular charging curb enables AC charging up to 22 kW and can be integrated into existing backend systems or existing charging system structures via the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP).
Curb Charger for Quick Installation of Charging Points
According to Rheinmetall, the case study conducted in Cologne proves that the charging curbs are ready for market.
A total of more than 50 mWh of energy was consumed, which corresponds to an average of around 19 kWh per process or a range of approximately 120 km. The modular design also allows for quick and easy maintenance by replacing the charging module inside the curb. This resulted in almost continuous availability and low operating costs during the project. Following completion of the pilot project, the charging curb is now available as a series product.
This is a partly automated translation of this german article.
