Innovations in electric vehicle (EV) charging: Rheinmetall's flush-set roadside charger moves into mass manufacturing

Innovations in electric vehicle (EV) charging: Rheinmetall's flush-set roadside charger moves into mass manufacturing

In a significant stride towards addressing the challenges of urban electric vehicle (EV) charging, German technology group Rheinmetall has initiated mass production of its innovative solution: the Curb Charger. This curb-level charger, recognised for its practical design at the Red Dot Awards, is set to revolutionise city streets across Europe.

The Curb Charger, designed to blend seamlessly with urban streetscapes, has already caught the attention of several European cities. Dublin, Ireland, and multiple cities in Germany have expressed interest in deploying this discreet, durable solution for urban EV charging. Rheinmetall is actively rolling out its Curb Charger technology in Germany, and broader European deployment plans are underway, reflecting the company's strategy to support the growing demand for public EV infrastructure in space-constrained city environments.

One of the biggest challenges in urban electric vehicle adoption is finding suitable charging locations. The Curb Charger addresses this issue by eliminating potential pedestrian obstructions and sitting flush with the footpath. Each unit features a weatherproof, IP68-rated design with built-in heating for durability and functionality in harsh conditions.

The charger's smart modular components allow quick, tool-free electronic replacement in case of malfunction, ensuring minimal disruption to the city's flow. Drivers can connect to the Curb Charger using a standard Type 2 cable and activate charging via a smartphone app or RFID card.

During a successful 12-month pilot program in Cologne, the Curb Charger delivered more than 50 megawatt-hours of electricity, with a technical uptime exceeding 99 per cent. The charger performed reliably through over 2,800 individual charging sessions, demonstrating its robustness and reliability.

As more cities look to reduce emissions and ban petrol and diesel vehicles from inner areas, solutions like the Curb Charger could be key to enabling the transition. The success of the Curb Charger highlights the growing need for flexible, integrated EV infrastructure that can adapt to the unique needs of urban environments.

With its 4G and Ethernet connectivity for real-time monitoring, the Curb Charger is more than just a charging solution; it's a game-changing tool for the electrified future. By making EV charging more accessible without adding visual or spatial burden, the flush-fit solution could soon become a familiar feature on city streets around the world, facilitating the transition towards a more electrified future in city environments.

The Curb Charger, a smart solution developed by Rheinmetall, integrates environmental-science principles by creating a discreet, durable, and weatherproof charging solution for urban EVs – reducing the environmental-impact of city streets. As technology advances and science becomes more critical in addressing climate-change, the Curb Charger could lead the way in facilitating the transition towards a more electrified, emission-free future in city environments.

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