Urban innovation: Rheinmetall launches curb charger pilot in Cologne

In collaboration with TankE GmbH and the City of Cologne, Rheinmetall is embarking on a pilot initiative to evaluate curb chargers in public traffic zones. This project aims to integrate and field-test Rheinmetall's curb charger technology within urban environments. The primary goal is to assess public acceptance and explore these chargers' urban planning and design benefits. Following signing a letter of intent in May 2023, the official launch for on-site deployment took place today, April 25, 2024. The curb chargers will undergo extensive real-world testing at two designated locations within the city.

Rheinmetall is a globally influential technology group offering a comprehensive range of components, systems, and services tailored to security and civil sectors. Renowned as a trusted development ally and direct supplier to the automotive industry worldwide and a premier provider of security technology solutions internationally, Rheinmetall leverages its profound expertise in core technologies. This enables the company to address enduring megatrends and discern emerging markets with substantial growth prospects, fostering the creation of innovative solutions for a safer and more sustainable future. Sustainability is anchored in its strategic vision and is pivotal in Rheinmetall's endeavours. The company is committed to attaining carbon neutrality by 2035, underscoring its dedication to environmental stewardship and a thriving global community.

Ascan Egerer, the Alderman for Mobility of the City of Cologne: “We are a city in transition and want to shape modern, environmentally friendly mobility actively. Hence, we want to implement future-orientated concepts at an early stage to master the challenges – together with our partners. For us, the curb charger has a great advantage as it can be used in the existing infrastructure of the public road space, apart from the connection box. This benefits important issues such as the necessary clear pavement widths, visual axes, avoidable overbuilding of media supply in the pavement, and monument protection in planning and implementation."

"The kerbside technology is much less complicated than a conventional charging station. We are looking forward to the experience.”

The term curbside (curb) charging refers to charging on a sidewalk or roadside. Chargers attached to streetlights or other types of poles are used for charging on the side of the road or sidewalk.

Christoph Müller, Head of the Power Systems division at Rheinmetall AG, said, “The curb chargers we have developed have a great advantage. It can replace the already existing infrastructure throughout the roadside at a one-to-one level or even upgrade it. No additional space is required in the road space, which is already narrow. Our trendsetting curb chargers will help to solve a major problem in the transformation towards more electromobility. They blend almost invisibly into the cityscape. We very much appreciate the strong willingness of all those involved to make today's appointment possible. After all, we have no time to lose on our way to a modern, environmentally friendly mobility.”

Stephan Segbers, Director of Sales, and Energy Procurement at RheinEnergie AG, the mother company of TankE GmbH, is delighted, “Today is another milestone in the series of innovative mobility projects that we have developed in Cologne in recent years. With TankE, we are creating alternatives for charging electric cars in public transport that are compatible with urban development. We are proud to be working with Rheinmetall and the City of Cologne to test another innovative technology and expand our expertise in developing charging infrastructure.”

According to the "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" report by AL Circle, the transportation sector is projected to emerge as the leading consumer of aluminium, with electric vehicles poised to significantly influence this trend. Access your copy now to gain comprehensive insights into the extensive use of aluminium across transportation and various other sectors.

The city of Cologne, Germany, will face many challenges in the coming years, including climate change, population growth, economic shifts, and digitalisation. To proactively address these issues, the city is committed to developing forward-thinking strategies. Mobility stands out, particularly in the context of transitioning to electromobility.

The German government's ambitious goal of having 15 million electric cars by 2030 necessitates a corresponding expansion of charging infrastructure. Even without dedicated parking and charging facilities, more people are anticipated to switch to electric vehicles in the future. Meeting this demand requires around one million charging stations across Germany by 2030.

The Rheinmetall curb charger presents a unique and space-efficient solution to this growing need. Its exceptional charging performance and intelligent urban infrastructure utilisation make it a compelling alternative to traditional charging stations. This innovation effectively addresses the space constraints typically encountered in urban areas, enabling rapid, scalable, and cost-effective installation of publicly accessible charging points. The city and network operators have recognised these distinct features, leading to the awarding of the contract.