New Charging Module Brings EV Power Directly to the Curbside

Several curbside charging solutions have been introduced to help apartment dwellers join the electric vehicle movement without relying solely on public charging stations. However, Rheinmetall AG’s approach stands out as one of the most discreet to date. Their new charger replaces traditional curbstones with a Level 2 charging point embedded directly into the curb.

Introducing the Curb Charger Concept

The German company—known for its work in both the automotive and defense sectors—first unveiled the concept, named the Curb Charger, at an e-mobility conference in 2022.According to the company, the goal is to provide a subtle alternative to current systems, addressing challenges such as large space requirements, low density of charging points, visual clutter, and high costs.

Unlike pole-mounted chargers from companies like Gravity and Ubitricity, Rheinmetall designed its solution to blend into its surroundings. Made from steel and aluminum, the unit includes 4G connectivity, an Ethernet port, RFID technology, and a small display.Users can activate it via a mobile app or QR code, and the system delivers up to 22 kW of power. Drivers must use their own charging cables, but that’s already a common habit among European EV owners.

The designers equipped the module to withstand harsh weather by incorporating IP68 protection, an integrated cooling system to prevent overheating, and built-in heating for operation in freezing temperatures. In case of damage or failure, technicians can quickly swap out the unit using a special CurbSwap connector.

Successful Pilot in Cologne

In 2024, Rheinmetall, in partnership with charging infrastructure operator TankE GmbH, deployed four of these chargers in Cologne-Lindenthal, Germany. The pilot project yielded positive results: the modules remained operational over 99% of the time under all weather conditions and completed more than 2,800 charging sessions—averaging about two charges per day per unit.

The system delivered over 50 MWh of energy during the trial, averaging 19 kWh per session.Users rated the service 4.38 out of 5, praising its ease of use, convenient street-side accessibility, absence of protective bollards, and one-handed operation. However, some criticized the limited visibility of the charging stations.

Vision for Scalable Urban Integration

Christoph Müller, CEO of Rheinmetall Power Systems, stated:
“We’ve integrated charger electronics into a standard curb stone, enabling roadside EV charging without visual obstructions, pedestrian pathway interference, or compromises on safety or aesthetics. Our Curb Charger is ready for mass production and redefines urban charging infrastructure—space-saving, robust, barrier-free, and seamlessly integrated into existing cityscapes.”

After the successful year-long pilot, the four curbside chargers in Cologne are now entering regular operation. Rheinmetall is also showcasing the technology at trade shows to promote its adoption and share the positive trial results.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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