Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall has recently presented a novel solution concept for charging electric vehicles. Rheinmetall curb chargers blend into the cityscape almost invisibly, offering a solution to the challenges posed by existing charging systems, such as large space requirements, low point density, aesthetic downsides, and high cost. Unlike other charging solutions on the market, the Rheinmetall approach makes intelligent use of existing urban infrastructure. By integrating charging electronics into the curb stone, it becomes a de facto “charging pole”, but without the drawbacks conventional pole-type charging stations cause for other road users. Moreover, electric vehicles can be charged directly at the curb, with no need to stretch a long cable across the sidewalk.The Rheinmetall system helps to solve one of the major challenges holding back the progress of e-mobility: the lack of charging capacity, particularly in city centres and major metropolitan areas. It was developed on the premise of minimizing as far as possible any intrusion into the public space. Background: Already at the start of the electro-mobility boom, many cities and municipalities barely know how adequate space for installing charging infrastructure be made available.In addition to roadside charging, various other potential use-cases can be addressed. These include charging at employer parking facilities, in residential settings with single family homes or apartment buildings, or at business parking lots, thus providing users with a fast, easy, comfortable means of charging their vehicles.Because safety is built into Rheinmetall’s DNA, the systems are currently undergoing comprehensive long-term testing before being used in the public space as part of a pilot project. The solution put forward by Rheinmetall has the potential to bring within reach Germany’s goal of having a million public charging points in place by 2030.
Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall has recently presented a novel solution concept for charging electric vehicles. Rheinmetall curb chargers blend into the cityscape almost invisibly, offering a solution to the challenges posed by existing charging systems, such as large space requirements, low point density, aesthetic downsides, and high cost. Unlike other charging solutions on the market, the Rheinmetall approach makes intelligent use of existing urban infrastructure. By integrating charging electronics into the curb stone, it becomes a de facto “charging pole”, but without the drawbacks conventional pole-type charging stations cause for other road users. Moreover, electric vehicles can be charged directly at the curb, with no need to stretch a long cable across the sidewalk.The Rheinmetall system helps to solve one of the major challenges holding back the progress of e-mobility: the lack of charging capacity, particularly in city centres and major metropolitan areas. It was developed on the premise of minimizing as far as possible any intrusion into the public space. Background: Already at the start of the electro-mobility boom, many cities and municipalities barely know how adequate space for installing charging infrastructure be made available.In addition to roadside charging, various other potential use-cases can be addressed. These include charging at employer parking facilities, in residential settings with single family homes or apartment buildings, or at business parking lots, thus providing users with a fast, easy, comfortable means of charging their vehicles.Because safety is built into Rheinmetall’s DNA, the systems are currently undergoing comprehensive long-term testing before being used in the public space as part of a pilot project. The solution put forward by Rheinmetall has the potential to bring within reach Germany’s goal of having a million public charging points in place by 2030.