Rheinmetall is testing charging curbs for e-cars in Cologne

So-called charging curbs could make charging e-cars much more convenient in the future. Defense group and automotive supplier Rheinmetall has now started a pilot project in Cologne.

Electromobility is picking up speed. Because statistics show significantly higher sales of e-cars and Co. In 2022, for example, the number of electric vehicles exceeded the one million mark for the first time. On January 1, 2023, authorities reported 1.01 million (partially) electrically powered cars for the first time.

So that vehicle owners remain mobile, approved by the federal government about four years ago the “Charging Infrastructure Master Plan II”. Among other things, this provides for a rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure.

Nevertheless, the installation and operation of public charging points continues to be difficult. Defense group and automotive supplier Rheinmetall has therefore presented an alternative solution.

Cologne will install loading curbs at two locations by summer 2023

In cooperation with the city of Cologne and TankE GmbH, so-called loading curbs were created, which the project participants now want to test in the city. From summer 2023, two locations within Cologne will show whether the technology has potential. Each curb enables charging with up to 22 kilowatts of alternating current.

Instead of a classic curb, cities are installing a horizontal loading unit in the sidewalk. The classic charging station is therefore no longer required. The necessary technology, in turn, is located below the paved path. Only a socket in the curb makes it clear that electric vehicle owners can connect their cars.

Technology requires comparatively little space

The technology has a decisive advantage here. Because charging points in curbs are not an obstacle for other road users. There is also the comparatively small space requirement, because according to Rheinmetall we will need at least one million charging points in Germany by 2030.

Nevertheless, the loading curb has to prove itself first. The two locations in Cologne should provide important data in the coming months. Stability and resilience should also play a role. Because if a vehicle accidentally hits the curb, it would be suboptimal if the technology couldn’t withstand it.

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