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In a move to enhance urban mobility and address environmental concerns, Rheinmetall, in collaboration with the City of Cologne and TankE GmbH, has initiated a pilot project to test innovative curb chargers in public spaces. This project involves the integration of Rheinmetall’s newly developed charging technology within the city’s existing roadside infrastructure, aiming to assess user acceptance and architectural compatibility. The launch was marked by an event on April 25, 2024, following a letter of intent signed in May 2023. This initiative represents a strategic approach to utilizing public spaces efficiently while promoting electric vehicle (EV) usage.
Key Highlights of the Curb Charger Initiative:
- Strategic Collaboration: Rheinmetall partners with the City of Cologne and TankE GmbH.
- Innovative Design: Chargers blend seamlessly into the cityscape.
- High Scalability: Installation feasible almost anywhere with minimal spatial requirements.
- Focus on Sustainability: Supports the city’s transition to environmentally friendly mobility solutions.
Ascan Egerer, the Alderman for Mobility, highlighted the benefits of the technology: “We are a city in transition and want to actively shape modern, environmentally friendly mobility. 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 the 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, monument protection in planning and implementation. The kerbside technology is therefore much less complicated than a conventional charging station. We are looking forward to the experience.”
Christoph Müller, Head of the Power Systems division at Rheinmetall AG, also commented on the project’s significance: “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 are 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, expressed enthusiasm about the progress: “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 which 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 the development of charging infrastructure.”
This initiative comes as Cologne faces various challenges due to climate change, population growth, and the need for sustainable mobility solutions. With the German government targeting 15 million electric vehicles by 2030, initiatives like this curb charger pilot are crucial for developing the necessary infrastructure to support a growing EV fleet and enhance public accessibility to charging options.
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