The Rheinmetall Curb Charger has been developed by the Dusseldorf-based brand as a low-profile vehicle charging solution engineered with aesthetics, convenience and space saving attributes in mind. The charger is capable of being embedded into a curb to replace concrete or brick curbs where it offers up to 22kW of power when activated via the accompanying smartphone app or by simply scanning the QR code. The system has an IP68 rating and has a built-in cooling system to prevent overheating during use in warm weather conditions.
Rheinmetall Power Systems CEO Christoph Müller commented on the Rheinmetall Curb Charger saying, "Our product integrates the charger electronics into a standard Kerbstone to enable the charging of electric vehicles directly at the roadside – without obstructive bollards, intrusion into the pedestrian area, or compromises in terms of safety or aesthetics. This is how we are contributing to the mobility transition with innovative solutions. Our developed Curb Charger is a series-ready product. By this, urban charging infrastructure is rethought: space-saving, robust, barrier-free – and integrated into existing urban structures."
Image Credit: Rheinmetall
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Integrated Urban Charging Solutions
- Embedding EV chargers into curbs reimagines public urban infrastructure, presenting a seamless integration that transforms streets into charging hubs.
- Connected Infrastructure
- The incorporation of smartphone apps and QR codes adds a digital layer to charging, enhancing user interactivity and system efficiency.
- Aesthetic Charging Infrastructure
- The emphasis on design and aesthetics in charging solutions signals a shift towards urban charging systems that blend with cityscapes, minimizing visual clutter.
Sectors Adopting This
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
- Advancements like curb-embedded chargers are reshaping the EV infrastructure industry by making roadside charging more accessible and less intrusive.
- Smart City Solutions
- As cities integrate digital technologies, solutions that embed tech seamlessly into urban environments contribute to smarter, more connected municipal systems.
- Construction and Urban Design
- Innovations like curbstone chargers invite collaboration in construction and urban design industries to adapt city architecture to the needs of modern mobility.
