The project aims to integrate and pilot Rheinmetall's developed charging curbs at two different locations within the city, validating their acceptance and the urban and design advantages they offer. Recently, the city signed a letter of intent in support of this initiative. The pilot project is scheduled to commence in the summer of 2023.
By integrating the charging electronics into a curb, it effectively transforms into a "charging station" without the associated limitations. Armin Papperger, Rheinmetall CEO, expressed gratitude to the City of Cologne for their planned support in piloting these groundbreaking charging curbs. These curbs not only help solve a significant problem in the transition to e-mobility but also seamlessly blend into the urban landscape.
Jörn Hansen, Head of Business Development at TankE GmbH, highlighted the significance of this pilot project in the development of innovative e-mobility initiatives in Cologne. Over the years, Cologne has been at the forefront of various projects, such as the first public charging station in 2010, the charging infrastructure for the first fully electric bus line, advancements in 2nd-life storage technology, and the induction charging for taxis. Now, in collaboration with Rheinmetall and the City of Cologne, TankE GmbH is testing another innovative technology, providing a visually harmonious alternative for charging electric vehicles in public streets.
Charging infrastructure plays a pivotal role in the electromobility transition. To achieve the ambitious goal set by the German government of 15 million electric vehicles by 2030, a proportional expansion of charging infrastructure is necessary to accommodate the growing fleet of electric vehicles. It is estimated that Germany will require approximately 1 million charging points in public spaces by 2030. However, the lack of available urban areas for the rapid, flexible, and cost-effective installation of publicly accessible charging points presents a significant hurdle.
Rheinmetall's solution, on the other hand, leverages the intelligent utilization of existing urban infrastructure while maintaining equivalent charging performance, effectively turning curbs into charging stations. Moreover, this robust solution allows for almost unrestricted installation and scalability within urban environments.
Source: Rheinmetal
