Curb-integrated charging stations for electric vehicles are moving into mass production following a successful year-long pilot program in Cologne, Germany. Designed to support the widespread development of urban EV infrastructure, these unobtrusive chargers aim to address the challenges of limited space in densely populated areas.
The new curbside charging solution, developed by Rheinmetall in partnership with the City of Cologne and TankE GmbH, a subsidiary of RheinEnergie, was tested over the course of a year in the Lindenthal district. According to the company, the results were overwhelmingly positive: the curb chargers were used for 2,800 charging sessions, achieving 99% availability and receiving favorable feedback from users.
These EV curb chargers are designed to replace traditional charging stations in urban environments where sidewalk space and visibility are crucial. Matching the size of a standard curb, the system avoids the need for protective bollards, ensures clear lines of sight, and minimizes interference with pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic. Installation and maintenance costs are reported to be on par with or lower than those of conventional charging stations.
Despite scattered criticism online—particularly regarding the need to bend down to plug in the vehicle or concerns about possible dirt accumulation—overall user impressions have been positive. A survey conducted by Rheinmetall among 100 users revealed an average rating of 4.38 out of 5. Notably, seniors over 60 and women rated the system slightly higher than other demographics, and individuals with mobility impairments also considered the chargers accessible.
The pilot involved four curbside chargers installed at two locations in Cologne. Each unit supports AC charging up to 22 kW. Over the testing period, the stations operated at an average utilization rate of 65%, with each charger logging approximately 2.15 sessions per day. More than 50 megawatt-hours of electricity were delivered in total. The concept was initially presented to the public three years ago.
Several improvements were made during the trial phase. The charging port area was redesigned to be more resistant to dirt, and lighting was enhanced to help users locate the stations more easily. These changes also helped deter misuse by internal combustion engine vehicles, which had occasionally blocked access. Additionally, anti-stick coatings were applied, and the metal covers were modified to reduce noise following complaints from nearby residents.
