The Convenience of Curbside Electric Vehicle Charging
Curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging offers unmatched convenience, especially for those who find themselves away from home for extended periods. Traditional chargers, often housed in bulky structures resembling parking meters or lampposts, can hinder pedestrian space. Thankfully, innovative solutions are emerging to address these challenges.
An Unlikely Innovator: Rheinmetall’s Curb Charger
Rheinmetall, primarily known as Europe’s largest arms manufacturer, is making strides in the mobility sector with a groundbreaking product: the curb charger. This ingenious design replaces standard concrete curbs with streamlined level 2 EV chargers. Weighing 176 pounds (80 kilograms), the charger is constructed from durable stainless steel and aluminum, ensuring longevity while delivering up to 22 kilowatts of power.
Advanced Features for Optimal Performance
The curb charger is ingeniously equipped with a 4G modem and Ethernet port, alongside an RFID reader and an easy-to-use display. Users can control the charging process via a smartphone app or by scanning an RFID card. Furthermore, it boasts an IP68 rating, making it water-resistant and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions.
Indeed, Rheinmetall has gone the extra mile by including built-in drainage systems and a heating feature to keep the charger ice-free during winter months. Though it does not come with a cable, most European EV drivers are accustomed to bringing their own type 2 cables, a practice that eases the transition to curbside charging.
Following a successful field trial in Germany, where the curb chargers achieved over 99% uptime and recorded more than 2,800 charging sessions in varying weather conditions, it’s clear this solution is paving the way for a more efficient future in EV charging. With hope, this innovative curbside charging model will spread globally, enhancing the EV experience for everyone.
