Market maturity achieved for tail lifts

08.05.2025

Source: E & M powernews

After a year of field testing in Cologne, a case study confirms that the charging curbs are ready for the market. The four charging points are now set to go into regular operation.

After just over a year, the city of Cologne, charging infrastructure operator Tank E
and Rheinmetall have completed the joint field testing of a total of four innovative charging kerbs on public roads. An accompanying case study, which has now been published, confirms the positive results: with more than 2,800 charging processes - an average of more than two per day and charging point - and a technical availability of over 99%, the charging curb has not only proven to be reliable in all weathers, but has also been in regular demand, Rheinmetall announced. The aim of the program announced at the start of the test is to integrate the loading kerbs developed by Rheinmetall into the Cologne city area. Once the pilot project has been completed, the four charging points will be transferred to regular operation and the charging curb will be available as a series product.

"With our product, the charging electronics are integrated into the dimensions of a standard kerb to enable electric vehicles to be charged directly at the edge of the road - without disruptive bollards, without interfering with the sidewalk and without compromising on safety or aesthetics," explained Christoph Müller, CEO of Rheinmetall's Power Systems division.

An average of 19 kWh charged per process

According to the company, the case study proves that the charging curb is ready for the market. A total of more than 50 mWh of energy was charged - an average of around 19 kWh per process, which corresponds to a range of around 120 kilometers. According to the company, the compact, modular design enables quick and easy maintenance by replacing the charging module within the kerb. In this way, an almost continuous operational readiness of more than 99 percent was achieved at low operating costs.

To accompany the field test, 100 users shared their experiences via a questionnaire between August 2024 and March 2025. On average, they rated the loading kerbs with 4.38 out of a possible 5 overall points, with older participants (over 60 years) giving a particularly positive assessment. Users particularly appreciated the opportunity to introduce a charging facility on site across the board and the ease of use.

According to Rheinmetall, the study proved that the charging curb can solve the problem of the lack of available space in urban areas - with the quick and cost-effective installation of freely accessible public charging points. This would offer cities and municipalities the opportunity to efficiently electrify previously undeveloped locations in densely built-up areas.

Author: Hans-Willy Bein