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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRheinmetall’s Curb Charger puts public EV-charging electronics inside a curb stone, giving street-parked drivers a charging point without a conventional standalone post taking up sidewalk space. It is an infrastructure product for cities and charging operators—not a home charger—and drivers in the reported Cologne pilot brought their own charging cables.
How the Rheinmetall Curb Charger works
The charger is built into a concrete curb unit containing a stainless-steel and aluminum electronics housing. A driver parks beside a marked charging space, connects a compatible cable to the curb’s Type 2 socket and the vehicle, then authorizes the session by RFID card, QR code or an operator app. Rheinmetall also lists open charging as an authorization option. The manufacturer says spaces can be shown in charging apps and maps, marked with signage or color coding, and illuminated at night. Rheinmetall’s product information describes the system and its operating options.
The socket is Type 2, Case B, so a separate cable is used between charger and vehicle. Drivers in the Cologne pilot supplied their own cable, according to New Atlas’s report. Check that a Type 2 cable is suitable for both the vehicle and the charging point; the pilot arrangement should not be taken to mean every operator will use the same cable policy.
Power, connector and communications
- Maximum output: up to 22 kW per charging point, according to Rheinmetall. Actual charging speed also depends on the vehicle, electrical supply and operating conditions.
- Charging mode: Mode 3 under IEC 61851-1.
- Electrical specification: 3×230V/400V+N+PE, 32 A and 50 Hz, as listed by the manufacturer.
- Network connection: OCPP 1.6, with integrated 4G and Ethernet.
- Driver interface: RFID, QR code or operator app, plus an LED status display and an externally readable calibrated energy meter.
Size and protection
Rheinmetall lists approximate dimensions of 1,000 × 250 × 120/150 mm and an approximate weight of 80 kg. It specifies IP54 protection for the complete system, IP68 for the encapsulated electronic unit, and IK10 impact protection. The IP68 rating applies to the electronic unit, not the entire curb system.
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What the Cologne pilot reported
Rheinmetall and charging operator TankE GmbH ran a year-long trial of four curb modules in Cologne-Lindenthal. New Atlas reported in May 2025 that the pilot had ended and the charging points had moved into regular operation. Its account reported more than 99% operating availability, over 2,800 charging cycles, more than 50 MWh delivered and a participant survey rating of 4.38 out of 5. New Atlas also described the cycle count as roughly two top-ups per unit per day and reported an average of 19 kWh per cycle.
| Reported measure | Cologne pilot result | Source and scope |
|---|---|---|
| Operating availability | More than 99% | New Atlas, 2025; four units during the reported year-long pilot |
| Charging cycles | More than 2,800 | New Atlas, 2025; four-unit pilot |
| Energy delivered | More than 50 MWh | New Atlas, 2025; four-unit pilot |
| Average participant rating | 4.38 out of 5 | New Atlas, 2025; participant survey |
These figures describe a small, four-unit trial and are reported by New Atlas; they are not evidence of independently verified performance across a large network. Rheinmetall Power Systems CEO Christoph Müller characterized the design as enabling roadside charging “without obstructive bollards, intrusion into the pedestrian area, or compromises in terms of safety or aesthetics.” That is the company’s description, not proof that every installation avoids accessibility or safety trade-offs.
Rank #2
- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway.
- HARDWIRED - PROFESSIONAL INSTALL: This Level 2 charger is hardwired (not plug-in), so a licensed electrician installs it per National Electrical Code. It delivers up to 48A on a dedicated 60A, 240V circuit - enough to charge most EVs fully overnight. Want more speed? You can set DIP switches 4 and 5 to unlock 50A on a dedicated 70A circuit. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that your electrical panel can support the circuit.
- CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start and stop charging, set the charging speed (6-48A), get reminders, and track how much energy and money each charge uses. Requires a 2.4 GHz home WiFi network.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
Does a curb charger block the sidewalk?
Its main spatial advantage is that the charging electronics sit in the curb rather than a separate upright post. Rheinmetall says this can reduce additional street furniture and help at sites where pavement width, utility lines, sightlines or heritage constraints make conventional equipment difficult. The unit does not eliminate the cable crossing between the curb and a parked car, however. Drivers still need to route and lay the cable so it does not create a trip hazard or obstruct pedestrians.
Whether the installation works well for a particular street depends on the parking layout, pedestrian route, accessible clear width and cable-management arrangements. A curb-integrated unit changes the location of the equipment; it does not by itself settle those site-specific questions.
Rank #3
- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car.
- PLUG IN, NO HARDWIRING: Level 2 charger delivers up to 40A to fully charge most EVs overnight. Plugs into a 240V, 4-prong NEMA 14-50 outlet (the RV/range type - NOT a dryer outlet) on a dedicated 50A circuit. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that you have the right outlet.
- CONTROL & SAVE FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start/stop charging, set speed (6-40A), get reminders, and track energy use and cost. Schedule off-peak overnight charging to cut your electric bill. Requires 2.4 GHz WiFi.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
How it compares with other curbside charging approaches
Other proposals address the lack of private driveways through different hardware and electrical arrangements. They are not interchangeable with Rheinmetall’s product.
Quick Recap
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- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL NACS (J3400) EVS & PHEVS: The IYILO Level 2 EV Charger is designed with a native NACS connector and a 25ft heavy-duty charging cable, delivering seamless compatibility with all NACS-equipped electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles across North America. Engineered for Tesla-style charging standards, it ensures reliable daily home charging performance. Note: For J1772-equipped EVs, a compatible J1772 adapter is required (adapter not included)
Rank #4
- Flex Level 1 EV Charger - The EVDANCE Level 1 electric car charger is compatible with J1772 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (North American Standard). *Tesla requires a SAE J1772 adapter.
- Convenient to Use - This charger has both NEMA 6-20 plug for 16A 240V charging (3.68kW, 10-12 mi/h) and a NEMA 6-20 to 5-15 plug adapter for 12A 120V charging (1.44kW, 2-5 mi/h). The included bag makes it easier to carry on the go. It also has a 25ft cable length, you can use it flexibly from anywhere in the garage or driveway.
- Check Your Outlet Type -This charger works with standard 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlets (2-5 mph charging speed) and 240V NEMA 6-20 outlets (10-12 mph) . It's not compatible with NEMA 6-15/10-30/14-30/14-50/6-50 outlets – you'll need a NEMA 14-50/14-30/10-30/6-50 to 6-20 adapter (sold separately) to connect.
- Compatible EV Models -This EV charger works with most major electric vehicles, including Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Nissan Ariya, Rivian R1S, Kia, and others. However, it's not compatible with Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop,Toyota Prus Prime/Z4X/RAV4Prime, Porsche Taycan Base/4S/Turbo/Turbo S or Tesla models (Tesla requires a J1772 to Tesla Adapter, sold separately). For a full list of compatible models, check out the Full Compatibility List on our product page.
- Indication Displays - LED display that can tell you the status as well as indicate errors while charging your electric vehicle.
| Approach | Where the equipment goes | Connection and cable arrangement | What is established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rheinmetall Curb Charger | Charging electronics integrated into a curb stone | Type 2 Case B socket; drivers supplied cables in the Cologne pilot | Manufacturer lists up to 22 kW, OCPP 1.6 and RFID, QR or app authorization. Four-unit Cologne pilot figures were reported by New Atlas in 2025. |
| Oxford’s Gul-e | Recessed channel in the footway | A resident presses a cable from a home charger into the channel to reach a street-parked car | Oxford City Council describes the channel as securing the cable in a gully to remove the trailing-cable trip hazard, and outlines a 500-gully LEVI pilot across Oxfordshire. Residents arrange their own charging unit and license the channel. |
| Itselectric behind-the-meter model | Separate curbside charging post | Uses spare electrical capacity from a nearby building, according to company testimony in 2023 | At a New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission hearing, an Itselectric representative described a host-property revenue share of 20%. This is a dated company statement, not a current universal term. |
| It’s Electric post described in 2026 | Slim stainless-steel bollard | J3068 socket and detachable driver-provided cord | A January 2026 company submission describes RFID access and no embedded screen. It is a distinct U.S. product, not the Rheinmetall Type 2 curb unit. |
What cities and drivers should check
For drivers
- Look for the local operator’s instructions on cable provision, access and payment; the Cologne pilot’s bring-your-own-cable arrangement may not apply everywhere.
- Confirm the connector and cable requirements for the specific vehicle and charging point.
- Route the cable safely across the space and keep the pedestrian path clear.
- Check the operator app or map for location, availability and authorization details.
For cities and operators
- Assess pedestrian clearances, accessible routes, parking geometry, cable trip risks and any local street or heritage constraints.
- Confirm the electrical connection and network arrangement for each site; the Curb Charger’s published specifications do not establish that every street can support its maximum output.
- Plan maintenance and resilience. Rheinmetall says its CurbSwap connector allows the electronics module to be replaced, and that dummy curbs can support wider civil works while limiting downtime at active chargers.
- Review the manufacturer’s environmental design claims in the context of the site. Rheinmetall describes sealed electronics, cooling, built-in heating for freezing conditions, water drains and a water-level sensor that interrupts charging if water could compromise safe operation. It also says electronic modules can be removed ahead of major flooding; these are design claims, not a guarantee against every site condition.
- Seek deployment, procurement and operating terms directly from suppliers and the relevant charging operator. The cited sources do not establish current pricing or widespread deployment beyond the reported Cologne points.
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