This Electric Vehicle Charger Disappears Into the Curb—And Cities Are Racing to Install Them in 2025
A revolutionary curbside EV charger from Rheinmetall promises seamless, convenient city charging—without the clutter or eyesores.
- 99% uptime in real-world tests, regardless of weather
- 2,800+ charging cycles completed in a single pilot year
- 22kW rapid charging power—one of the fastest curbside options
- 4.38/5 user satisfaction score in pilot programs
Imagine driving through your city and not even noticing the latest advancement in electric vehicle (EV) charging technology. That’s exactly the vision behind Rheinmetall AG’s new curb-integrated EV charger—a device so stealthy, it essentially becomes part of the street itself.
The German company’s innovation replaces conventional concrete curbs with robust steel and aluminum modules, each equipped with ultra-fast charging capacity and smart tech for seamless, secure use.
How Does the Disappearing Curb Charger Work?
Rheinmetall’s charger merges effortlessly into the existing city infrastructure. There are no bulky cabinets, no tangle of cables, and no visual clutter disrupting the landscape. The module houses all its advanced electronics below ground, while an accessible charging port on the curbside lets EV owners plug in discreetly.
Key features include:
– 4D modem connectivity and Ethernet support for real-time monitoring
– RFID and app-based activation for security and user convenience
– Quick charging at up to 22kW—enough to top up most EVs rapidly
Drivers simply bring their own cable, activate the charger via a mobile app or QR code, and power up right from the curb. No need for special parking; these chargers fit naturally into any streetscape.
Why Are Cities Eager for This Technology in 2025?
With the global shift toward zero-emission vehicles, city planners face a major dilemma: how to drastically increase public charging points without overwhelming streets with intrusive hardware.
Rheinmetall’s solution delivers high point density without the downsides:
– Frees up valuable street space for parking and pedestrians
– Maintains urban aesthetics—practically invisible to passersby
– Reduces infrastructure costs by integrating with routine street work
After a successful pilot in Cologne-Lindenthal, Germany—which saw over 2,800 sessions and near-perfect reliability—cities across Europe are championing similar projects for 2025. According to participants, the curb chargers made street parking and charging easier than ever, all while blending into the environment.
What Do EV Drivers Need to Know?
Curious about using these new chargers? Here’s what EV owners should expect:
– Download Rheinmetall’s companion app or use your device to scan a QR code at the curb.
– Bring your own Type 2 charging cable.
– Activate the charger and monitor progress in real-time.
– No large protective bollards or visual obstructions mean smoother parking maneuvers.
While some users noted the charger’s invisibility as a challenge, most celebrated the streamlined experience and intuitive design.
How to Prepare for Urban EV Charging in 2025
As more cities roll out curb-integrated chargers, expect a rapid evolution in urban charging networks. Experts predict that invisible chargers could soon outnumber traditional stand-alone units, boosting sustainability and accessibility.
Interested in the future of urban mobility? Explore resources at Rheinmetall, view e-mobility trends from Bloomberg, or learn about EV charging standards at IEA.
Don’t get left behind—prepare for the curbside charging revolution!
Urban EV Charging Checklist
- Download and set up key mobile charging apps
- Invest in a reliable Type 2 EV charging cable
- Check for curb-integrated chargers in your city maps
- Stay updated on new e-mobility developments
- Encourage your city council to adopt streamlined charging tech
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