SRAM looks to bring solar charging for AXS batteries to mudguards and bottle cages

SRAM published a patent this week detailing new equipment that integrates solar charging with bottle cages and mudguards. It is understood that these solar cells will be used to charge AXS groupset batteries.

Based on the technical information within the patent application (US 11894716 B2), the solar cells are capable of returning between 6 and 8.4 volts in direct sunlight. This would mean that for a rear mudguard equipped with the solar cells, an AXS battery could be fully charged over the course of a few hours.

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For the bottle cage and front mudguard that are also detailed in the patent, the time would be greater due to the reduction in size of the solar cells.

© SRAM/USPTO

The rear mudguard looks to offer the most real estate for the solar panels to be mounted to

What this would allow is for AXS electronic groupsets to become a more attractive option for the growing number of riders who like to venture off grid on multi-day bikepacking adventures. Being solar powered, they are capable of generating electricity regardless of whether the bike is moving or not, meaning you could charge your batteries at the cafe or at a campsite.

The use goes beyond recharging dead AXS batteries, as it could be used to top up and trickle charge spare batteries so that they are always good to go when they are needed.

© SRAM/USPTO

It will be interesting to see the feasibility of solar charging from the bottle cage as it is in a more obstructed position than both mudguards

The designs show that the battery mounts directly to the mudguard or bottle cage, acting as the perfect storage location for additional batteries.

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The potential use of this technology could extend beyond just groupset battery charging and represents a green and clean method of charging on-bike electronics. It will be interesting to see where this technology goes in the coming years.

What do you make of solar charging mudguards? Would you be tempted to use them to charge your AXS batteries? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

SRAM

SRAM is a components manufacturer based in Chicago, Illinois. The company mainly produces drivetrains, for a wide variety of disciplines, alongside many other components. SRAM’s has acquired other brands within the industry such as Zipp, RockShox and Quarq.