Keep in mind, the developments in battery technology will drive innovation in other components, too. With the ability to build higher voltage tools, you now need the development of higher voltage motors. With longer run time you now need motors that run longer and stay cooler and are more durable. This is also happening. Several manufacturers have introduced new motors along with the lithium-ion technology. Our new Li-ion impact driver, for example, uses a brushless motor that delivers twice the life of a brush motor.
You are also seeing the next generation of battery chargers that are designed to handle a wide range of voltages, from 7.2 to 24 volts, and several battery chemistries (NiCad, NiMH, Li-ion).
They feel right
Another area of continuous advances is ergonomics. The manufacturers today are using a variety of different materials to improve the grip, and the feel of the tool in the hand. In addition we are seeing the use of LED work lights on tools, and belt clips built onto tools. All these incremental developments are making the tools more practical and convenient to use.
What do all these developments mean for the distributor? Plenty. The tools today offer a terrific value to the end user in terms of the performance they get for the price they pay. It also gives the distributor the ability to better merchandise the cordless category. I believe as the market moves forward we will see it segment by price point and battery chemistry. Let's take the approach of offering good, better and best in each category. Good product with opening price points will continue to be current NiCad tools. Better product with mid-range price points will be NiMH tools. Best product with high-end price points will be Li-ion. If the end user wants reliable value, the current NiCad is a good bet. If the end user wants long run time the current NiMH is the best option. If the end user wants light weight or corded performance in a cordless, then Li-ion is the choice. As always qualifying the end user to identify their application and what tool works best for their budget will be a key element in making a sale.
Edwin Bender, group product manager, LITHEON cordless power tools, Bosch
Lithium-ion is more than headlines
Lithium-ion is stealing headlines. It is the newest cordless battery technology and manufacturers, such as Bosch Power Tools and Accessories, believe it will eventually replace NiCad. For distributors, the new technology can seem complicated and daunting as NiCad comprises the majority of sales today. But for those who wish to stay on the leading edge of cordless technology, lithium-ion means long-awaited innovation and growth opportunities in areas never before possible.
When it comes to cordless, professionals continue to demand the same things year after year — more power, more run time, but not a heavier battery. Unfortunately, 18-volt is the pinnacle of power and run time at an acceptable weight for NiCad. But with lithium-ion technology, manufacturers can accomplish two things that change how we perceive battery technology:
- Pack more power in the same size/weight battery pack, or
- Fit the same power into a smaller battery pack.
While many different voltage platforms came to market in the past year following only one of these strategic design paths, Bosch Power Tools and Accessories took advantage of each by offering technology at both ends of the voltage spectrum with the Litheon 36-volt Flexible Power System (FPS) and 10.8-volt Ultra-compact System.
