The FPS offers the option of two different task-specific 36-volt battery packs. The 36-volt SlimPack weighs the same as a 14.4-volt NiCad, but delivers twice the voltage and 15 percent more run time than an 18-volt NiCad. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for one-handed and overhead applications with a drill-driver or hammer drill-driver and maximum power to run circular and reciprocating saws. And the 36-volt FatPack delivers twice the voltage, run time and the same weight of an 18-volt NiCad for those looking to tackle harder applications or extended usage projects, such as 45-degree bevel cuts or ripping plywood with a cordless circular saw or series drilling into concrete with a cordless rotary hammer. The FPS allows users to customize their 36-volt tool to the application based on weight and runtime, an option previously unavailable through NiCad.
Opening new tool opportunities
At the lower 10.8-volt end of the lithium-ion voltage spectrum, a completely new power tool category was born. Bosch developed 10.8-volt tools around the concept of "big power, small package." Put simply, these 10.8-volt tools have the power and capability to accomplish the majority of the daily work normally associated with larger high-voltage NiCad tools, but the system defies all previous compact design standards at a fraction of the size and weight. The first of these tools, the Pocket Driver and I-Driver, capable of driving 100 3-inch screws on a single charge and designed to complement larger drill-drivers, are an innovative new ultra-compact category and sales growth opportunity only made possible through lithium-ion technology.
While achieving more power and run time without additional weight is inherent to lithium-ion and conceivable for really any manufacturer applying the technology correctly, battery cycle-life, the number of times a battery can be charged and discharged before needing replacement, is the final essential part to any cordless battery technology. And while lithium-ion may be new, it is vital that cycle-life meet or exceed current NiCad standards. Specific design features, such as our Electronic Cell Protection, which specifically manages energy flow to prevent overheating of cells; designing to the highest voltage for the toughest applications (36-volt); additional cooling fins; vents and special heat conducting housings are the extra steps a manufacturer should take to ensure lithium-ion technology delivers the greatest return on investment for your customers.
As for tool development, in addition to the new ultra-compact category, corded tool replacements are another growth opportunity for distributors, and only lithium-ion makes it possible at an acceptable weight. An example includes the capability to offer a 36-volt a 1-inch cordless rotary hammer that drills faster and hits harder than most corded competitors. Furthermore, a 36-volt circular saw has more than enough power and run time to give corded tools a run for their money. And there will be more to come. New tools, whether 36-volt heavy-duty, or 10.8-volt ultra-compact, are new growth opportunities in cordless that were not possible with NiCad.
Overall, the industry is poised for growth. Most professionals are still heavily invested in NiCad to run their business, because it is a reliable and proven solution. But, as lithium-ion technology further develops and matures, manufacturers are confident that professionals will be captivated by the power, run time and weight benefits inherent in the technology. Meanwhile, professionals now have a choice at all ends of the voltage spectrum; a proven 18-volt NiCad solution for standard applications and a quickly growing and expanding lithium-ion solution making smaller tasks more efficient at the lower voltage end (10.8 volts) and heavy-duty tasks possible with cordless technology at the higher end (36 volts).
Christine Potter, group product manager, batteries, chargers and technologies, DeWalt
Focused on efficiency
There have been many developments in cordless technology during the past years with lithium-ion, the most recent trend to take hold of the industry. We are laser-focused on developing innovative solutions that provide increased productivity and efficiency on the jobsite, and would not settle for a technology that did not meet professional user needs. To create the battery technology for the 36-volt platform, DeWalt partnered with A123Systems, a developer of a new generation of lithium-ion batteries that incorporate nanoscale technology developed at, and exclusively licensed from, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
