If you’ve been keeping up with the 2018 New Products Symposium, you’re probably familiar with Milwaukee’s latest innovation – the 12 Ah high output battery for their M18 system. But this battery is more than just a capacity upgrade. There are some impressive technological advancements that deserve attention. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what sets this battery apart from its predecessors.
Unmatched Capacity
The Milwaukee 12 Ah high output battery is still an 18V battery, but it offers an impressive 216 watt-hours of energy storage. To put that into perspective, let’s see how it compares to other Milwaukee batteries:
- It provides 567% more energy than a 3.0 Ah M12 battery.
- It offers 233% more energy than a 6.0 Ah M12 battery.
- It delivers 500% more energy than a 2.0 Ah compact M18 battery.
- It provides 140% more energy than a 5.0 Ah M18 battery.
- It offers 33% more energy than the 9.0 Ah M18 high-demand battery.
Footprint and Size
To achieve this exceptional capacity, Milwaukee made some changes to the 12 Ah high output battery. Instead of using the 15-cell configuration of its 9.0 Ah High Demand battery pack, they opted for 15 larger 21700 cells. These cells are longer and wider than the previous 18650 cells, resulting in a slightly larger battery pack. The Milwaukee 12 Ah high output battery measures 3.89 inches tall, 3.38 inches wide, and weighs 3.35 pounds. Despite its size, it remains compatible with all Milwaukee M18 and M18 Fuel tools, except for the Milwaukee Surge.
Unparalleled Strength
Increasing the runtime by 3 Ah may not seem significant for a battery this size. However, Milwaukee has focused on more than just capacity; they’ve ensured that their 18V batteries can deliver higher wattage without overheating. The 12 Ah high output battery maintains the 18-volt standard while offering the ability to deliver more current (amps) without compromising on performance.
Powering New Possibilities
With the increased capacity and power delivered by the Milwaukee 12 Ah high output battery, the door is open to explore new horizons. This battery paves the way for larger motors capable of harnessing its potential. Milwaukee’s lineup now includes small brushless motors for compact tools like drills and impact drivers, as well as larger brushless motors for heavier equipment such as the new 9″ grinder and table saw in the M18 Fuel series.
Impressive Performance
To put the Milwaukee 12 Ah high output battery to the test, we used it with the new M18 Fuel Super Sawzall and conducted various experiments. In our speed test, the high-output battery pack proved to be 22% faster than the 9.0 Ah battery pack and 13% faster than the 5.0 Ah battery pack. While these batteries were all fully charged, it remains unclear why the 5.0 Ah battery was faster than the 9.0 Ah battery. However, the average cutting speed was significantly increased.
Notably, when cutting pressure-treated wood with embedded nails, the battery was not pushed to its limits. This suggests that there is still room for even greater performance, especially with tools like grinders. We will continue running tests to provide you with updated results.
The Bottom Line
The Milwaukee 12 Ah High Output Battery Pack not only increases battery capacity but also dramatically enhances the available wattage that Milwaukee tools can draw from it. This validates Milwaukee’s claim that the M18 wire is not capable of reaching 18 volts. While the battery has a larger footprint, it is poised to power bigger tools. Already, the M18 Fuel series offers Super Sawzalls, table saws, 9-inch grinders, and more. This is just the beginning – what’s next?
Expect to see more additions to the lineup, such as a 12″ miter saw, additional rotary hammers, and potentially an M18 fuel mower to expand their outdoor power equipment (OPE) range. The power output of these batteries can now match that of several 15-amp tools, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a cordless workplace with uncompromised power.
Key Features of the Milwaukee 12 Ah High Output Battery
- REDLINK Intelligence: Provides optimized performance and overload protection through system-wide communication between tool, battery, and charger.
- Class-leading construction: Ensures long-lasting performance and superior protection against challenging job site conditions.
- Onboard Fuel Gauge: Displays remaining runtime, allowing you to plan your work effectively.
- Versatility: Powers over 150 M18 wireless solutions, offering compatibility across a wide range of tools.
Specifications of the Milwaukee 12 Ah High Output Battery
- Model: Milwaukee 48-11-1812
- Battery: M18 12.0Ah
- Dimensions (L x H x W): 6 x 3.9 x 3.4 inches
- Weight: 3.35 lbs.
- Price: $199
With Milwaukee’s 12 Ah High Output Battery, you can expect extraordinary power and performance that pushes the boundaries of what cordless tools can achieve. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a dedicated DIY enthusiast, this battery is a game-changer. Stay tuned for more updates and new developments from Milwaukee as they continue to revolutionize the industry.