A couple of months ago, Bosch announced a new 18V 6.3Ah battery pack for the European market, the EneRacer.
Today, Bosch announced the new CORE18V Li-ion battery pack, which will be coming to the USA. They are saying that it will:
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set a new global standard for power and runtime in power tools.
Here are some of the things they’re saying about the new 18V 6.3Ah cordless power tool battery pack:
– Delivers up to 80% more power than previous generation Bosch batteries.
– CORE18V cells are laser-welded and rail-connected for higher efficiency, for battery performance than competitive batteries.
– [Competitive batteries] weigh up to 24% more and are up to 35% larger.
– Completely backwards compatible with ALL Bosch 18V Li-ion tools and chargers.
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– Bosch is developing high-power tools to take full advantage of CORE battery technology.
– Delivers up to 20% longer runtime than previous-generation Bosch 6.0 Ah batteries and up to 50% longer than 5.0 Ah cells in extreme applications.
In the press materials, Bosch specifically mentions Dewalt FlexVolt 6.0Ah and Milwaukee 9.0Ah battery packs as competitors’ offerings.
Well, what about the new Dewalt 20V Max 6.0Ah Li-ion battery pack? Or Metabo’s 6.2Ah battery pack?
The new Bosch CORE18V 6.3Ah battery pack has a build-in fuel gauge and can operate in temperatures as low as -4°F.
Price: $149
First Thoughts
Bosch is the latest tool brand to move towards larger Li-ion cells for their highest capacity battery packs. Dewalt has recently done the same, with their 20V Max 6.0Ah and FlexVolt 9.0Ah battery packs.
Ridgid has done the same, with their 5.0Ah packs.
The move is logical. 3.0Ah per 18650-sized Li-ion cell seems to be the upper limit of what current battery tech can support. 2.5Ah seems to be the sweet spot.
There are 2 ways to go about increasing battery pack charge capacity. You could add more cells to the pack, which is what Milwaukee has done with their High Demand battery packs, or you could go with larger cells.
Dewalt, with their new 20V Max 6.0Ah and FlexVolt 9.0Ah battery packs, went with a 20700 battery cell size form factor. It’s likely that Bosch has also went to this size form factor, although they have not shared any specific details about this.
Bosch has said all kinds of things about how compact their CORE18V battery pack is, compared to Milwaukee and Dewalt offerings that have 1.5X the number of cells, and while they said these new batteries are fully compatible with all Bosch 18V tools, there has been no information about how much larger and heavier they might be.
This is Bosch’s second push towards CORE branding, the first being over 4 years ago when they teased about new cordless brushless tools.
How long will the new battery take to charge? Will there be a compact battery pack using the same technologies – perhaps 3.1Ah? What about a wireless battery pack to fit their inductive chargers? We’re waiting to hear back.
While it might seem like minor news, I’m very excited about the new release, especially the part where they say this new battery will work with all Bosch 18V stuff, and where they say that new high-power tools are on the way.
Hopefully the new high-power tools will work with all of Bosch’s 18V tools, but that remains to be seen. It’ll be interesting to see where things go from here.
What types of high performing tools would you like to see come to Bosch’s 18V lineup? I’d think a big rotary hammer might be all but guaranteed, and would love to see a cordless miter saw and a cordless table saw.
Nathan
I bet they aren’t far behind coming out with a dual battery use – portable mitre saw setup.
and a cordless vac
Tim Butterfield
Bosch already has a cordless 18V vacuum. It is just not officially sold in North America.
https://www.amazon.com/GAS18V-LI-Professional-Extractor-Handheld-Cleaner/dp/B00KGQAN3C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484762599&sr=8-1&keywords=bosch+cordless+vacuum
But you can get it off of amazon and ebay. I don’t understand why it takes bosch so long to offer all their products to North America. We finally got their 18V LED light, that has been out for a couple years in Europe.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXXC5WE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=15QRNCZRBYW5E&coliid=I3C0MLJ2Q5QZUA
Martin
That is the old worklight, only 300 lumen, the new generation is 1900 lumen, 2 versions, 1st: https://shop.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/product/cordless-torch-gli-18v-1900–39547
2nd version will follow later with connected abilities, control via app to switch, dim and timer functions as well as battery level indication.
Bremon
Is this different than the Eneracer?
Stuart
I don’t think so.
Bremon
Yeah more comparison seems it’s different branding for North America. Fine by me! Thanks Stuart!
Brien
Is Lipo too unstable for construction tools?
Stuart
Short answer: Yes, I think so.
Everything I’ve read suggests that Li-ion requires less attention than LiPo, making it a safer and easier choice of battery chemistry.
Nathan
Lithium Polymer cells are typically vacuum-sealed in an aluminum pouch. While this makes them lighter weight, it also requires a bit more packaging to reinforce against impacts (also adding more bulk, weight, and cost, although they’re used this way in cellphones). Basically, there is a really thin piece of plastic separating the cathode and anode portions of the cell, which, if pierced, causes an internal short of the cell. An internal short will lead to thermal runaway and usually fire, which cascades to the other cells. There are ways to engineer the cells to self-extinguish, but you would not want to pay the cost for those batteries.
Cylindrical cells have the added protection of the can off-the-shelf and are a bit easier to implement, from a liability perspective. Also, a pointed object, such as a nail, might just deflect the round cans, rather than pierce the flat pouch cell.
Nathan
(different Nathan, by the way)
Martin
LiPo can only handle 2C (C= times the capacity given in Amp/hrs) of drain constantly and a peak of 5C is allowed for some seconds. 18650 can do 10C constant and peak 20C and the new 20700 can do 15C constant and peak 25C, as long as temperature and voltages are limited/regulated.
Adam
Only a 1.3ah increase in power results in 50% longer runtime? That seems like that flys in the face of Moore’s law.
If their claim’s are true, I don’t know why they would need 2 batteries if Milwaukee can run their miter saw on one.
Bremon
Amp hours aren’t the only factor. Heat, max discharge rate, all play a role too. 20700 cells have more surface area for more energy stored and quicker discharge compared to the 18650 cells we are used to.
Jon
The claim says “in high demand applications” so that means a tool that overworks the 5 amp battery causing it to heat up and eventually cut out could last 50% longer on the new battery. Not only is it an extra 1.3 Ah capacity but a newer cell chemistry which probably helps as well.
By the way the Milwaukee saw that runs on one battery is a 10 inch saw and the Dewalt saw that uses two batteries is a 12 inch saw.
The yeti
I want a cordless bosch nailer . Pin nailer and framing nailer actually . A roofing one as well .
Tim Butterfield
I too want a 18V cordless nailer from bosch. I hope they are working on a new one, or are ready to release a new design. They used to offer one, but it has been discontinued.
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-FNH180KL-16-Lithium-Ion-16-Gauge-Capacity/dp/B009K1H5B2
Nathan
OH does this forego wireless charging? I don’t see that mentioned but I wonder if that’s another change.
Nathan
The bit that prevents LiPo style batteries in power tools is mostly cost. Why make a custom layup system – though more powerful – when you can use a common Li cell system that is used in industrial purposes.
Cell phones and other bits like that use custom layup types because portability and weight are a premium. Power tool batteries are slapped on for want of another term. So the cost savings in production and repeatability are well worth it
That would by my guess.
Toolfreak
$149 MSRP seems pretty good for 6.3Ah, given Milwaukee’s 9.0Ah is $199. Still would like to see a $199 9.0Ah from Bosch too, though.
Rotary hammer, miter saw, and table saw seem like obvious choices, but not sure what the demand is for those, though Bosch might try them out to see. Electric nailers sure would be great too.
Bosch has the Professional 36V platform, which is even more expensive but has a whole range of other stuff, including lawn & garden equipment. I think they’d be better served by bringing all the 36V stuff over and popularizing the 36V system for higher power tools and getting into lawn and garden power equipment rather than making new, higher power 18V tools. Then again, maybe they’ll just release 36V stuff with slots for double the amount of 18V batteries.
I’m wondering if they will also just be making higher-powered brushless drills and saws with the Core branding, a step up from the regular 18V stuff.
Either way, hope they still keep the 12V Max platform as a major part of the lineup, I’d hate to see things to go a high-end Core 18V and low-end regular 18V if it means dropping the 12V Max tools.
Drew M
Core == Fuel?
Adam
I’m getting ready to buy the axial glide miter saw, and a cordless/corded hybrid version would be awesome. Probably not possible without something like FlexVolt, though 🙁
Michael
A power supply that plugged into the battery port might work
Jerry
This is great news. But I have to see them in stores to believe this…. I’m heavily invested in Bosch, but may need to change to a different brand to get more up-to-date tools.
I would love to see a table saw with Reaxx technology.
Also a brushless 1/2″ 700+ ft.lb impact wrench (like Milwaukee, Dewalt and Makita).
How about a battery-operated track saw? I would sell my Festool if they came out with one and I could standardize on one battery type.
18V router? I’m in.
Drew M
I’d like to see a 6.3Ah 12v pack with the same pack construction tech but I seriously doubt Bosch would actually do it since the current 4Ah packs are already overpriced. I did some heavy cutting recently with my little 12v jigsaw and I was really surprised just how quickly that drained one of the little 2.0Ah(?) packs. I felt like I was changing magazines on a gun or something the way I was going through the little packs.
2070O sounds like marketing speak for one of the current generation oversized 1865Os. Most of these cells have been pushing 70mm long for a while now and I believe many are slightly fatter in diameter as well (though I haven’t actually measured the diameter of my newest panasonic 18650 cells.
Jon
It’s not marketing speak it’s the actual physical dimension of the cells! 20700 is a larger format of cell. There are no “oversized” 18650 cells, if they are over that size then they aren’t 18650 cells!
Bremon
18 x 65mm vs 20 x 70mm.
Drew M
http://lygte-info.dk/pic/Batteries2012/common/Length.png
Drew M
So you’re in denial that a Panasonic NCR18650B is 70mm long?
Lance
A 70mm long 18650 usually has a pcb protection circuit added to one end as well as an added layer of heat shrink to keep it in place.
Bare 18650 cells from major cell producers are close to nominal.
20700 cells are a new larger format. 33% more volume means 25% cheaper to produce for a given capacity, and they deliver more power (less voltage drop) under load than 18650’s can. Here’s an article about Metabo using them:
http://www.coptool.com/cordless-power-tool-lihd-battery-cells-18650-vs-20700/
Jon
Yes I am denying that. They are 65 mm or within 0.03 mm of that.
Simply google “ncr18650b specs” to check it out.
Jason
I’m curious where the extra AH comes from? If I’m not mistaken Dewalt 6.0 uses the new 20700, Metabo is 6.2, now this 6.3
Seems like on the 18650’s everyone was hitting the same amp hours even with different sources
Lance
DeWalt 6.0/2.0 uses three strings of 2000mAh 18650’s, their upcoming 9.0/3.0 is supposed to use three strings of the the larger 3000mAh 20700 cells.
Matt
A brushless impact driver minus the socket ready adapter would be a nice jumping of point for me. Something torque-ier, 3 speeds, with Bosch’s ergonomical solid build to compliment the new compact EC drills.
A 7 1/4 brushless circ Saw. An updated barrel handled jig and maybe something in the realm of miter.
The yeti
Is there a bosch grease gun available .
Matt
I’m very interested to see what these new High Powered tools will be! Bosch is excellent but they’ve needed to step up their game in the battery powered dept… This is welcomed news!
mizzourob
I would bet they might have to rethink their branding on this one. I think Core is trademark protected in a simmilar or close enough category of electric motors that Bosch will get a cease and desist letter or sued. Currently the Core trademark is used by MTD products for Troy Bolt and Cub Cadet hand held battery powered lawn tools (string trimmer, blower, hedge trimmer)
Rory
Pretty sure as enormous a global company as Bosch is they would have the legal team to look into these things and make sure it’s not an issue.
fred
These sorts of blunders do happen from time to time. In one of the most celebrated cases NBC (as in the National Broadcasting Co.) changed its logo in 1976 to a stylized “N” . I recall that a trademark infringement case was brought by Nebraska Public TV. The case was reportedly settled costing NBC a bunch of money (over $800,000 according to a Wikipedia citation) and embarrassment.
fred
Doing a little snooping on the Internet – I see that Core Power Technologies was acquired by MTD in 2015
From the Core Company site I see what the name stands for – here’s what they say:
“The Conductor Optimized Rotary Energy (CORE™) motor is a cutting edge device capable of producing high torque rotary motion at higher efficiencies and power densities. In fact, CORE Technology generates the highest energy factor per weight of any existing motor or engine, and does it at one-third to one-fifth the size, while requiring significantly fewer raw materials.
CORE’s patented technology eliminates the need for wire windings and iron laminations used in conventional motors, by embedding copper-etched conductors into a multi-layered printed circuit board to form a stator that works in conjunction with permanent magnets…”
Sorry for this a bit off topic digression but thought it was somewhat related – as Core’s products are cordless lawn and garden tools
Rory
Interesting find. I wonder if the field is close enough to cause an issue or if it would be considered a different field so not a problem.
Chris
I think the NiCads where under the name blue core so I don’t think it’s too big of a stretch to use just core.
Rory
I’m excited for this. I just upgraded to the 18v brushless hammer drill (HDS183) last year so I’m all for better batteries and new tools in the eco system. Mainly looking forward to the recip saw, but would love to see a finish nailer.
Rob
I have the Bosch cordless circular saw. That does suck the juice out of those little basic 18v batteries that they ship with most of their drills. Probably make a ton of cuts with this battery. I do grab for the cordless stuff almost every time although im at home and have corded saws/drills.
Chris
Hopefully this is true. I found out from Bosch that their new floodlight should hit the market hear in the States this March. Looks promising Bosch GLI18V-1900N.
Rory
Just got confirmation from Bosch NA twitter, Core battery releasing stand-alone and in a combo with GBH18V-26 Rotary Hammer in Feb. Also coming in a combo with the new Recip Saw in June.
Chris
I had asked Bosch what configurations you could purchase the new battery and this is what they replied with. I’m looking forward to this releases in March.
In March the CORE battery will be available in the following executions:
GBA18V63 – Stand alone battery
GBH18V-26K24 – Rotary hammer with 2xCORE batteries + fast charger
GXS18V-01N14 – Starter kit with 1xCORE battery + fast charger
GXS18V-02N24 – Starter kit with 2xCORE batteries + fast charger
GXL18V-225B24 – Combo kit with HDH183 and IDH182, 2xCORE batteries + fast charger