Yesterday, we posted about two new Milwaukee M18 batteries that are coming soon – CP3.0 and XC8.0.
To start things off, you should know that all Milwaukee M18 batteries are designed to work with any Milwaukee M18 tool. There are some physical compatibility issues with a couple of earlier tools, but in those cases, Milwaukee will update those products for free.
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Milwaukee M18 Battery Sizes
There are 3 main M18 battery size categories: CP, XC, and HD.
CP battery packs are the compact batteries, with 5 Li-ion cells. The CP labeling is fairly new, and should help to make things clearer.
XC battery packs are the “extended capacity” battery packs, with 10 Li-ion cells. Unless changes were made, M18 XC batteries will give certain tools a slight power boost. For instance, the “XC effect” should give M18 drills a roughly 10% increase in power.
HD battery packs are High Demand batteries, built with 15 Li-ion cells. These batteries deliver the longest runtime, and run cooler, keeping up with the heaviest duty Milwaukee M18 cordless power tools.
Milwaukee M18 High Output
Milwaukee announced new M18 High Output batteries in 2018, and has expanded the selection with the addition of a new High Output compact battery, and a higher capacity XC battery.
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The “standard” batteries are built with 18650 cells, whereas the new High Output batteries are built with larger 21700 cells. The 21700 Li-ion battery cells are available at higher charge capacities, delivering longer runtime. Not only that, the cells can provided more power, and Milwaukee’s High Output battery packs run cooler.
Thus, the M18 High Output batteries can literally deliver higher output than the “standard” batteries.
An overly simplified way of thinking about it is that a Milwaukee High Output battery bumps you up to the next level of runtime, but in a smaller size battery pack.
The new CP3.0 battery provides higher capacity than the existing CP2.0 battery, and is said to have “XC power” but in a more compact size. The newest XC8.0 battery provides nearly the same charge capacity as the HD9.0 battery.
What do the Numbers Mean?
We have an entire article devoted to charge capacity, here.
The numbers following the size designation is the charge capacity. A CP3.0 battery has a 3.0Ah charge capacity; an XC5.0 battery has a 5.0Ah charge capacity; an HD12.0 battery has a 12.0Ah charge capacity.
An Ah is an amp-hour, and can tell you how much runtime a battery will provide, relative to battery packs of other sizes.
Which to Choose?
Generally, you could or should choose the size of battery that is appropriate for the tool. If you’re not sure, check out the contents of that tool’s kit options, if available. A compact drill or impact driver might be best matched up with a compact battery, while a circular saw will likely be better paired with an XC or even HD battery.
Larger battery packs, in an XC or HD battery compared to a CP battery sense, are capable of delivering more power, and run cooler, which can affect runtime and longevity. Of course, they also deliver longer runtime. The High Output batteries cloud things up a little, since they can deliver more power than standard-size batteries of the same CP, XC, or HD size families.
Related: Milwaukee M12 CP3.0 vs XC3.0 Battery Differences
What’s most important to you?
Do you want longer runtime? Select a battery with a higher charge capacity.
Do you want the most for your money? Crunch some numbers and select the battery pack with the lowest price-per-amp-hour ratio, or highest amp-hour-per-dollar ratio. Sometimes the best pricing can be found by buying a 2-pack.
Some users might prefer to buy one XC8.0 battery, while others might instead prefer two XC4.0 batteries. But if you’re running high powered tools, an HD12.0 battery could very well last longer than three XC4.0 batteries.
Also, keep in mind that higher capacity batteries take longer to recharge, and multiple batteries can require greater attention if you have more batteries to charge than you have chargers.
Although the High Output batteries offer higher capacities and can deliver more power than batteries from the same CP/XC/HD class, but they’re also physically larger, and also heavier.
Current Availability
CP3.0 and XC8.0 batteries are coming soon. All the others on the list are presently available.
Compact (CP)
- 1.5Ah
- 2.0Ah
- 3.0Ah – High Output
Extended Capacity (XC)
- 3.0Ah
- 4.0Ah
- 5.0Ah
- 6.0Ah – High Output
- 8.0Ah – High Output
High Demand (HD)
- 9.0Ah
- 12.0Ah – High Output
Questions?
Hopefully this clears things up. I’d be glad to help if you could use additional clarifications.
Which battery sizes do you typically use? If not with Milwaukee M18 tools, then with your brand of choice?
Doresoom
Excellent explanation, Stuart! Now that the 3Ah is coming out, I’ll have to make another M18 battery performance comparison video. I’ve got something to link people now to instead of typing out a comprehensive explanation myself when I inevitably get questions in the comments section.
Discharged
What’s the discharge amperage??? Talk about high output but never list the actual output..
Stuart
Trade secret.
philip s john
This is so important . Because HO tools at 18v are tripping out… and the 12amph battery is failing from heat. 18v is the issue comapared to competition for a similar tool and capacity. The 12 is alot of money and is failing.
But for Milwaukee it’s also the amp rating per cell… since they chose to stick with 18v for these big tool with high amp draw.
People who use HO tools are saying a 6 amph ho cell battery can handle heat and amp draw better than the 8 or 12 since the cells should have higher amp rating per cell to make up 18v. I am seeing this with my ho batteries. I have 6 and 12… and 12 are getting damaged.
I run supper saws all 3/4 impact 9 inch and 4.5 in grinder… and 1 inch impact. The 1 inch was so hot and triped out 12 to much… it was pointless. I sold it. Chain saw is the same. Cant run constantly. I think the mower will be a disaster.
Can anyone clarify what I am saying about amp rating per cell.
Wayne
I ain’t get whatchu saying. I have a HD12.0 battery and Haven’t had an issue running it through anything
Jdhd6eh
No it’s not, just open the pack up. Every lithium ion manufacturer releases a datasheet for every single variation of cell they make. They’re all available online. It couldn’t be easier to figure out. It’s literally printed in black in white.
Stuart
It doesn’t quite work like that.
Let’s say you can hit a target with a football at 20 yards in your backyard. Are you going to do the same 10 times in a row at a professional game? Maybe yes, probably not.
Li-ion cell specs are a starting point, but battery pack engineering changes the operating parameters. Sometimes cells with poor on-paper specs can be improved upon with greater attention to thermal dissipation. The ability to keep a cell cool will influence its continuous power output capabilities.
Barry
I recently bought the drill/impact combo with 5.0 batteries. If I get a 12.0 battery will the charger I have work with HD battery?
Or do I have to get a new charger?
Stuart
It’ll work, just at a slower rate than is possible with the Rapid Charger.
Adam
You won’t want to use your drill or impact with a 12 on it, unless you have it mounted in some drill press like setup. I would recommend looking at the 6.0 xc HO. More power & more runtime still, but half the weight of a 12. I’m swapping all my 5s for 6s as I go along.
I even have the chainsaw, and bought 6ah HO because I wanted to lessen the weight while using. Made more sense to have two 6s, so you can always be charging one, but will have similar run-time. I still have a 12, but stays on a blower for the most part. For myself, 12s are more appropriate for stationary tools, but often those are lights & radios, so the HO is overkill.
Robert
I have two 12s and most of the time they’re plugged into my compact radius lights. The 12 ah will get me through a whole day, whereas I would go through a 5ah, swap it out with my 3ah, and then swap it out again with my other 3ah by the end of the day.
Now I have two lights that I can leave running all day and not have to mess with them, really nice.
So I agree with you, the 12ah batteries are perfect to me for stationary tools like the tablesaw, miter saw, lights, etc.
Sam
I 2nd the 6.0 HO, I love mine! they rock.
LG
I agree… I have 2x brand new 5s that I wish I could swap for 6s. If I could have it any way tomm…I would have my impact driver w/3ah- Hammer Drill (percussion) w/5&6ah (a light 5 is nice for small drilling) Impact wrench w/6&8ah- Circ w/ 8&12ah… light duty cut vs deep rip cuts- & then all of my M18 lights w/8&12ah, they shred batteries!? I don’t own any 9ah & don’t think I’ll buy them when they have a smaller pack w/ 21700 in them. I notice the difference for sure. The gen2 circ is a bitch w/ a 5ah…6ah she purrs…12ah she growls! Milwaukee has been killing it in recent years w/ lots of bells & whistles & fancy marketing (rightfully so) though you have to give it DeWalt they released their 3ah last holiday (I jumped on it grabbing 2x for $70 right away… that’s before Red even announced their 3ah & now that red has the new 3ah w/ 21700s yellow goes & sneaks in a new compact 4ah w/21700s!? I wouldn’t of even known about it if it wasn’t for trusty ToolGuyd Stuart. Now I want 2 of those!? Next the MX FUEL line of batteries…smh
avi
loved the clarification, and the list at the end really brought things home. thanks.
Cj
How much more power does a high output put out compared to say a XC5?
I know there is a big difference between my 2.0 and 5.0 in all my tools
Stuart
Milwaukee says 50%.
Doresoom
I did my own testing with a 5Ah, 6Ah HO, 9Ah HD, and 12Ah HO, and the difference is pretty significant: https://youtu.be/kKmW_M6FNtw
I also tried a 2Ah in the Gen 2 FUEL circular saw, but it kept cutting out and got so hot I’m pretty sure I reduced its life.
Brian A
They really need to discontinue some batteries, no need for 10 and growing options. Will they finally start mixing it up more on whats included with kits. The 6.0 was included in the promo fuel packout bundle, but will it become a permanent fixture in some kits. People dont like buying batteries by themselves because its too expensive. Still surprising the M12 CP 3.0 and XC 6.0 have still never been included in a kit.
For M18 Fuel kits should now come with a CP 3.0 and XC HO 6.0, but thats unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Pretty sure the first battery to be killed off will be the HD 9.0.
Keith
As another user noted, this really does help clear up the increasingly murky battery pack waters.
Some months back I went as far as calling Milwaukee trying to better understand the differences between the M12 CP3.0 vs the XC3.0 and the best I could get out of a couple different people was they use different type and number of cells inside and therefore the XC should last twice as the CP – this in spite of my questioning how that big a difference could be achieved given the identical charge Ah ratings.
Your 9/2018 article on the topic was a FAR better answer to that very question and I’d love to see a similar article to this one on the full M12 battery lineup.
Despite the growth of the respective battery lineups, I can’t see a whole lot of reason to buy any packs other than the top pack in each category (excluding promo/free pack obviously).
M12 – CP3.0 & XC6.0
M18 – CP3.0 & XC6.0 & HD12.0
Stuart
Pricing can be a factor. While an M12 CP3.0 battery might provide the longest runtime, 2x CP1.5 batteries might be more economical. Or maybe the user wants to have more than one tool equipped with a battery at the same time.
If you’re buying a kit, would you rather spend more for a CP3.0 or XC6.0 battery when a less expensive lower capacity battery would work just fine? There are sometimes different kits with different battery bundles, but they can’t do that for all tools.
The holiday season seemed to prove the need for 3.0Ah 10-cell batteries, which were very aggressively priced.
Robert
My confusion is with “High Output” vs. “High Demand”.
You show that the 3cp, 6xc, 8xc and 12HD batteries are all listed as High Output batteries.
Does that mean the 9HD doesn’t put out as much power as the 3CP/6XC/8XC batteries, just longer runtime?
So then 1.5cp, 2cp, 3xc, 4xc, 5xc and 9HD are all going to have the same power output, just runtime variation?
Talk about confundilation.
It seems like its time to get rid of older batteries from kits because all we need is the new 3ah compact battery, smaller 5xc battery and 6 and 12 high output batteries for their new more demanding tools.
Thanks Stuart!
Stuart
A 15 cell battery can deliver more power than a 10 cell battery, which can deliver more power than a 5 cell battery.
At the same power output, a battery with more cells should run coolet, which can benefit runtime and longevity or make the difference between a thermal shutdown during very demanding applications.
I would suspect that the XC6.0 and XC8.0 batteries might match up to HD9.0 power, maybe even exceeding it, but the 9Ah will have longet runtime and maybe cooler opetation benefits.
Flint
The XC8.0 lasts longer in my weedeater than the HO12.0 that came with my chainsaw, probably by 10 or 15 minutes. I haven’t tested them side by side in my chainsaw.
OldDominionDIYer
Eventually all battery packs built with 18650 cells will be killed off due to cost and lack of availability throughout the industry. Milwaukee as with every other battery powered tool MFR are moving away from these older batteries to newer more powerful ones.
D
Except with M12. They’re going to have a problem with that platform. The 18650 is the only battery that fits inside the tool handles.
OldDominionDIYer
Have you seen the new M12 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 Ah batteries? Fear not! Milwaukee will not have any issues supporting M12 well into the future.
D
I have. I’m referring to your suggestion that 18650 cells will be killed off. As far as I know, ALL M12 batteries, including the new ones, use 18650 cells. They physically cannot use bigger cells like 20700 or 21700 without some form of adapter or special battery pack (e.g. where there are no cells inside the handle part of the pack).
Stuart
Possibly. Pricing has yet to favor 20700 and 21700 cells over 18650 as I would have expected from past conversations with product managers and engineers.
Xaeus
I disagree. 18650 cells are the most largely available cells of any kind on the market. And they are also cheap, with a well established fab process.
They will not be replaced any time soon,
In time, 21700 are gaining ground, but now they have an insignificant spread compared to the 18650s.
For the high end part of power tools I’d definitely use 26650s since they support very high current. You could make 18V packs of 5Ah with only 5 cells and 10Ah with 10 cells very easy those would run way cooler and at higher current than any 18650 or 21700-based option.
Unfortunately they are not widely used, but will also gain more ground in the future.
Joe framer
At least put an asterisk on that Milwaukee statement….all Milwaukee batteries work with any 18v tool….
…that is being technically correct,but quite deceiving. While a 2 or 5ah will technically work on a HD 18v tool it certainly won’t allow the tool to function properly.
…. marketing bs
….a HD circ.saw,/table saw/ mitre saw does not function correctly with a lower ah battery on it. It’s not just less runtime,the tool doesn’t work correctly and the battery will get hot , actually damaging the battery.
… Milwaukee knows these HD tools were “designed” for the 9ah and especially the 12ah HO batteries….it’s thier way of staying in one 18v line ,but it’s really not true….like Dewalt flexvolt you need a flexvolt HO battery to run the flexvolt HD tool …it’s the same with Milwaukee…you need their HO batteries to run their HD tools ……
….try using only Milwaukee 5ah or lower batteries on the Milwaukee HD tools and when the batteries are not working anymore, please let me know if Milwaukee is going to replace a bunch of them 5ah for free …
Stuart
I’ve used the table saw with an XC battery just fine, and no it didn’t overheat. Will it perform the same under demanding tasks as when paired with an HD or High Output battery? No. What about a compact battery? That’s definitely pushing it, and isn’t recommended. But if absolutely necessary, you can probably get light work done in a pinch.
It’s not the best idea to use a compact battery with a heavy duty tool, just as it’s not the best idea to use an HD battery on a compact and lightweight tool. But if you wanted or needed to, you could.
Doresoom
The only real incompatibility I’ve found was using a 2Ah CP battery with the Gen 2 FUEL circular saw while ripping lumber. The battery could handle cross cuts ok, but when the saw needed more juice for a rip the poor little battery overheated less than 8 feet in while repeatedly cutting out. The 5Ah XC was able to do several rips, but did get quite warm.
Joe framer
That’s total BS..there are a number of videos ( not to mention we own all the Milwaukee tools) that show the table saw or mitre saw or HD circ saw boggimg down.you can see and hear the motor struggling with a 5ah….I know you and Stu are sponsored by Milwaukee and need to make a living doing this…
…but your not helping anyone by claiming that crap.
Some poor guy is gonna by those tools and think he is just fine with his pile of 5ah Milwaukee batteries…
Doresoom
I paint a very clear picture of 5Ah performance with the Gen 2 FUEL circular saw here: https://youtu.be/kKmW_M6FNtw?t=101
Want to explain to me how you think am I misrepresenting the performance again? The side by side comparison I ran with each battery shows the power difference, but the saw is still very much usable with a 5Ah. I also mention the 5Ah and 9Ah get hotter faster too.
I’m not sponsored by Milwaukee. They and other manufacturers send me tools to review, but it does not affect my objectivity in any way. I’ve pointed out plenty of problems in reviews, including the saw blade being out of alignment with the shoe on the Gen 2 FUEL circular saw you love to hate.
Stuart
It depends on what you’re doing. I had no problem making a few cuts in plywood. It ripped and crosscut a 2×4 as well, no problem. A stack of sheets of plywood, or long rips in 2x4s, and I would have charged the High Output battery.
Advertising has nothing to do with this. My comments aren’t bought or paid for. I’m sorry that you’re wrong and that my first-hand experience conflicts with your opinions, or what you want to be true.
Have YOU used the table saw with an XC battery? No. I have, and I’m telling you about MY experience.
Obviously it’ll reach its full potential with a High Output battery. It’s designed for an HD HO battery. But for light cuts, an XC worked just fine for me. Is that the recommended battery? No. And nobody is claiming that it is.
With a high powered LED flashlight, NiMH or Lithium cells are recommended. Sure, you can fit AA batteries, and it’ll work at light output modes, but you’re not going to get max brightness out of them. Or, if you do, they won’t last for long before heating up. This is the same thing. If your HD HO battery is on the charger, and all you have left to do is cut a few pieces of trim, an XC battery can probably handle it.
An an aside, your arguments support my opinion of why we’ll never see standardized battery packs across brands: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/why-wont-power-tool-brands-standardize-their-battery-packs/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Jeff c
It would be great to see this article updated with weights for each battery as well.
OldDominionDIYer
“Joe Framer” should be labeled “Milwaukee Hater” because he refuses to understand that higher demand products require higher demand batteries, but at least Milwaukee’s batteries are in FACT fully interchangeable unlike DeWalt’s somewhat incompatible FlexVolt solution. I own and have used my M18 table saw with the 12Ah battery it came with and I even inserted a 2.0Ah battery I use for my M18 nailer and it cross cut some trim boards I needed just to confirm it would run, it did the job just fine. I have used a 5Ah battery a few times when I needed it and had zero issues, it’s a true single battery platform whether he believes it or not!
Gordon
He doesn’t hate Milwaukee specifically. He just always has something negative to say about every article.
Joe framer
We own and use more milwaukee tools then the entire blog of commentators….I get your just a diy guy with no experience in the real world of construction, but try not to be blind by the Chinese color red in your eyes..
I actually try to help other people buy the right tools ,while you don’t appreciate professional opinions, I get thanked all the time by those who do..
Gordon
I have used Milwaukee extensively in my electrical career. It makes sense that HD tools require HD batteries. But as stuart pointed out, on a fully charged xc battery you can (in a pinch) use it on all HD tools. As soon as the demand on the battery becomes too great, it cuts out to save itself from being destroyed. Hence the High Demand battery. I’ve been in that scenario a few times, and yes it took longer to cut my 4×4 for a crib for a generator, but it worked. And yes the battery did get warm, but didn’t destroy itself. And yes I went through 3 batteries to get the job done. Where 1 HD would have sufficed. Boy did I miss my 9ah battery.
You both are arguing the same point. Let’s all agree that it’ll work with an xc5.o, but not very well.
Whoever buys these tools will see after a short while, they will need a HD HO battery.
Xaeus
It is a matter of compatibility.
And yes, you can use lower power batteries if you don’t abuse them.
I use 5Ah in the chainsaw all the time. I use the 12Ah for thick logs and 5Ahs for braches. No overheating, no problem.
If fact, a very powerful tool like the chainsaw can help test battery quality. Old and bad ones will overheat, while the ones in shape will not in the same well-chosen test conditions.
The What?
There’s really no need for an explanation because it doesn’t change the fact that there’s no reason for Milwaukee to have 3 different battery categories to power any of their 18v tools. Nobody else’s battery platform requires a detailed explanation for a battery. Why is there a category for numerical amphours? Dewalt doesn’t have a category for their 20v or 60v batteries whether it’s a 1.5ah or a 12ah. It’s a Dewalt battery. Makita doesn’t do it either. You don’t see a Makita 18v rp3ah battery or an 18v hw8ah battery. Don’t give them an excuse to keep on marketing their batteries like this by rationally explaining their confusing lack of simplicity. You should be questioning why can’t they just keep it simple and explaining how their slick shady approach to marketing their batteries sucks. I bet they’re already scheming about having categories for each numerical amphour battery. e. g. Something ridiculously stupid like 4 different categories for a 5 amphour battery. I bet that’s what they’re planning on doing next. Watch. Only Milwaukee. Why??!! This obviously means that the quality of the cells are different between the categories. I bet if you took apart a battery from each category the cells would be different in each one.
Stuart
Makita has 18V X2, and Dewalt has FlexVolt and with two classes of batteries there too – standard and XR.
CP, XC, and HD simplify things. Don’t like it? Simply call them compact, standard, and bigger. Small, medium, large. Small, bigger, biggest.
With the charge capacity of compact batteries now overlapping the low end of 10-cell batteries, there needs to be a way to differentiate them. IS that 3Ah battery a compact pack or larger pack? 4Ah? What happens when we get to 5Ah cells?
It’s just nomenclature.
Albert
Ok, I read this article 3 times but am still confused. Do all XC batteries have the same outside dimensions? For example, if I placed an XC 3.0 beside an XC 8.0, will both appear to be the same size when viewed from the outside (ie. disregarding weight, number of cells, etc.)?
Adam
The size of XC 3, 4, 5 (and 6 that never seemed to come to market) are the same size. Only other batteries that are the same size are the 1.5 & 2ah compacts.
The XC HO 6.0 is decently larger than any of those, so the 8 should be significantly larger. All the new batteries are based on cells that larger, so regardless of ah, the new batteries will always be wider.
Doresoom
The 6Ah HO and 8Ah HO will be the same size. One just uses ten 3Ah 21700 cells, the other uses ten 4Ah 21700 cells.
Stuart
High Output batteries are bigger. Larger Li-ion cells on the inside means the battery pack has to be larger.
High Output batteries have 21700 cells, “standard” batteries have 18650. The first two numbers is the diameter, the last three are the length, in millimeters.
Adam
I’ve had sales people tell customers a 2ah battery will last 2 hours with the low-level drill it was packaged with. I then asked him, if that was just drilling into air, as just the material you drill will change the run-time? He changed his response to, the run-time can vary. Smh
Paul C
A LiPo or Li-Ion cell is around 3.3 V output so you need 5 of them for 18 V. Each one has a certain internal resistance and barring physical improvements which generally are modest improvements to get more power out of a single cell, you have to make it physically wider. For instance you can get much more power out of “D” cells than “AAA” cells in alkaline batteries, let alone 6 V lantern batteries. For a given wire you have a certain amount of resistance so if you keep adding cells in series for higher voltages (12, 18, 24…) you get more power (volts x amps) but at some point the electrical resistance of the battery itself becomes a limiting factor. The solution is to parallel them…10 cells, 15 cells, etc., in parallel strings of 5. So we’re treading on the Milwaukee vs. Dewalt strategies here. But ultimately if the cells are fatter (20700 mAH etc.) or just somewhat improved internal structure they have a lower series resistance even though voltage hasn’t changed at all so you get more power. So the new HO cells are using fatter batteries with modestly higher capacities but also improvements in the internal series resistance. This can go on for years but if the tool doesn’t have some kind of internal current limit, it can overheat with high current output batteries. If there’s a current limiter, then “upgrades” are always possible but “downgrades” can result in underpowering newer tools..like running a chain saw on 1.5 Ah XC’s.
Stuart
18V comes from 3.6V x 5, with cells sometimes being rated as 3.7V on paper.
It’s not about “series resistance,” but internal resistance. Higher internal resistance means higher thermals. Higher thermals limit the current output, runtime, and longevity. Good cooling can keep thermals controlled to a degree. When thermals exceed cooling capabilities, a well-designed battery will shut off. Over-current protection will sometimes be triggered earlier.
You can increase charge capacity, but the higher charge density often means higher thermals and reduced max output current.
Moving to a larger form factor is about lower charge density, greater cooling, and depending on the tech, also lower internal resistance.
AAA or AA vs D can be about maximum output, but is generally more about runtime so that you don’t have to change batteries so quickly.
Adding more batteries in series combines the voltage. It’s like adding more pressure to a water supply. Adding them in parallel allows for greater current flow. It’s analogous to adding more output pipes to the water supply. Moving to larger cells form factor, and each of those pipes is now a little wider, allowing for even greater flow.
Jon
Compact (CP)
1.5Ah: 5 1.5Ah cells in series, 18650
2.0Ah: 5 2.0Ah cells in series, 18650
3.0Ah: 5 3.0Ah cells in series, 21700
Extended Capacity (XC)
3.0Ah: 10 1.5Ah cells in 5×2 series-parallel, 18650
4.0Ah: 10 2.0Ah cells in 5×2 series-parallel, 18650
5.0Ah: 10 2.5Ah cells in 5×2 series-parallel, 18650
6.0Ah: 10 3.0Ah cells in 5×2 series-parallel, 18650
8.0Ah: 10 4.0Ah cells in 5×2 series-parallel, 21700
High Demand (HD)
9.0Ah: 15 3.0Ah cells in 5×3 series-parallel, 18650
12.0Ah: 15 4.0Ah cells in 5×3 series-parallel, 21700
So why isn’t the 3.0Ah compact using the 4.0Ah 21700 batteries making a 4.0Ah CP pack? Likely because of the discharge rate. Generally speaking, the lower the storage capacity (Ah) of a battery the greater its discharge rate (amps). Because the 8.0 and 12.0Ah packs have the advantage of two or three paths in parallel these packs have double (or triple) the discharge rating of the cell. The single path CP pack is limited by the discharge rate of the cell.
Stuart
On paper, the 4Ah discharge rate is comparable to that of the 2Ah cell, even a little better.
You might be right – a 4Ah compact pack might not keep true to their “50% more power” or “same power as XC” selling points. Maybe it’s a combination of that and pricing.
Mark Callahan
Jon – In reference to your list of Milwaukee batteries, I believe the 6.0 XC battery is one of the newer “High Output” batteries which use the 21700 cells (not the 21850 cells) – in this case, the same 3.0ah 21700 cells as the 3.0 CP battery.
Mark Callahan
My apologies Jon – I was not aware that there was an older version of the XC 6.0 battery (https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Batteries-and-Chargers/M18-Batteries-and-Chargers/48-11-1860), which has the 18650 cells as you stated in your list. The “High Output” version (https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Batteries-and-Chargers/M18-Batteries-and-Chargers/48-11-1865) is the newer (and larger) version, and has the 3.0ah 21700 cells.
Xaeus
I would of used 18650s for the 3Ah compact and 21700s for a 4Ah compact.
Tinmender1963
Great explanation Stuart! More information is always a GOOD thing!.
TJ Cornish
For any power tool appropriate for a <4lb battery, the 18v parallel system Milwaukee has is probably fine, and within a few percent of the practical energy supply of a series system like FlexVolt. Whether Dewalt has a better XYZ at the moment than Milwaukee's M18 XYZ probably relates more to other design choices than just battery topology. For example, see the M18 chainsaw, which is a heck of a lot more tool than the Flexvolt Dewalt.
That said, I couldn't care less. What makes me happy after having been burned by Dewalt's very short-lived 36v gear (and I'm sure others feel the same about Milwaukee's V-series) is Milwaukee has just refreshed the battery technology that fits all the tools that I already own, meaning I am assured a supply of batteries to make my $$$$ worth of Red gear continue to function for at least the next decade. THAT is the magic of the M18 any battery fits any tool system.
Milwaukee Fan
Hey thanks for the update
I have 9.0s from 2016
Are the 9.0s of today running the same cells ?
Stuart
As far as I am aware, they should be.
Milwaukee Fan
ah cool thanks for update
Best not to re buy them then !!!
I will wait for the new cells types in 8ah
Darren Adams
Hi. Can you please tell me how wide each battery is 6Ah 9Ah 12Ah etc.
Thanks
Stuart
Unfortunately, we don’t have all sizes immediately available for measuring, but if you check Milwaukee’s website, product pages for the individual batteries have their dimensions listed under specifications.
For example, the 12Ah (48-11-1812) is said to measure 5.99″ long x 3.89″ tall x 3.38: wide.
TheToolmat
Label color? I have seen the color of the label, basically black vs old gray color is now different?
Are we to be looking at the all black label on the newer batteries?
Now I see my 12ah HD Batteries are gray, are the new ones all black?
What’s the difference?
Gordon
I believe it is a newer colour scheme. I have 2 9.0Ah and one has the gray scheme, and the other is just red and black…
Iyohmamma
Is it just me or do you think there are three different sizes (sizes are not types, Types or not sizes) of batteries and then you go ahead and talk about four “sizes” ( sing me a meme types Not making any difference between high demand and high output Are you trying to say they are exactly the same?) please eliminate the confusions with a simple explanation.
Stuart
There are many battery capacities spanning from 1.5Ah to 12Ah. All of those batteries can be categories as being one of 3 main types, CP, XC, HD. There are two sub-categories in each classification, High Output and what I suppose could be considered standard or original, based on the types/sizes of Li-ion cells.
CP has 5 cells, XC has 10, HD has 15. High Outpur packs have larger Li-ion cells and are larger overall. The High Output batteries are said to give you next-class-up performance.
If you have any specific questions, that might help me clear things up further.
User
I have been using M18 XC batteries (3Ah) on all of my Milwaukee tools – and they have worked great. I recently noticed that one of my M18 batteries was cracked – so I wanted to replace it with an upgraded battery. I purchased this 5Ah battery – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PP3FSDG/. But, when I compare the XC vs XC5 both in my impact driver and my drill – when you listen the XC5 produces lower RPMs. I know the main difference between XC and XC5 is the length of runtime. But, I thought I also read that XC5 should produces a bit more power than the XC. I would assume that would also translate to higher RPMs. Did I get a dud?
Matt
Apologies if I missed it in earlier questions, but what’s the basis for comparison in Milwaukee’s claims on the high-output packaging? E.g., the CP 3.0s boast “50% more power and runs cooler” than the normal red lithium series…but at what amperage, the previous generation of 3.0s?
Stuart
I’d believe it’s in comparison to the standard CP batteries, e.g. 2.0Ah. And for the XC battery, in comparison with the standard/smaller XC batteries.
Matt
Thanks, but it appears to be in comparison with larger form-factors in each instance, which was what confused me as well as a customer I was trying to help.
David Williams
So I’m a little slow to this discussion but I just upgraded to the 2732 Circular saw. I tend to do most of my work where there is no power unless I bring a generator so Battery powered tools are my primary choice. I was planning on going with the 9 AH battery but reading this it sounds like I should just suck it up and get the 12.0? And would you recommend the 8.0 High output as a backup?
Thanks
Stuart
12Ah is what the 2732 is kitted with, and should be a good fit for the saw. If battery-powered tools and longer runtime are essential, the 12Ah is larger, heavier, and pricier than the 9Ah, but you do get more power capabilities and 33% longer runtime.
According to Milwaukee’s marketing, the 8Ah HO is supposed to provide the same power as an HD battery. It’s close enough in capacity to the 9Ah, but smaller. I think that’s a good strategy, using the 8Ah as a backup. In theory it won’t provide as much peak power as the 12Ah, but probably isn’t an issue for all but the most demanding applications. It’s hard to predict how theories and hypotheticals will play out in specific applications. In my opinion, the 8Ah would be a better fit as a backup than the 9Ah, as it’ll be less obtrusive if/when paired with other handheld M18 tools.
Big Richard
I’ll second that. This is the same concept I use with all my HO designed tools (chainsaw, Super Sawzall, etc.), the 8Ah HO gets me by while the 12Ah HO is on the charger.
David Williams
Just curious if any of you have tried the “generic” M18 batteries and how they might do?
David
I have just picked up a really old Milwaukee saws all the big one will the newer batteries fit on this
Stuart
Only if it’s M18.
Derek
I have the milwaukee fuel 1/4 hex impact driver and I had the HD 9.0 batter in and while trying to loosen a tight bolt it kept shutting off/ cutting the power. Is this battery too big for the brushless driver? Please help!
Stuart
Did the same continue after the tool and battery rested and cooled down for a bit? Sounds like maybe a temperature or current safety sensor was activated.
Derek
I just started using the impact and battery. Wasn’t even warm.
Kenneth Burgett
I am researching pole saws. How does the M18 battery compare in power to other brands whose batteries are rated in volts – like 40 volts and 80 volts? I have not found a voltage rating, and I thought that would provide a standard to compare the power of different models.
Stuart
M18 is equivalent to 18V or 20V Max.
Kenneth Burgett
Thank you! The way some of their reviews came across, is that it had as much power as the 40 volt pole saws – at lease, that is how some of them sounded to me.
Stuart
You can’t just look at voltage. For one, Milwaukee has pushed their M18 system, and to high performance levels no one could have predicted just a few years ago.
If you consider the Ryobi 40V Max pole saw kit, priced at $169, its 2Ah battery has half the Watt-hours power capacity as the M18 8.0Ah battery Milwaukee bundles in their pole saw kit.
It is very reasonable to predict that Milwaukee’s M18/18V/20V Max cordless pole saw can match or even exceed the performance of a consumer-brand’s 36V or 40V Max cordless pole saw. Spending more usually gets you better construction but also a much beefier motor and all of the related drive components that need to be stronger. This can be related to voltage, but it can also be independent of it, depending on the brand and model.
Kenneth Burgett
That information is very helpful. I didn’t consider how the current would affect the power… I only thought the different size mAh batteries only affected run time.
Mack
40v x 4ah = 160 wh
18v x 9ah = 162 wh
I believe the heavy duty draw tools need the HD – but will run on the other ones, just not recommended? (So the 9 and 12ah batteries)
Plenty of vids on YT showing the power of the Milwaukee pole saw.
Personally I would not want to have a 40ah battery on a pole saw.
Way to much weight.
Dont even know if anyone made one?
Kenneth Burgett
Thank you Mack. You and Stuart are helping me understand this a little better so I can settle on a decent pole saw!
Deepak
I am looking to buy a couple of M18 2.0 simply because I would rather swap more often than to carry extra weight. Question is are the no-name-brand batteries any good or am I being silly, and buy the more expensive Milwaukee batteries?
TheToolmat
buy some and let us know
Carlos Montes
What battery should I put on my mid torque Milwaukee half inch impact not a mechanic just for around the house when I’m taking off my wheels on my cars and trucks working on my vehicles stuff like that. Just want to purchase one battery only that’s all I will need what when do you recommend
Stuart
In my opinion, 3Ah, 4Ah, or 5Ah, whichever gives you max amp-hours per dollar.
I think that the 5Ah battery best suits your “just one battery” requirement, as it gives you some room for M18 expansion. The mid-torque impact is available in a compact battery kit with a 2.0Ah pack, and a kit with (2) 5.0Ah batteries.
I think it could be okay with a 2.0Ah battery, but that might be limiting for longer use or perhaps even heavier use (I’m not sure). Going with 5.0Ah removes all doubt, and gives you longer runtime should you need it for this or other M18 tools.
Bruce
Hi guys
Will my 12 volt inflator battery work in my m12 rivet gun or is the 12 volt just for the inflator.
And is the 12 volt safe to charge in the rapid charge.
Sorry I’m a bit new to the Milwaukee stuff.
Stuart
The battery from Milwaukee’s M12 inflator will also work in their M12 rivet gun, and can be charged in any M12-compatible charger. The Rapid Charger knows to charge M12 batteries at a safe rate.
Don’t worry, if you’re thinking or asking it, there are absolutely others who have the same question.
Tim
Hi , what battery would be best using it for the 18 gauge bradnailer? I’ve been offered 2 no 2amp or 1 @ a 5amp ?
Stuart
Either should suffice. When in doubt, consider which batteries are bundled with the tool in kits. Milwaukee pairs it with a compact battery, and so 2Ah should be okay. 5Ah will give you longer runtime, but at greater weight.
Jbomber
I don’t believe you can use lower amp batteries on tools like the weed eater or the chainsaw. I put my 4amp battery in my chainsaw and 15 minutes later it was not only dead but it would no longer charge- so it died completely.
What the heck. If a low amp battery shouldn’t be used in a high powered tool then please warn the consumer. These dang things cost too much to inadvertently burn up a battery.
Robert Wright
I just got the chainsaw and used my 2 ah batteries they worked but had to recharge them every two minutes ….
But they are still taking a charge they told me at the store that they would work with the chainsaw , they really don’t they overheat .. I just posed the question which battery should we use and if the charger I have is suffice or do I need a different charger ..
Stuart
The 2.0Ah battery is not well suited for the M18 Fuel chain saw.
Consider an XC battery at the least (3.0Ah – 5.0Ah), but the High Output batteries (XC or HD, 6.0Ah and up) or HD battery (9.0Ah) will really work a lot better. The XC 6.0Ah or 8.0Ah batteries would be my baseline recommendation, with the 9.0Ah providing longer runtime and the 12.0Ah providing the longest runtimes.
You can use any M18 charger, but the higher capacity batteries will take longer to charge on a standard charger. If you find yourself wanting faster recharge rates, you can buy more batteries or one of the Rapid/Super charger models.
Dave
I have a trimmer that came with the 6ah. Can I use an 8 or 12ah with it?
Stuart
I don’t see why not – you should absolutely be able to use higher capacity M18 batteries.
Jack
As a retired electronics engineer I can’t believe the mess Milwaukee has created with their battery identification. If they haven’t they need to create a chart of all their batteries and give condensed pertinent information and use recommendation for the average Joe.
My drill came with a battery ID of just XC and underneath in fine print 54 Wh so it’s an XC 3 – how would my wife understand that?!
The public doesn’t need/want to be burdened by, this many cells, series and how many banks, parallel of what diameter/length cells, it blows me away, how dumb!
Deepak Singh
I wholly and totally agree. As a certified/qualified mechanical engineer, I thought I was loosing it when I could not understand the differences.
So there is an 18 Volt battery of a fixed connecting and locking configuration allowing interchangeability between 18 V tools and 18 V batteries, where each battery has a certain Amp Hour rating. Then Milwaukee has additional descriptives:
High Demand, XC, High Output, Extended Capacity, CP, Compact Battery and Battery.
Can they explain the difference between each?
If Milwaukee offers professional tools, then shouldn’t they describe their products professionally?
Stuart
Compact = 5 cells
XC = 10 cells
High Demand = 15 cells
High Output = larger form factor cells that are capable of greater power delivery.
For compact, XC, and HD, it’s all related to charge capacity, or at least that used to be true. “High Output” changed all this, and most brands’ battery ranges are similarly convoluted.
Deepak Singh
Thank you.
So could I get a (M18) 3.0 AH battery as a High Demand, XC, High Output, Extended Capacity, CP, Compact Battery or Battery?
Same for say 6.0 AH battery?
What little I know, there is only one 3.0 AH battery, as there is only one 6.0 AH battery, etc., thus High Demand, XC, High Output, Extended Capacity, CP, Compact Battery and Battery are all superfluous descriptives. Is this correct or am I wrong?
Stuart
No. M18 3.0Ah is available in compact High Output (large 5 cells) or XC formal (standard 10 cells). In theory, they’re interchangeable with respect to performance, with slight size and weight differences.
So, for 3.0Ah, CP High Output would be the 5-cell battery with larger cells, and the 3.0Ah XC will be the 10-cell battery with standard cells.
M18 6.0Ah is only available as an XC High Output battery. Some brands have standard-cell 6.0Ah batteries, but they’re generally not as high performing as 5.0Ah batteries of the same physical size due to the cells used and operating temperatures under load.
So CP, XC, and HD describe the number of cells in a battery. In simplistic terms, CP has 1 row of 5 batteries, XC has 2 rows, HD has 3 rows. Think of that as 1, 2, or 3 people lifting a heavy box.
High Output kicks things to higher levels. So a CP High Output battery operates more like a standard XC battery, and an XC High Output battery operates more like an HD battery, with respect to performance.
Then you have HD High Output, which is supposed to be the highest performance and highest capacity battery.
Let’s say you have an XC 3Ah battery and an XC High Output 6Ah battery. The 6Ah battery should deliver 2X the runtime in lighter duty applications. But in heavier duty applications, the HO battery can deliver more power and (in theory) runs cooler as well.
Jack
It is the usual disconnect between the guys who engineer the products and those who promote them but this is one of the worst examples. Now that I’ve spent a few minutes on this site I fully understand what’s going on but the average Joe doesn’t stand a chance.
Now, if these cells are industry standard there is reason to believe that after market clones could be just as good, depending on who actually manufactures them – anyone have experience with such?
Deepak Singh
Get jucier and jucier – I had no idea about this.
Perhaps Milwaukee should have a chart: Starting with 1.5 AH all the way up, giving options for each differing AH ratings.
What a bloody mess! (But you are right – engineers (of which I am) and sales are two diff breeds, and ne’er will the two meet …)
B. Bonacci
have drill cat # 2601-20 18V & 2 batteries 48-11-1815 – need batteries but cannot find replacement – tried MW home office web site with no help – cannot get reply on web, e-mail or telephone – US mail was sent weeks ago with no response – ? should I give up on MW assuming they don’t back up there products – to bad since I have been given MW good marks to people in the past
Stuart
M18 1.5Ah batteries 48-11-1815 are readily available in the US. 48-11-1811 is a 2-pack. The 2.0Ah battery (48-11-1820) will give you longer runtime. You could also consider the compact 3.0Ah battery, which is physically a little larger than the 1.5Ah. Model 48-11-1837 for the 2-pack.
Buff Bagwell
12HD’s on EVERYTHING!! I only own 12.0’s. Run times are unbeatable and I get max power. Use them on 2gal compressor, 4.5 grinder, quik lok trimmer, 2962 2854 impacts and even the drills. I’d use them on the headlamps if I could. I curl my tools when not working so I get a good pump. Bicep’s are jacked and it saves me from going to the gym .