Milwaukee’s most popular battery platform, M18, so far comes in 3 classes, with various amp hours and cell types, for a total of 10 different batteries. But today, Milwaukee announced an 11th. A new type of M18 battery with a very specific purpose, and we asked Milwaukee if it won’t be the last. Let’s go.
Quick recap. Milwaukee’s line of M18 batteries, include 3 types, Compact or CP which are small ranging from 1.5 to 3.0ah, Extended capacity (XC) which are bigger, and range from 3.0 to 8.0ah and High Demand (HD) which are rather enormous, and come in 9 12ah sizes.
And within those 3 types, there are High Output versions that are packed with 21700 cells.
So what are we missing? THIS. That is the all new Milwaukee M18™ REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 Resistant Battery (48-11-1850R)
It has a Resistant battery housing, fuel gauge, and side labels deliver increased protection against exposure to common oils, greases, and solvents commonly found in a mechanics shop. We’ve seen batteries like this from DeWALT. They came with both our pipe threader and the concrete saw.
Obviously this new battery is for their popular line of impact wrenches used in shops. So great, we have oil and chemical resistant batteries right? Well, we have 1. And it’s from the XC or Extended Capacity Line, and it’s a 5ah. But of course, if you watch TTC… ever, you know that using Milwaukee’s High Output batteries, with 21700 cells, can make a significant difference in the power you get from your tool. So obviously we wanted to know if this was going to be the only one, or if more were coming.
We reached out to Milwaukee and they told us this: “We are continuing to evaluate including this feature in our M12 and M18 batteries.”
If you’re not familiar with corporate legal speak, I’ll tell you this. That’s a pretty good response. Milwaukee doesn’t want to give away their plans or make commitments they may not follow through with, but in this case, both M18 and M12 batteries are becoming more and more common place in today’s shops. Mechanics are using the previously mentioned impact wrenches, and they’re using M12 tools like the ratchets, polishers, and even under-hood lights.
And it’s not just using tools that get exposed to grease or oil, even storing a battery in a shop can expose it to damaging materials, so a resistant battery just makes sense.
But of course, no new features come without cost. At MSRP, the Milwaukee REDLITHIUM XC5.0 Resistant Battery comes in just $20 more than the normal XC5.0, at $169, and you pre-order one now, and pick it up in June.
