This new charger from Milwaukee will be able to charge both their M12 & M18 batteries on a single charger. Unfortunately it appears they will not charge simultaneously but in the order they were placed on the unit. There are two separate lights on top to indicate which one is currently charging and when each is fully charged. This charger really does make a lot of sense as we are finding more and more the 12V tool platforms are becoming an essential part of many professionals arsenal.
This charger also combats the new Dewalt 12V/20V charger which can charge both types of their new battery styles however it can only have 1 battery on the charger at a time. Even though the Milwaukee charger doesn’t charge simultaneously it would seem having the 2 slots is a definite advantage here.
No word yet on the street price of these chargers but they will be included in all the Milwaukee M18 Fuel kits and should also be available stand alone in March. For more info on the new combo charge see the Milwaukee Tool press release below.
MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Tool Corporation continues to deliver productivity-enhancing solutions to the professional tradesman with the introduction of the M18™ & M12™ Multi-Voltage Charger (48-59-1812). The new Energy Star rated unit will charge all M18™ and M12™ LITHIUM-ION batteries sequentially, allowing the user to put both packs on the charger and walk away confident that they will be ready for their next job.
“With the expansion of the M18™ or M12™ systems, we have a growing customer base that is using both batteries,” says Christian Coulis, Sr. Product Manager for Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. “The combination of M18™ performance and M12™ productivity helps to make this a very valuable solution to the users who have invested in both systems. For example, plumbers may use M18™ cordless tools for applications that require more power and torque, and at the same time have a need to use an M12™ PVC Shear. This charger will help them be better prepared and more productive.”
Available in March 2012, the new Multi-Voltage Charger will be included with the M18™ FUEL™ Drill Driver and Hammer Drill Driver, sold as an optional accessory and will also transition into several M18™ kits throughout the year. The new unit will charge M18™ or M12™ compact batteries in 30 minutes and extended capacity (XC) batteries in 60 minutes.
With the introduction of the new charger and an unrelenting commitment to grow the M18™ and M12™ cordless platforms, Milwaukee® continues to expand its leadership position in LITHIUM-ION cordless.
