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Ridgid is launching a new 18V cordless power tool battery that they say “delivers 3x more power in a compact size.”
The new Ridgid 18V battery features “industry-leading 21700 tabless cell technology.”
It also features laser welded cell straps and upgraded heat sinks for cooler operation and a longer lifespan.
The new Ridgid battery is part of their MaxOutput EXP series of batteries.
This will actually by Ridgid’s 3rd 4Ah battery.
Ridgid’s main claim is that the new battery delivers “3X power in a compact size,” and they back this up with some test data.
Drills 40% faster with 3 holes in just 10 seconds with a 2-9/16 in. self-feed bit in HIGH SPEED using an 18V Brushless 1/2 in. High Torque Hammer Drill/Driver through 2×8 yellow pine.
What’s even more interesting is that, according to Ridgid’s chart, the new 4Ah battery tabless cells outperforms their 8Ah battery.
Delivers more than 2X faster cutting vs the 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery with the 18V Brushless 7-1/4 in. Rear Handle Circular Saw through 3X stacked 3/4″ OSB.
Ridgid’s new 4Ah battery also outperforms their 8Ah battery when used with a cordless circular saw to cut stacked sheets of OSB.
Delivers over 70% faster cutting vs the 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery with the 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw through 2×10 yellow pine with a 10lb. weight attached.
There seems to be an obvious trend, where the new Ridgid battery delivers more power than their existing 4Ah batteries and even the higher capacity 8Ah battery.
It’s not clear how this translates to “3X more power,” but Ridgid does show compelling examples of faster application speeds.
The new battery will be available exclusively at Home Depot.
Price: TBA
ETA: September 2024
Discussion
If “tabless” battery technology is new to you, consider reading about Bosch’s new 18V tabless battery, as they provided excellent graphics.
In a nutshell, tabless batteries have a new electrode design and lower internal resistance, delivering more current with less heat.
Every cordless power brand that is launching new tabless-based Li-ion batteries has promised more power, longer runtime, or both.
Ridgid says their new battery delivers 3 more power, and it seems clear via their drilling and cutting application speed examples that the new battery will give least select tools an instant upgrade.
It remains to be seen whether Ridgid will jump onto the pouch cell bandwagon.
