Milwaukee V18 Lithium Ion batteries
https://www.tool-rank.com/media/listing/photos/thumbnail/300x300s/12/c4/23/368_V18_1232299199.jpg* Lithium-ion provides up to 50% longer run-time than 18-volt NiCd batteries. * Superior cold weather operation allows near full run-time performance down to -4 degress Farenheit * 14.4-volt NiCd battery weight with 18-volt power * V-technology batteries provide fade-free power until the end of discharge * 5-year/2000-charge warranty; compatible with all Milwaukee 18- to 28-volt batteries
From the Manufacturer V-technology lithium-ion batteries provide fade-free power until the end of discharge. The last cut feels as powerful as the first to increase productivity per battery discharge. Up to 50% longer run-time than 18-volt NiCd batteries. Superior cold weather operation allows near full run-time performance down to -4 degrees Farenheit. The Industry's only 5-year/2000-charge Warranty. These batteries are as light as a 14.4-volt NiCd battery and can be recharged at any time without reducing capacity. They're also backwards compatible with older NiCd tools! The concave battery latches provide improved grip while removing the battery fuel gauge button for improved accessibility. Dual- chemistry charger charges both lithium-ion and NiCd batteries from 18 to 28 volts. Charge Time is 1 hour for lithium-ion and 40 minutes for NiCd. NiCd packs will actually charge 20 minutes faster on the new Universal Charger but Milwaukee li-ion batteries do not need top-off conditioning due to their built-in Performance Optimizing Circuit, which constantly maintains cell balance. Milwaukee's V-technology charger delivers an optimal charge current over a 117 degree range (32 to 149 degree Farenheit). Conversely, Milwaukee's NiCd charger has a smaller 72 degree range. Automatic temperature monitoring continually monitors the battery's temperature and deliverers the appropriate charge current for that temperature. The Progressive Charge Indication battery's LED lights up incrementally as the battery is charged and provides quick indication of charge.
User reviews
New life for old Milwaukee NiCad tools
I bought a V18 drill set partly because of the battery upgrade, I wasn't really expecting that much of an improvement over my NiCads, but I was wrong. These batteries rock! I really notice the improvement when sawing, both with the sawzall and the circular saw. I would say I'm getting twice the run time out of these batteries compared to the NiCads. 4 batteries will keep me sawing non stop(well, except for having to keep returning to the charging station for fresh charges).The battery charge gauge is extremely handy, No more wondering if how much of a charge is left.
I do think my Makita LXT will drill a little longer, though it is not quite as strong as the Milwaukee. The LXT circ saw lasts about as long, I don't enjoy the LXT sawzall (vibration) so I will withhold that comparison.
Will I buy more? Yes.
I'm disappointed Milwaukee is discontinuing this line, and I hope they continue with backwards compatible technology.