Choose the
right battery

The principle way of classifying a power tool battery – both at Bosch Professional and elsewhere – is voltage. Voltage is a major factor in determining the amount of power a battery can make available to tools. Bosch Professional power tool batteries fall into five groups, each with a different power level. They are described in terms of their voltage:

• 10.8V / 12V
• 18V / ProCORE18V
• 36V

• Each of these battery voltage groups is associated with a compatible set of Bosch blue tools. So, the voltage identified in the name of your power tool will tell you which group of batteries you can choose from.

Each of these battery voltage groups is associated with a compatible set of Bosch blue tools. So, the voltage identified in the name of your power tool will tell you which group of batteries you can choose from.

For maximum freedom and convenience, every battery of a particular voltage is compatible with every tool of the same voltage. There is no risk of accidentally using a battery of one voltage and a tool of a different voltage, since Bosch Professional has given the various voltage groups different types of physical connection.

In addition to matching the voltage of your power tool and battery, several other battery parameters should be taken into account when selecting a tool or battery for purchase. These parameters are:

• Capacity
• Cooling
• Size

Capacity, measured in ampere hours (Ah), helps to determine how long you can work with a tool between recharges. Longer runtime is obviously a major advantage for professional users.

But, as the capacity of a battery increases, it tends to produce more heat. To avoid troublesome stoppages due to high tool temperatures, Bosch Professional developed a solution known as Cool Pack – a layer within the battery that channels heat to the outside.

The main way of increasing battery capacity is to increase the number and size of the internal cells. You will find that high-capacity batteries have multiple layers and are consequently rather heavier. So, consider whether your typical jobs have such a compelling need for long runtimes that a bit of extra weight in the hand is justified.

Batteries in the Bosch 10.8V / 12V range are intended for tools that perform relatively light tasks. They have the advantage of being small and lightweight, which makes for greater mobility and arm comfort. As an added advantage, if you own both 10.8V and 12V tools, you can share 10.8V and 12V batteries freely between them.

The Bosch 18V range of batteries is used by a large number of blue power tools – devices that have moderately power-intensive uses. Like the 10.8V and 12V ranges, it includes batteries with capacities up to 6.0Ah. However, the 18V range has an extra advantage in that it offers Cool Pack heat management from 4.0Ah upwards. So, if you are selecting a tool and trying to make a 12V vs 18V decision, you may wish to bear in mind that high-capacity 18V batteries help you avoid heat stoppages.

The Bosch 36V range of batteries is for tools with major power requirements – equivalent to petrol-driven tools. The largest capacity available in the range is an impressive 9.0Ah. Cool Pack heat management is universal.

The ProCORE18V power tool battery range stands apart from all the other ranges. It is a recent development by Bosch Professional and provides distinct advantages across all the important battery parameters.

Although the name of the range suggests that it is comparable with the standard 18V range, it is actually more akin to the 36V range in terms of power. This is thanks to a number of technical advances made by Bosch Professional.

The new ProCORE18V battery range offers a selection of capacities comparable to the 36V range: 4.0Ah, 8.0Ah and 12.0Ah. However, Bosch technicians have managed to achieve this while also reducing the size of the cells. So, you have a wider choice of runtime options without having to worry so much about weight.

When choosing a new power tool or buying an additional battery for an existing tool, always take your time to consider the various battery parameters: power, capacity, cooling and size.