High Power Battery Set to Launch Makita 40V max System to New Performance Levels
Makita’s latest expansion of its XGT system focuses on battery technology. I’m taking a closer look at what’s different about the Makita 40V max XGT 4.0Ah High Power battery and what the implications are for the lineup.
Makita 40V max XGT High Power Battery Basics
The new 4.0Ah High Power Battery (BL4040F) shifts the line into high gear by turning to a tabless cell design. With the change, it promises up to 35% more power than the existing 40V max XGT 4.0Ah battery (BL4040).
This upgrade comes from the use of cylindrical 21700 tabless cells. As we’ve seen before, a tabless design reduces electrical resistance within the battery, which improves electrical efficiency, power potential, and heat management. Based on Makita’s data, the battery operates up to 32% cooler under continuous heavy loads. Cooler running is a key ingredient in a recipe for longer service life.
The battery’s digital communication system intelligently optimizes performance and can provide up to twice the sustained power under heavy-load applications while protecting the battery from overload, over-discharge, and overheating.
The improved electrical flow goes both ways, and you can expect the battery to charge in just 45 minutes.
Despite the upgrade in power, the BL4040F is 34% more compact than the 40V max XGT 5.0Ah battery.
As we expect from this system, the battery is designed with an impact-resistant outer case and shock-absorbing inner liner for durability in harsh jobsite environments.
Why the Makita 40V max XGT High Power Battery Matters
The most obvious advantage of Makita going tabless is that the XGT line has even higher performance potential. Tools such as the 80V 14-inch power cutter were early indicators of the types of equipment a 40V max system could go after.
I expect we’ll see more heavy hitters soon that take advantage of the additional power. Rotary hammers and breakers are good candidates on the concrete side. A wide-deck self-propelled lawn mower would be a nice addition for OPE. It really boils down to whether the smaller-form battery is the best bet or if the ConnectX pack makes more sense.
Don’t neglect the size implications. Having this much power in such a small form factor could mean a whole new level of compact and mid-size impact wrenches, boost drill performance even higher, and kick Makita’s cordless router game to the next stage.
Keep the 18V system in mind as well. It’s not a big stretch to think we’ll see tabless 18V LXT batteries before long. As the widest-ranging system in Makita’s portfolio (more than 325 products at the moment), tabless batteries have the potential to develop an even higher tier to round it out.
Makita 40V max XGT High Power Battery Price
As of now, there’s just the 4.0Ah High Power battery and it runs $259. That’s $30 more than the standard 4.0Ah battery for the XGT line. With pricing that close, such a big boost in performance, and the potential for longer service life, I’d have no problem going with the upgraded pack.
