The M18 Forge Batteries Now Feature More Capacity and Runtime Than Ever
Milwaukee announced its Forge batteries in 2023, and they were a big hit for those looking for more power and runtime on the jobsite. What sets Forge batteries apart from the brand’s standard M18 RedLithium High Output batteries is their internal design, utilizing pouch cells and tabless technology. This blueprint enables a more efficient energy transfer rate, resulting in more runtime, power, and productivity.
Now, Milwaukee decided to up the ante even further, adding 8.0Ah and 12.0Ah batteries to the Forge platform. I’m looking at these batteries to see what potential they have to help you make the most of your M18 tools.
Note: These batteries were unveiled at Milwaukee Pipeline 2024! Check out the rest of the tools and gear announced at Pipeline!
Milwaukee M18 Forge Batteries – What Sets Them Apart?
The biggest difference between the Milwaukee M18 RedLithium Forge batteries and the brand’s other batteries is what happens inside the pack. As mentioned above, the M18 Forge batteries use pouch cells and tabless technology to deliver what Milwaukee describes as its “most powerful, fastest charging, and longest-life batteries,” compared to the brand’s standard or High Output batteries.
So, what does this translate into for performance? There are several benefits to these new batteries. For starters, the HD12.0 Forge battery delivers 50% more power than the 12.0Ah High Output battery. This is a big jump in performance in a battery with the same amp-hour capacity.
Looking at the XC8.0 Forge battery, Milwaukee tells us it provides the same power as its 12.0Ah counterpart, but clocks in at 20% more compact and 30% lighter-weight.
Runtime and Charging
Both new Forge batteries are capable of supercharging to 80% capacity in as little as 35 minutes, and can fully charge in just 45 minutes. The 12.0Ah Forge battery also fully charges 25% faster than its RedLithium High Output counterpart, bringing increased efficiency and productivity for those with extended runtime needs.
Cool-Cycle Active Cooling Technology
As a first for Milwaukee, the 8.0Ah and 12.0Ah Forge batteries are the first M18 batteries to feature Cool-Cycle active cooling technology. This capability is unlocked when you pair the batteries with a Cool-Cycle capable charger, like the new Dual Bay Simultaneous Super Charger.
This technology delivers high-speed cooling, which lets you manage the temperature of your battery when working in hot environments. This is particularly handy when you’re rotating batteries for back-to-back applications. Cool-Cycle accelerates battery turnaround by keeping the batteries cool while you work and continuing the cooling cycle when you have them on the charger.
Specifications
- Dimensions:
- XC8.0: 5.3×3.4×3.5 inches
- HD12.0: 5.8×3.4×4.1 inches
- Weight:
- XC8.0: 2.38 pounds
- HD12.0: 3.3 pounds
- Resistant housing
- Recharge Time to 80%: 35 minutes (w/ M18 Dual Bay Simultaneous Super Charger)
- Recharge Time to 100%: 45 minutes (w/ M18 Dual Bay Simultaneous Super Charger)
- Warranty: 3 years
Milwaukee M18 Forge Batteries Price and Availability
The Milwaukee M18 XC8.0 and HD12.0 Forge batteries will be available starting in August 2024 and retail for $199 (XC8.0) and $249 (HD12.0) bare. Milwaukee backs these batteries with a 3-year warranty.
