Bosch Power Ready Wireless Charging System Set to Change the Industry
Clint DeBoer first reported on the Bosch Power Ready Wireless Charging System back in May. Bosch had initially let us in on the idea of inductive charging way back in 2010 when they were getting close to a consumer ready solution. It’s finally here.
Hagen Dost, Bosch Product Manager, had these thoughts about the the Bosch Power Ready Wireless Charging System. “This is a game-changer. Our new 18V wireless charging system eliminates the need for a bin of batteries with a partial charge. Now pros can easily charge their hand-held power tools in between tasks or jobs and not worry about dead batteries. This means both increased productivity and increased profits.”
In speaking about compatibility, Dost offered “Wireless charging offers a whole new world of convenience and the new wireless batteries are compatible with today’s complete 18V power tool offering, so users can start benefiting immediately.”
The Bosch Power Ready Wireless Charging System works on the principles of inductive charging. As a very basic introduction to the idea, inductive charging starts with communication between the charger and the battery. The charger is able to sense when the materials in the battery are close and begins transmitting an alternating magnetic field. That field penetrates the housing of the battery pack, where a copper coil receives it and charging takes place.
If this were just a system of setting your battery on top of the charger instead of locking it in, it wouldn’t be much different from the systems we already have. This is worthy of notice because it allows us to charge the battery while still in the tool. This system works the moment we set the tool on top of it without requiring us to remember to charge the battery. Its impressive innovation is what won it the 2014 Pro Tool Innovation Award for Wireless Chargers in the Cordless Tools category.
Currently, there are 4 components in the Bosch Power Ready System. The WCBAT612 is the battery at the heart of the system. It’s a 2.0 amp hour 18V slim pack battery. We have been told to expect the wireless 4.0 fat packs in the Spring of 2015.
The WC18C is the wireless charger unit itself. Is is capable of an 80% charge in 30 minutes, or a full 100% charge in 50 minutes.
The WC18F is the frame for the charger in the Bosch Power Ready Wireless Charging System. It allows secure mounting to a variety of surfaces for the purpose of horizontal or vertical charging. Think of it more like the way you would slide a battery onto a traditional charger. The difference is you don’t have to flip it around to make the contacts touch. Because of this, you still get the battery locked in, but in a way that it can still remain attached to the tool.
For a custom fit to a variety of Bosch cordless drill/drivers, the system also includes the WC18H holster. Combined with the charger, it offers a custom insert to fit Bosch Compact Tough and Brute Tough drill/drivers, hammer drill/drivers. and impact drivers. This allows secure storage and charging in both vertical and horizontal mounting applications.
Check out Bosch’s website for more details.
Bosch Power Ready Wireless Charging System Available Components and Kits
- WCBAT612 2.0 amp hour battery – $89
- WC18C Power Ready Wireless Charger – $59
- WC18H Holster – $49
- WC18F Frame – $12
- WC18CH Charger/Holster – $109
- WC18CF-102 Charger/Frame/Battery – $159
- CLPK233WC-02 DDS182 Drill Driver/IDH182 Impact Driver/Charger/Frame/2 Batteries – $369
- DDS182WC-102 DDS182 Drill Driver/Charger/Holster/Frame/Battery – $219
- IDH182WC-102 IDS182 Drill Driver/Charger/Holster/Frame/Battery – $279
