Makita’s Lithium Ion Batteries

Makita’s lithium ion batteries are available in 18v, 14.4v, 10.8v and 7.2v all with different amp power from 5Ah, 4Ah, 3Ah, 1.3Ah and 1.0Ah. To explain; the higher the voltage, the higher the power and the higher the amps the longer it can run without the need for charging. As you move up in voltage you will find the amperage will also move up as there would be no point having a powerful battery with very little run time.

To larger 4.0Ah and 5.0Ah batteries are quite new to the market, to check they will work with your 18 volt machine, you need to check if it has a star on the connector plate or a yellow connector plate then this will be compatible – look for the star or yellow connector, simple!

Makita’s 18v and 14v batteries have a built-in memory chip that records the battery usage history so whilst the battery is connected it will transmit the data to the charger. Makita’s batteries are charged evenly through out the cells and on discharging it drains evenly resulting in an optimum charge making the most of each workload. Charge the battery when you want, they have no memory effect so battery ampage will not be lost making the most of each battery run time.

Whilst the CPU built into the charger analyses its condition; high temperature, recharge after full charged or over discharging meaning the battery lasts longer because it can be charged in the best method and within the best time.

Thanks to the battery and charger being kept cool whilst the battery is connected, Makita are able to offer fast charging times. As it is necessary to cool down the battery before you begin to charge it after use as it is at a very high temperature. As you can see from the images below on the left is Makita’s battery without cooling and on the right, competitor batteries without cooling – you can see the large difference between the two.

Batteries…