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Milwaukee’s V28™ Technology Brings Revolution to Cordless Power Tools
04/20/2005
Company Expects Technology to Significantly Grow Its Market Share
During the 40 plus years since the cordless power tool category was first established, the battery technology that powers these products has seen numerous advancements. However, none of them have taken cordless power to a level matching that of corded products as was originally the intention. That is, until now. The introduction of Milwaukee Electric Tool V28™ lithium ion technology represents a quantum leap in cordless performance and a revolution within the category altogether.
There’s no denying the fact that cordless power tools are popular. In fact, over the past 15 years the cordless market has grown at twice the rate of the overall power tool market. Despite this, shortcomings in performance and run time have caused cordless power tools outside of drills to remain, for the most part, occasional use products.
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries are the original and still most popular choice in the category. The 18 volt NiCd has reached what most consider its practical limit in terms of power output at a comfortable weight. (Twenty-four volt models haven’t been widely accepted due to their weight and relatively small performance gain over 18 volts.) Until the introduction of V28, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) had been considered the new frontier in power tool battery technology mainly because it offered slightly more power in a pack that contained no cadmium. However, NiMH has not caught on due to its higher cost and cold weather intolerance.
With 28 volts of power, the new V28 technology adds no extra battery weight, yet delivers increased power and up to twice the run time of traditional 18 volt products. In addition, V28 technology continues to deliver its high performance in a wider temperature range than NiCd, operating in hot or cold environments. Beyond its performance benefits, the V28 battery is more eco-friendly than most other high powered rechargeable batteries because it contains no cadmium other heavy metals. However, Milwaukee still encourages the recycling of all rechargeable battery packs.
“Professional trades people have been waiting for a product like V28 for a very long time. This line has been built to make our end-users more productive and efficient than they thought possible with a cordless product,” notes Christopher Berg, Milwaukee Brand Manager. “Because of the countless benefits and productivity enhancements that V28 offers, we expect this line to significantly grow our market share in the cordless category as soon as it’s out of the gate.”
Because V28 marks the first time that lithium ion technology has been perfected for “high current draw” applications, power tools that were once unavailable in cordless versions can now go unplugged. One such example is the V28 reciprocating saw which is powerful enough for every day professional use. However, the impact of V28 technology stretches beyond power tools. “This is truly a technological revolution,” adds Berg. “This revolutionary breakthrough has significant applications in categories such as lawn and garden, home appliances, even military uses.”
“To make lithium ion capable of powering high current draw applications, Milwaukee’s researchers turned to lithium manganese,” says Gary Meyer, R & D Manager at Milwaukee. “A Milwaukee team of research and product engineers working with our partner E-One Moli Energy of Canada optimized a cell to deliver high power and long run time while providing better than expected battery life. The partnership developed and perfected a larger sized battery cell than traditionally seen in today’s common lithium ion applications. Milwaukee added an encapsulated robust electronic circuit, resulting in what we call a ‘smart battery’ and has done an excellent job in developing the V28™ battery that delivers up to 2 ˝ times the work of an 18 volt NiCd battery while weighing slightly less.”
Milwaukee is launching the V28 line at an opportune time with the demand of power and hand tools forecasted to increase by 4.7% in 2005, and by a further 8 % by 2007. However, the company does not expect NiCd technology to disappear anytime soon. In fact, because of NiCd’s affordability and popularity, Milwaukee will continue to invest in research and development of its NiCd product offering while simultaneously growing the V28 line.
Available in the second half of 2005, the V28 line is expected to generate significant growth and profitability opportunities for participating Milwaukee Electric Tool distributors nationwide. And because the V28 technology has numerous patents pending, the lithium ion power tool revolution is one distributors can leverage for some time
Initially the V28 line will include a band saw, percussion drill, circular saw, Sawzall® reciprocating saw, impact wrench, rotary hammer, work light and battery charger. More tools are on the drawing board for early 2006 introduction. Products will be available individually or in a combo kit in the second half of 2005.
To take the new V28 tools for a test drive, hear product reviews from real trades people, register for a chance to win V28 tools or sign-up to be notified when V28 products are available in your area, visit www.v28power.info.
The V28 line will be available at participating Milwaukee Electric Tool distributors across Europe in July 2005. Milwaukee Electric Tool is a leading producer and seller of heavy-duty portable electric tools and accessories.
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