Lithium Ion (aka Li-Ion) technology has been around awhile. These rechargeable batteries have been powering consumer electronics - laptops, digital cameras, cell phones and more - for years, but recently these batteries have moved into the cordless power tool market.

"From professional contractors to serious DIYers, Li-Ion battery technology is proving to be one of the biggest innovations in nearly 20 years," says Edwin Bender, product manager, LITHEON cordless power tools, Bosch Power Tools & Accessories. "It could arguably be the biggest innovation the industry has experienced to date."

For years, power tool users have relied on 18-volt NiCad batteries as the primary source for powering cordless tools. "For most cordless tools - drill/drivers, rotary hammers, reciprocating saws, circular saws, jig saws, miter saws and more - 18-volt NiCad was the best balance between performance, weight and price," says Bender. "But like any technology, professionals continue to demand more powerful, efficient and comfortable tools."

Enter Li-Ion technology.

Less weight
There are several major benefits of Li-Ion-powered tools: less weight, longer runtime, "fade-free" power and longer life expectancy.

"Lithium Ion batteries are much lighter than NiCads," says John Fries, product manager - cordless, woodworking and bench top tools with Hitachi Power Tools. "In the 18-volt platform, this technology takes about a pound off of each tool."