I realize that tool manufacturers use unique battery configurations and performance specifications as a means of competitive differentiation, but for the most part this strategy is all about locking consumers into specific brands.
I have an alternate strategy I would like to propose to the industry.
Build power tools to accept industry standard 6v battery modules that snap together in series to increase voltage to the desired specification.
The spec for this modular battery would be developed and owned by a non-profit industry group that would license it at no charge to member companies, which would be both tool manufacturers and battery suppliers. The non-profit would use member fees to develop and promote the spec and branding, technology R&D, and lastly, fund a prepaid mailer program for battery recycling.
As a consumer, if given the choice between two identical tools, one using proprietary batteries and the other the “open battery spec”, I’d go for the latter. I’d also like the choice of buying commercial brand rechargeable batteries, e.g. Duracell, for power tools instead of expensive factory offerings or questionable third party rebuilt batteries.
Will this go anywhere, I doubt it… the industry has consolidated and one effect of fewer vendors in any marketplace is that they have too much vested in the status quo, but it’s a good idea nonetheless and one that would benefit consumers.
Replies
You are right of course. In one case, using twelve volts, I have soldered connections to the tool and run it off an auto battery.
Interesting idea, but I suspect that the cordless tool market follows the Razor Blade Principle -- if you give away enough razors, you'll make a ton of money selling blades, er, batteries.
The built-in demand for high-profit margin proprietary batteries (and bottom line profits for the mfgr) would dry up overnight.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
The problem exists because of rapidly evolving technology. If you were to insist on 6V as the standard building block, for example, you'd lock out Li-ion technology, since Li-ion batteries are based on a 3.6V cell. Add on top of that the fact that NiCd, NiMH and Li-ion batteries each require completely different charging protocols, which is why the chargers aren't interchangeable.
With batteries, we're in much the same position as we were with automobiles in the early 20th Century, when nothing was standardized and nothing was interchangeable. It wasn't because of marketing issues; it was because nobody at the time knew what the "right" answer was. We're going to continue to be in that situation until a clear winner emerges among the different battery technologies, something that is unlikely to happen very soon. No matter what standard you come up with today, it will be incompatible with new technology tomorrow.
-Steve
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