Milwaukee M18 High Output CP 3.0AH Battery Review

Milwaukee has realized some new battery packs! Today I’m looking over the new M18 High Output CP 3.0 AH (Milwaukee’s 18 volt line up, compact, 3 amp hour) battery.

In Milwaukee’s battery line up they have their CP, XC, and HD lines for compact, extended capacity, and high demand. Functionally, the only difference between the lines are what amp hour the batteries are. CP is the low AH, XC has the mid range, and HD are the biggest. The number in the name tells you how many amp hours the battery packs. The classifications just helps guide those unfamiliar with battery tech. In short, lower amp hours means a smaller battery that will be depleted faster, and more amp hours means a larger battery that’ll last longer.

However, there is a difference between the standard batteries and these new “High Output” batteries. The high output batteries are built with new battery cells (the actual bit of the whole thing that stores the electricity). The standards were built with older 18650 battery cells, but the new high output batteries feature the latest 21700 cells, which are more compact and run cooler.

SPECIFICATIONS

• 3.0 Amp Hours of power at 18 volts

• Newer battery cells for longer life and cooler operation

• REDLINK Intelligence: Our battery circuitry provides optimized performance and overload protection using total system communication between tool, battery and charger

• Best-in-class construction: Offers long-lasting performance and the best protection against jobsite, weather and environmental conditions

• Fuel gauge onboard: Displays remaining run-time

• Versatility: Powers all 175+ M18 cordless solutions

• 2 year battery warranty

FEATURES & DESIGN

So where does this battery fit? With the newer 21700 cells it’s an upgrade from the standard not “high output” batteries. It’ll stay cooler which will help prolong it’s life and help reduce battery degradation. Because it’s compact it’s a good pairing for other small, lower power consuming tools. Think drills, drivers, cut off saws, flashlights.

But don’t mistake it’s size for being short on power, though 3.0AH would be a pretty short run time in say an angle grinder or circular saw, it’s a lot of life in the less demanding tools. For comparison, most drill/driver combination kits come with 1.5AH batteries. So we’re talking a little over double the runtime of those batteries (there’s some efficiency gained in larger batteries so a 3.0AH can last a touch longer than two 1.5AH batteries).

Speaking of battery life, this battery sports a life indicator button on the back with four LEDs that quickly let you know how much runtime is left. Aside from minimizing the surprise of when the battery will run out of juice, that also helps prolong battery life. If you know how much power is left the battery, it’s less tempting to store it on the charger “just in case it’s low.”

Another great feature is Milwaukee’s REDLINK technology. It’s a handshake between compatible tools (which is pretty much all of their new ones) and the battery that optimizes performance, and prevents overloading.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re looking for some extra batteries that are compact, lightweight, but still have enough juice to keep you working and not swapping batteries, pick up a pair of these M18 High OutPut CP 3.0AH Batteries.