In the development process of the power tool industry, the upgrading of lithium battery technology has always been the key driving force for the industry's progress. It not only enhances product performance but also profoundly influences the market landscape, outlining a broad prospect for the industry's future development.
From the perspective of technological upgrading, lithium batteries for power tools have made remarkable progress in multiple key fields in recent years. In terms of material innovation, the cathode materials are constantly evolving towards high-nickel ternary systems, while the anode adopts silicon-carbon composite optimization technology. For instance, the lithium battery developed by CATL for power tools, through the application of high-nickel ternary cathode materials and silicon-carbon anodes, has enhanced the specific capacity of the battery, thereby providing more lasting power for power tools. In terms of battery structure design, the all-tab technology has become a major highlight. The M18 Forge series of batteries launched by Milwaukee adopts full TAB technology, significantly enhancing charging efficiency and battery lifespan. The M18 Forge 12Ah battery doubles the operating time compared to the XC406 (XC6.0) battery and can be fully charged in just 65 minutes. Bosch's ProCore18V + 8.0Ah battery features 21700 cells and a TAB design, optimizing the current transmission path and extending the operating time by 71%. It can be charged from an empty cell to 50% within 15 minutes. These technological innovations have made the performance of power tools more outstanding during use, meeting users' demands for efficient and long-lasting operations.
In terms of the market, the penetration rate of lithium batteries in the power tool industry has been continuously rising. In 2024, the global shipment volume of lithium battery-powered power tools accounted for as high as 93.4% of all cordless power tools. The growth in the shipment volume of lithium battery-powered power tools has driven the global shipment volume of lithium batteries for power tools to increase by 25.4% year-on-year, reaching 2.63 billion units, with the overall market size reaching 13.07 billion yuan. In terms of battery models, 18650-2.0Ah and 18650-2.5Ah have dominated the mid-to-low-end power tool market due to their advantages such as mature technology, controllable cost and stable performance, with a combined market share as high as 74.5%. The 21700-4.0Ah battery, due to its higher energy density, is gradually being applied to high-end and high-power power tool products, representing the future development direction of power tool batteries.
With the continuous changes in market demand, the power tool industry has also put forward higher requirements for lithium batteries. In addition to pursuing higher energy density, faster charging and discharging speeds, and longer cycle life, intelligent battery management systems will also become standard equipment. By real-time monitoring of battery status, it realizes functions such as precise power display, overcharge and overdischarge protection, and fault early warning, extending battery life and enhancing user experience. Meanwhile, with the enhancement of environmental awareness, the green and environmentally friendly features of lithium batteries will also receive more attention. From the selection of raw materials to the control of the production process, and then to the recycling and utilization of batteries, the entire industrial chain will develop in a more environmentally friendly direction.
Looking ahead, with the continuous progress in related fields such as materials science and electrochemical technology, lithium batteries for power tools are expected to achieve greater breakthroughs in performance. For instance, if solid-state battery technology can be commercially applied in the field of power tools, it will greatly enhance battery safety and energy density, making power tools last longer and have stronger power. In terms of market competition, domestic and foreign battery manufacturers and power tool manufacturers will continuously increase their investment in research and development, launch more high-performance and differentiated products to meet the needs of different user groups. Market competition will become more intense, and at the same time, it will also promote the overall improvement of the industry level and bring more high-quality power tool products to users.
