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More about Hitachi's HXP Lithium Ion Batteries
August 01, 2004
Hitachi’s approach towards Lithium Ion technology takes advantage of the preferred 18V platform at the core of the cordless market. Hitachi’s line reduces the barrier to entry. HXP batteries are backwards compatible so those who already own and use Hitachi 18V DMR or DVF3 cordless drills can invest in Hitachi Lithium Ion tools and use the HXP battery in their new or older Hitachi models. This prevents users from having to purchase a whole new platform with unique voltages that are independent of anything else they own.
Hitachi’s approach towards Lithium Ion technology takes advantage of
the preferred 18V platform at the core of the cordless market. Hitachi’s
line reduces the barrier to entry. HXP batteries are backwards
compatible so those who already own and use Hitachi 18V DMR or DVF3
cordless drills can invest in Hitachi Lithium Ion tools and use the HXP
battery in their new or older Hitachi models. This prevents users from
having to purchase a whole new platform with unique voltages that are
independent of anything else they own.
A major benefit to
Hitachi’s HXP Lithium Ion battery technology is the significantly
improved length of overall life. HXP batteries have a life of
approximately 1300-1500 cycles (# of times a user can recharge) as
opposed to about 500 times for recharging NiMH or NiCd batteries.
Lasting 3x longer, HXP batteries do not have to be replaced as often
saving the user money. The run time or time between charges for Hitachi
HXP batteries is extended as well. The run time is determined by the Ah
(Amp Hour) of the battery, not the battery technology per se. Hitachi
HXP batteries are 3.0Ah, while many competitors fail to mention they are
only using 1.2Ah and 2.6Ah batteries. Because of the 3.0Ah rating,
Hitachi HXP batteries last longer between charges.
Another
advantage is weight. By using the HXP lithium ion battery to power a
tool, a user will feel as though they are working with a 12V, while
experiencing the power of an 18V. HXP battery technology reduces the
weight by approximately a pound per tool making it more manageable to
use all day with less fatigue- yet not sacrificing power by any means.
HXP
lithium ion batteries differ from traditional NiCd and NiMH in that
they maintain a steady level of power throughout the charge. With a
traditional battery, power begins to drain the moment the trigger is
pulled and continues to decline until it dies- which can be quite
noticeable to the user. HXP batteries maintain a relatively flat power
curve from the moment the trigger is pulled until they need to be
recharged- ensuring the user will tap the full power during use.
The
unique Universal charger from Hitachi will charge 7.2V up to 18V
lithium ion as well as NiCd and NiMH batteries for flexibility and
convenience. The proprietary technology in the Universal charger
provides HXP Lithium Ion batteries with overcharge/discharge protection
so the battery won’t overheat or lose power. Also, the Universal charger
does not suffer from memory effect- meaning the battery gets a full
charge each time.
Hitachi Technology
