Goodbye to tangled cables: Battery power delivers maximum flexibility

“Germany is a nation of DIYers,” it is clear from the Einhell Do-It-Yourself Study 2023. It goes without saying that thoughts in this regard are also turning increasingly to what are the best tools for doing all the jobs around the house in the best possible way – and enjoying them. Battery-operated tools are coming into focus more and more, because alongside cordless freedom they offer a wealth of advantages that almost make the decision between battery and corded tools for you.

Batteries on the march

DIY and garden tools without a corded connection or petrol engine are enjoying a steady increase in popularity among DIY and gardening enthusiasts. That's not surprising, because cutting-edge battery technology is making them ever more powerful and longer-lasting in addition to their mobility. And that in turn means the tiresome search for the nearest socket, dangerous trip hazards caused by cables lying around, and even cutting through cables have long since become a thing of the past. Lithium-ion-based battery tools are now available in many different power classes: 3.6 V, the standard 18 V, 36 V and greater. The 18 V and 36 V battery classes have since established themselves as the best options for DIY and garden tools. There is a very clear trend towards battery systems, allowing a battery to be used in a range of equipment. This is also confirmed by a DIY study, commissioned by Einhell Germany AG and conducted by the Sinus Institute, which reveals that 70 percent or more of Germans would like to use one battery for multiple tools. Einhell is one of the leading suppliers of modern, battery-operated tools for the home, workshop and garden. The Einhell Power X-Change battery system, which already comprises more than 250 cordless DIY and garden tools, is the widest-ranging system for the ambitious DIYer and amateur gardener. All products of the Power X-Change platform can be operated with just one battery type (18 V).

Powerhouses with plenty of energy

The consistent refinement of battery technology, and the use of the very latest lithium-ion cells, mean that cordless tools now lack nothing in terms of power and performance compared with their corded counterparts. There are already intelligent solutions even for more power-intensive tools, with various manufacturers now simply working with two or more batteries that are connected in series to deliver the necessary power. “At Einhell we use what is known as twin-pack technology, in which the two 18 V Power X-Change batteries are connected in series and supply the power and voltage required for heavy-duty tools,” explains Elke Beekmann, Chief Tool Instructor at Einhell.

To keep track of the large range of equipment and batteries and find the right product or battery platform, it is important to consider the decisive performance criteria to suit your needs. When selecting the battery, the following parameters may be helpful:

“Ampere hours (Ah) represent the capacity or energy that a battery can store. The more ampere hours I have available, the longer I can work with the tool. To compare with a car, the capacity corresponds to the content of the tank, in other words the range”, says Elke Beekmann.

“Volt (V) stands for the battery's voltage. If we turn to our car comparison again, that would be the engine size, the cubic capacity. In principle, all manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries specify the voltage and the ampere hours,” Elke Beekmann continues.

“Amperes (A) represent the strength of the electric current. Multiplying by the voltage gives the wattage (W). Watt indicates the power of the battery, which can be compared with the horsepower of a car. This figure tells you how much power the particular tool can draw from the battery. At Einhell, the W specification for the battery is clearly defined by the design of the Power X-Change battery and its control,” Elke Beekmann concludes.

The benefits of modern battery technology

Mobility

Among the greatest benefits of battery tools is their mobility. Entirely independent of power sources or the length of a cable, they can be used flexibly wherever they are needed.

Power and performance

Thanks to the latest lithium-ion technology, battery tools of leading manufacturers lack nothing in terms of power and performance compared with their corded counterparts. With their greater convenience, cordless versions are now bringing buyers over to their side, particularly if a second battery and a fast charger are available.

Safety

Working with corded tools can also present a greater risk of accidents. Often a cable that is left lying or hanging around suddenly becomes a trip hazard or is even severed. Here too, cordless power has the edge, especially for jobs at greater height, on ladders or scaffolding.

Price/performance ratio

For many DIYers and gardening enthusiasts, price is a significant aspect when it comes to buying a new tool. It’s important, though, to focus on the price/performance ratio rather than the price alone. Battery-operated equipment can certainly be a little more expensive than corded machines, but manufacturers constantly offer promotional sets that include a second battery and a charger along with the DIY or garden tool. In the long term, then, opting for a cordless system in which the different tools are operated with a single battery type saves money. Where batteries and a charger are already available, the various tools can simply be purchased in the solo version – making them much cheaper. 

About Einhell Germany AG

Einhell is a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art tools and devices for the house and garden and will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. From its headquarters in Landau/Isar (Bavaria), the internationally successful company has continuously expanded its innovative rechargeable battery platform Power X-Change and is now the market leader in the area of cordless tools and garden devices. For many years Einhell has set new standards in terms of endurance, performance, and safety. Einhell customers appreciate the freedom of cordless operation for all their DIY projects, as well as the excellent value for money that Einhell products represent and the first-class customer service offered by the company.