Milwaukee M18 High Output XC 8.0AH Battery Review

Milwaukee has realized some new battery packs! Today I’m looking over the new M18 High Output XC 8.0 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

• 8.0 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. At 8.0AH this is a big boy battery that’ll power those energy hogs like circular saws and bandsaws without having to be constantly changed.

That extra power does come with a price though (besides the $199 this battery is currently retailing for). Those extra amp hours means more cells, which means a bigger heavier battery. But, on the tools you’re likely to run this size battery on, that’s going to be a fair trade for the extra life - if it’s even noticeable. I care more how often I’m changing batteries in my circular saw over pushing a few more ounces.

And when you’re burning through that power, it’s just a button push away to know how much power you’ve got left. The intuitive four LED display will light up when you push the fuel gauge button and the red LEDs are bright enough to easily see even in full noon sun.

Just to make sure you’re getting the most performance from your tool, these batteries also feature Milwaukee’s REDLINK technology. Which is their battery-tool communication that optimizes performance between compatible tools (pretty much all the new ones) and batteries as well as prevents overloading.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re looking for a serious battery that can power those high demand tools, or give all day performance on some lower demand tools, you won’t go wrong picking up some M18 High Output XC 8.0AH Batteries.