October 22, 2009
Ken Walker

Bosch Litheon batteries utilize Lithium-ion to create a powerful, light, enduring battery capable of yielding more power for a longer time than most any other battery.

In the context of power tools, that usually means you can do things faster and for a longer period of time.

Bosch litheon batteries are lighter, which means less fatigue carrying your tools around.

There are, however, some disadvantages with lithium-ion batteries.

While lithium-ion batteries don't self-discharge quickly, their life-cycle is fairly poor.

Every time you recharge the battery, deposits form that inhibit transportation of the lithium ion.  That means the cells can hold less, over time (the more you charge).

What that gives you is a new, fully charged battery will last longer than an older, fully charged battery.

Lithium-ion batteries also develop an internal resistance that makes it harder to flow voltage.  It's more noticeable over time and with high-draw devices like power tools or cars.  To combat this, manufacturers use several smaller cells in parallel, as opposed to one large cell.

Another very important factor is that these batteries cannot handle being mistreated.  If they are over charged, they can explode.  If they are drained too low, they will be rendered irreversibly dead.

To keep Bosch Litheon batteries from being drained and destroyed, a circuit is installed that shuts the battery down when it reaches a certain voltage.  That way you can't drain it too low.

You should also be careful attempting to charge Lithium-ion batteries below 0 degrees C.

The good news is, in typical usage, Bosch Litheon batteries will give you more power, for longer, and will last a good long while.

Charging to full capacity for Bosch Litheon batteries is about 3 to 5 hours.  This is a normal charge.

Lithiom-ion batteries CAN be charged to 70% power in an hour, however Bosch Litheon batteries can be charged with a Bosch quick charger that will charge to 100% power in an hour.  It will also charge to 80% in 30 minutes which will keep you drilling, cutting, or sawing.