So the really big news (we have to keep secret until now) that was announced at the 2012 Milwaukee Media Event is the coming launch of a full line of M12 Fuel Tools in addition to new M12 & M18 RedLithium 2.0/4.0 batteries. We have never seen such a big leap forward for power tools in adding power and runtime while simultaneously reducing size and weight. In the demo tests you can see the results of combining the FUEL brushless motors with a new higher output battery, the numbers are incredibly impressive. In the picture above the competitors are in grey (including an 18V tool) and the M12 Fuel outperforms with both the regular size 2.0 and double sized XC4.0 M12 RedLithium batteries.
Is this just the beginning for 12V tools? Will 12V become the more popular cordless voltage with 18V as a secondary line? From the looks of things it is very possibly that is where we are headed, and sooner rather than later. Milwaukee it seems is really banking this idea it would seem with many of their latest professional tools such as the M12 Band Saw, M12 Cable Cutter, M12 PEX Tool, M12 Thermal Imager, etc all built on their 12V platform.
We are expecting to see many of these new tools out in time for this holiday season and at a price point that could make them very attractive for gift giving. Check out the Milwaukee Tool page of Ohio Power Tool as we get closer for more information on when these tools will be available for Pre-Sale. See the official Milwaukee Tool press release below.
MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Tool continues to revolutionize cordless power tools and expand the industry’s largest sub-compact battery system with the introduction of M12 FUEL™ – an exclusive line of extreme-performance cordless power tools within the M12™ System designed, engineered and built by Milwaukee® to take 12V to the next level of performance and durability.
The M12 FUEL™ line will include six unique drilling and fastening tools that all integrate Milwaukee’s exclusive POWERSTATE™ brushless motor, REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence and brand new REDLITHIUM™ 2.0 battery pack to deliver tools that will out run many compact 18V tools on the market today. M12 Fuel™ Drills will include a 2-Speed Screwdriver, Drill/Driver, and Hammer Drill/Driver. The M12 FUEL™ Impact offering will include a ¼” Hex Impact Driver, ¼” Square Impact Wrench, and 3/8” Square Impact Wrench.
The new POWERSTATE™ brushless motor works harder and lives longer than all leading competitors, while reducing noise and cooling more rapidly to deliver years of maintenance-free performance. Milwaukee POWERSTATE™ brushless motors convert energy into power and torque more efficiently resulting in superior application performance. REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence hardware and software is the world’s most advanced system of cordless power tool electronics that will maximize performance and protect the user’s investment. REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence is a best-in-class system that integrates full-circle communication between tool, battery and charger, and constantly monitors this internal network to maintain ideal conditions.
The new Milwaukee REDLITHIUM™ 2.0 batteries provide up to 2X more run-time, 20% more power and 2X more recharges than standard Lithium-Ion batteries. REDLITHIUM™ 2.0 also delivers best-in-class performance in extreme job-site conditions. With Milwaukee® durability built into each pack, the REDLITHIUM™ 2.0 battery operates cooler and performs in climates below 0°F/-18°C with fade free power.
