By now, you're probably well aware of DeWalt's Nano battery system. Given the spendy price of upgrading to Nano technology, you may have had some questions about the new system before investing in it (I know I would!).

Fortunately, our friends at DeWalt have shared a very comprehensive FAQ with us that answers over 30 questions about their biggest innovation in years. I've read it over and learned quite a bit more about the new technology, so it  should definitely be able to answer any question you may have about DeWalt Nano technology.  However, if the FAQ does not answer a question you have about Nano Technology, please feel free to email us and we'll pass it on to DeWalt. **Please keep in mind that this FAQ was prepared by DeWalt so any noticeable bias is coming directly from them.

Should you decide to upgrade, be sure and check out the selection of DeWalt Nano products @ ToolKing.com . They have the best prices on DeWalt products and stock almost every item DeWalt currently makes (except for DeWalt's line of shoes).  Plus, domestic ground shipping is free on orders over $99, which any Nano purchase surely qualifies for.

•  Power is the result of battery voltage + tool efficiency (motor, switch, transmission etc.).
• Runtime is the result of battery voltage + battery amp-hour + tool efficiency (motor, switch, transmission etc.).
• Chemistry determines the size and weight of the battery and it’s durability.  Chemistry does NOT impact power or runtime.

2.    Does that mean for a given voltage, a NiCd battery will deliver the same power as a lithium ion?
Yes, for example, an 18V NiCd battery has the potential to deliver the same power as a 18V lithium ion battery.  The battery chemistry will determine the size, weight and durability.
3.     Why does the NANO 18V drill have 425 UWO and the XRP 18V drill have 510 UWO?
XRP was specifically designed for users whose top priorities are power and run time, while NANO was designed for users whose priorities are ergonomics (size/weight) and performance. These differences in priorities allowed for tools designed with different motors, transmissions, etc.
4.     Does the 18V NANO battery have more runtime than the 18V XRP battery?
No.  The 18V NANO and 18V XRP batteries deliver the same runtime.  The advantages of 18V NANO are lighter weight and more recharges. If a user needs more power or runtime, 28V or 36V is a solution as increasing voltage delivers more power and runtime.
5.     Are all lithium ion batteries the same?
No.  There are over 100 formulas of lithium ion batteries and each one is very different.  The majority of formulas were developed for cell phones and laptops which are low power applications- very different from power tools.  DEWALT tools needed to deliver high power, long run-time and extreme durability to withstand the harsh job site environment. 
At DEWALT, we tested over 13,000 lithium ion cells.  Over the last decade, it became apparent that no “off the shelf” formula would meet our stringent requirements for power, runtime and durability.  We ultimately decided to develop our lithium ion solution from the ground up, specifically designed for power tools.
6.  What is the technology inside the DEWALT batteries with NANO^TM Technology?
To create the battery technology initially introduced in the 36V system, DEWALT partnered with A123Systems, a developer of a new generation of lithium ion batteries that incorporates nanoscale technology developed at and exclusively licensed from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  The DEWALT battery technology has a unique NANO-phosphate lithium ion design that offers a high Level of power, runtime and life compared to conventional lithium ion technology.  For example, the NANO-phosphate battery delivers 2,000 recharges (over 3x more life than any other formula of lithium ion we evaluated).  NANO-Phosphate is available in three voltages:

• The 36V battery delivers 2x power and 2-3x more run-time compared to 18V; however it weighs the same as a 18V NiCd battery. 
• The 28V battery delivers increased power and up to 50% more run-time compared to 18V; however it weighs the same as a 14.4V NiCd battery. 
• The 18V nano-phosphate batteries are smaller in size and 1 lbs lighter in weight than their NiCd or NiMH counterparts.  They are also backwards compatible with the existing DEWALT line of 40+ tools.

• Longer cycle life: 2,000 recharges which is 3x more than any other formula of lithium ion evaluated
• Constant performance over the life of the battery: No power loss with cycling or with state of charge
• Specifically designed for high power applications like power tools and HEVs.  Other chemistries were designed for low power applications like cell phones and laptops and then “tweaked” for power tools.

• Temperature:  The charger will suspend charging below 0ºC and above 50ºC.  This extends battery life.
• Problem powerline: If the charger is plugged into a generator, inverter etc. the charger will suspend operation if the line is too high or low.
• Bad Pack or Bad Charger:  The charger will communicate if the battery or charger needs to be replaced.
  In addition, the charger communicates with the battery during the charge cycle to optimize the charge. 

19.   How does service test if a NANO battery or charger is good?
As both the NANO battery and chargers have electronics with memory, every time the battery is inserted into the charger, they communicate with each other as to the health of the system.  A full diagnostics routine occurs as well- much more detailed than NiCd or NiMH.  Simply inserting the battery into the charger will read if the battery or charger is bad.  No additional equipment is needed.

• Battery A:  Charged 800 times.  Each cycle was used to drive 50 drywall screws and then recharged.  The battery was left one time for 4 hours in a trunk that reached 140F.
• Battery B:  Charged 200 times.  Each cycle the battery was fully drained by ripping sheets of plywood with a Circular saw.  Every day in the summer the battery was stored in a gang box.  The battery had a total of 50 hours at 130F.
  Battery A is actually much healthier than Battery B.  However, if you looked at the readout of the Milwaukee or Makita battery tester you would assume the opposite.  As these testers are very inaccurate, DEWALT decided to go with a different strategy.  DEWALT will repair or replace any battery due to normal wear and tear for 2 years.  The 2 year service contract is unique to DEWALT and a huge advantage over the competitors who only cover manufacturing defects.   There are no stipulations or qualifications based on usage or cycle count.

21.   Why isn’t the DEWALT charger equipped with air cooling? 
When a battery is hot, it becomes less efficient and both runtime and life decreases.  Air cooling a battery helps get rid of the heat prior to the next usage, however, it doesn’t fix why the battery becomes hot.  Since the NANO-phosphate batteries were designed from the ground up for power tool applications, particular attention was given to greatly reduce heat generation inside the battery.  The batteries run very cool- both in charge and discharge- eliminating the need for air cooling.  This results in the NANO-phosphate batteries delivering the highest Levels of robustness and durability.
22.  What is memory and do DEWALT batteries have it? 
Memory is created from repetitive light use in the exact same application (i.e. Cordless Phones, Video Cameras, Electric Shavers, etc.) Our products rarely see light use or the exact same loads, due to variability from the user, the bit size, as well as the material. The same variability which causes different runtimes, prevents our cells from developing memory.
23.   What is the self discharge rate a lithium ion battery?
Lithium ion batteries have a very low self-discharge rate and can be stored for several months with minimal capacity loss.
24. Does it hurt DEWALT batteries to leave them in the charger? 
No. All DEWALT chargers have an automatic tune-up mode which allows batteries to remain in the charger, maintaining a fully charged pack until the user is ready to work.
If NiCd batteries are stored outside of the charger, they will discharge naturally, 15-20% the first 24 hours, 7-10% the next day, and about 1% every day there after. NiCd batteries lose the bulk of the capacity when outside of the charger in the first 3 days. In fact, it is better for the battery to leave it in the charger to be sure it goes through Equalization and Maintenance Modes.
Nano-Phosphate Lithium Ion batteries have minimal self discharge.  However, it is still recommended to leave the battery in the charger to be sure it goes through Equalization and Maintenance Modes.
25.   Can DEWALT chargers be run off of a generator? 
Yes.  All DEWALT chargers, excluding the DW9106, have been designed to handle the variations in voltage and current delivered by Generators.  If the generator output goes too high or low, the DEWALT charger will suspend operation until the line comes back into range.  During this time, the charger will blink “Problem Powerline”.
26.   What should be done with batteries once they have gone bad? 
RECYCLE. All Rechargeable batteries should be recycled.  DEWALT is an active participant with RBRC (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation), the organization which is the international leader in the collection, transportation, and recycling of rechargeable batteries.  Old batteries should be disposed of at DEWALT Service Centers. For more information call 1-(800) 8-BATTERY or 1-(800) 8-228-8379.
27.  What is the warranty on NANO batteries? 

• 3 Year Limited Warranty:  DEWALT will repair, without charge, any defects due to faulty materials or workmanshipfor three years from the date of purchase.
• 2 Year Service Contract: DEWALT will maintain the battery and replace worn parts caused by normal use, for free, for two years from the date of purchase (with no qualifications on number of cycles).
• 90 Day Money Back Guarantee

• Cycle Life:  The nano-phosphate delivers 2,000 cycles vs. 500 on Makita.  Even though Makita has a slightly higher amp-hour, the DEWALT nano-phosphate delivers 2.5x more work:
• Tool System:  In 18V, DEWALT offers the largest system with over 40 tools.
• Warranty:  DEWALT offers a 2 year free service contract which covers wear and tear in addition to manufacturing defects.

• Cycle Life:  The nano-phosphate delivers 2,000 cycles vs. 400 on Milwaukee .  Even though Milwaukee has a slightly higher amp-hour, the DEWALT nano-phosphate delivers 2.5x more work:
• Tool System:  In 18V, DEWALT offers the largest system with over 40 tools.
• High Temperature Degradation:  The lithium manganese oxide formula that Milwaukee uses is very sensitive to high temperature storage.  Prolonged storage in truck boxes, trunks etc. will result in permanent capacity loss.
• Warranty:  DEWALT offers a 2 year free service contract which covers wear and tear in addition to manufacturing defects.

30.   When will more 18V NANO Combo Kits be available? 
Currently, work is underway to change all 18V units to the “short” foot design.  The short foot looks aesthetically better with both NANO and XRP batteries.  All 18V tools will be transitioning to the short foot, regardless of battery chemistry packed in the kit.
In Q2, additional NANO combo kits will be offered.  However, in the interim, the 18V NANO battery is compatible with the full DEWALT system of 40+ tools, making DEWALT the broadest 18V system on the market.

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