In a move that’s sure to cause sparks in the power tool industry, DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency) has directed both the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to mandate that all power tool manufacturers in the United States adopt a single, universal battery platform. Even more stunning, DOGE has tapped Positec, the parent company of Worx, Rockwell Tools, and Kress, as the manufacturer to eliminate the current state of “battery chaos.”
The announcement came this morning via an X post titled “One Battery to Rule Them All.” The post outlined DOGE’s bold vision to streamline the power tool market while reducing waste. “We’re tired of seeing Americans juggling a dozen different battery chargers like they’re circus clowns,” said DOGE spokesperson Herah Mienta. “This is about simplicity, sustainability, and sticking it to inefficiency. Positec’s got the expertise, manufacturing, and distribution to make it happen.”
What the DOGE Mandate Means for Tool Manufacturers
Under the new mandate, all power tool manufacturers—including heavyweights like DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita—will be required to ditch their proprietary battery systems. Companies must adopt Positec’s existing 20V PowerShare platform by January 1, 2026. The DOE will oversee the transition, ensuring compliance with energy efficiency standards, while the EPA will enforce strict e-waste reduction protocols, citing the environmental havoc caused by discarded, incompatible batteries.
Positec was selected for its “innovative yet practical” battery design and its willingness to work with DOGE’s ambitious timeline. “We’re honored to be the top dog in this effort,” said Positec media spokesperson Lottie Voltari in a statement. “Our PowerShare system is already compatible across our brands, and now it’ll power the entire industry. It’s a win for consumers, a win for the planet, and a win for efficiency!”
Positec has also committed to developing 24V, 40V, 60V, and 80V solutions for the DOGE battery mandate. That way, every manufacturer can adapt their batteries without the need for multiple interfaces. It remains to be seen how those using internal verses external connection points will fare in this transition. DOGE has committed to allowing up to 16 months for the transformation of the entire industry’s battery interface systems. The transition will not affect or apply to EVs or heavy equipment solutions.
Mixed Reception Among Pros and Consumers
The decision has sparked a mixture of applause and outrage among tool enthusiasts and manufacturers alike. “I can use the same battery in my DeWalt drill as I do in my Milwaukee impact driver!” cheered DIYer Tony Letrick on X. “No more battery graveyard in my workshop—thank you, DOGE!” Meanwhile, rival manufacturers are less thrilled. A leaked memo from Milwaukee Tool called the mandate “a government overreach that drills right through free market principles.” Makita could not be reached for comment, but one anonymous employee vowed the company would fight the ruling.
DOGE insists the move is both practical and patriotic. “Imagine a world where your cordless saw, your neighbor’s hedge trimmer, and your contractor’s impact driver all run on the same battery,” Mienta mused. “That’s the American dream—unified, efficient, and powered by Positec.” The DOE chimed in, noting that standardizing batteries could cut energy consumption from redundant chargers by up to 15%, while the EPA hailed the reduction in battery waste as “a green leap forward.”
Battery Buy Back Program
To sweeten the power tool battery mandate deal, DOGE is offering a “Battery Buyback” program. This will let consumers trade in their old, incompatible batteries for a discount on Positec’s 20V PowerShare packs. The initiative, dubbed “No Watts Left” will launch nationwide at Home Depot and Lowe’s stores this summer. Ace Hardware, Menards, and Tractor Supply will follow in Q4. Elon Musk Tweeted a proposed plan to melt down unused batteries into commemorative DOGE coins—because why not?
Critics, however, see the mandate as a power grab wrapped in green packaging. “Forcing everyone to use Positec’s platform is like making all cars run on one brand of gas,” fumed industry analyst Marco Enojado. “It’s great for Positec’s bottom line, but what about innovation? What about choice?” Others speculate this is just the beginning, with rumors swirling that DOGE’s next move may be to reduce the nation’s gasoline octane options from the current ten to just three.
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