In Partnership with Greenworks
Greenworks is looking to shake up the power tool industry with their new 24V Pro lineup by delivering professional-grade performance and quality at surprisingly low prices. Designing the tools to achieve that goal is only part of the equation, though. The power source is the other.
In this article, I’m taking a deeper dive into Greenworks’ battery design and technology. Along the way, we’ll explore its advantages and compare it to other popular battery systems so you can see how it stacks up.
Is 24V Really Better Than 20V?
Greenworks claims its PowerAll 24V batteries deliver 20% more power and 35% more runtime than 20V systems, but is that just marketing hype?
To find out, let’s take a closer look at how the packs are built and what that means for the tools they power.
20V vs 24V Batteries
A 20V battery is built with sets of 5 lithium cells that use series connections. Each one of those cells contributes 4.0 volts to the pack. 5 cells x 4.0 volts = 20 volts.
Greenworks 24V batteries use sets of 6 lithium cells instead of 5. The extra cell is what boosts it to 24 volts (6 cells x 4.0 volts = 24 volts). More importantly, it offers very real performance enhancements.
At a basic level, a 6-cell battery system has 20% more cells than a 5-cell battery system. In other words, there’s 20% more energy stored in a 24V battery. That’s why Greenworks can accurately claim there’s 20% more power available.
But Greenworks also claims up to 35% more runtime. How do you get that if there’s only 20% more energy? The answer is energy efficiency.
For comparison, think about the fuel economy of a car. According to the US Department of Energy, a typical midsize car at 55 MPH gets 45 Miles-Per-Gallon. At 75 MPH, that efficiency drops to 32 MPG. You’ll get to your destination faster, but you’ll have to use more fuel to get there. If the engine is working harder, it is working less efficiently.
It’s similar for power tool batteries. The more power you drive through a battery, the less efficient it becomes. By having just one extra cell in each row, Greenworks 24V batteries can last up to 35% longer, thanks to the efficiency boost of running lower current through the cells.
A Quick Note About 18V and 20V Batteries
18V and 20V battery systems actually have the same voltage. When an 18V battery is fully charged, it measures at 20V, which is why those systems are often labeled “20V max”. At its stable, or nominal, voltage, they measure 18 volts. So, when we compare 20V batteries, we’re also talking about 18V batteries.
READ
20V Max vs 18V: Setting the Record Straight
Opening Up the Throttle with Advanced Technology
Electrical resistance is also the key player in unlocking the benefits of advanced battery technology.
Think of electrical resistance as a restriction, kind of like pinching a hose. The lower the resistance, the easier it is for the water to flow. The same principle applies to energy in power tool batteries. If you lower the electrical resistance, energy flows more easily and efficiently.
One of the major sources of electrical resistance in a battery is where the lithium cell connects to the pack. Greenworks uses what’s known as “tabless” connection technology in its High Power batteries. Those tabless connections greatly reduce the electrical resistance so the energy can flow more easily.
Easier energy flow reduces the amount of heat that builds up in the pack, especially at high power levels. This allows Greenworks High Power batteries to safely handle more voltage and charge up to 35% faster than standard batteries. Since the energy transfer is more efficient, you also get additional runtime advantages on top of what the extra cell alone provides.
High Power batteries help you get the maximum performance from your Greenworks PowerAll 24V Pro power tools, with higher power and longer runtimes.
READ
Power Tool Tech: Pouch Cell vs Tabless Cell Batteries
More Than a Tool Battery
Smartphones, tablets, and laptops have become essential parts of the job for professional tradesmen. You might be taking client calls, checking emails, ordering supplies, or a host of other tasks throughout the day. To help you keep your tech charged, Greenworks PowerAll 24V batteries have a bi-directional USB-C port to charge the devices you need.
Beyond the jobsite, Greenworks 24V batteries power more than 200 cordless products. There are plenty of power tools, including the new Pro line that targets the needs of tradesmen. There are also lawn care tools, lights, speakers, and lifestyle products. Greenworks designed all of their 24V batteries to work in every Greenworks 24V product, so one battery system can cover all your cordless needs.
Ready to see how the Greenworks PowerAll 24V battery system fits into your life? Visit your local Walmart or shop online to have tools, batteries, and accessories delivered, with delivery times under an hour in some locations.
