LITHIUM-ION BATTERY TECHNOLOGY

In contrast, NiCd batteries have a memory effect. This is the name given to the loss in capacity that occurs as a result of very frequent partial discharging of a nickel cadmium battery. The battery seems to remember the energy requirement, and over time it provides only the amount of energy required for previous discharge cycles instead of providing the original amount of energy. This ultimately results in a reduction of the usable capacity of the battery.

Nickel metal hydride batteries are less affected by memory effect than NiCd batteries, but they are sensitive to overcharging and deep discharge. The effect of this, however, is essentially the same as memory effect: the battery capacity is significantly reduced.

When applying Li-Ion technology in its power tools, Bosch for example uses two additional technologies that both protect the battery and also enable very fast and gentle charging. ECP (Electronic Cell Protection) protects the battery against overload and overheating. 

The special Hyper Charge technology for Li-Ion batteries protects the cells against overcharging. Due to the gentle rapid charging process, the batteries are charged to 75% after only half of the charge time.

Together these two technologies ensure up to 400% longer lifetime for the Bosch lithium-ion batteries and provide permanently high battery capacities, which leads to an optimum runtime of the cordless power tool.