New advanced lithium 18-volt batteries from RIDGID are the company’s next generation of power-tool battery technology. Available in 2.0-Ah and 4.0-Ah, the updated batteries provide short-circuit, over-current and over-discharge protection, as well as cell balancing. The batteries work in temperature ranges from -29° F up to 158° F. Outside these temperatures, thermal protection shuts the battery down, while over-charge protection eliminates the trickle effect. Both batteries have a lifespan of 400-500 charges. The new advanced lithium battery charger is backwards-compatible with existing 18-volt batteries. Charge time is more than 50% quicker with the new batteries and chargers.