With the new BP 18 TBX 4 and BP 18 TBX 8 Tabless battery packs, Festool is taking the performance of its 18-volt platform to a new level from April 2026.

The innovative Tabless cell technology delivers noticeably more power, longer runtimes and significantly shorter charging times – a real power upgrade for all

applications, from heavy-duty sawing to fine sanding. The new battery packs completely replace the previous Li-HighPower 4.0 Ah and 8.0 Ah packs and are compatible with all Festool 18V machines as usual.

Figuratively speaking, the energy flow has been moved from a country road to a multi-lane motorway," explains Volker Kaupp, Product Manager at Festool. While conventional lithium-ion battery cells conduct electricity via individual tabs per pole, tabless cells have numerous parallel contact points. This reduces internal resistance, avoids hot spots, makes energy flow more efficient and reduces heat generation.

• More power for demanding applications

• Significantly longer runtimes

• Shorter charging cycles due to lower heat generation

• Less ageing and therefore longer service life

• Excellent performance at high and low temperatures

The advantage of Tabless technology is particularly evident in energy-intensive machines. Because Tabless cells heat up significantly less than conventional cells, even under continuous load, they can utilise their full capacity without premature shutdown.

Internal measurements prove:

• up to 43 per cent longer runtime when sanding with the cordless sander,

• 31 per cent more metres cut in 22 mm OSB with the cordless plunge saw,

• up to 68 per cent more screw connections (e.g. 10×300 mm) and

• 49 per cent shorter charging cycles in combination with the SCA 16 quick charger.

The charging process can start immediately – waiting times due to cooling down are largely eliminated.

The more extreme the application, the more obvious the advantage of tabless technology. For machines with moderate energy requirements, the runtime remains

stable – for energy-hungry devices, on the other hand, it increases by up to 100 per cent in some cases.

Two batteries and one goal: maximum performance TBX 4 – compact, lightweight, powerful: the right battery for long working days and precise applications where low weight counts – without compromising on performance. TBX 8 – maximum runtime & performance: Perfect for energy-hungry heavy-duty saws or angle grinders in continuous operation. In combination with the SCA 16, the TBX 8 shows its full charging time potential: the charging time is significantly reduced to just 25 minutes.

"With the new TBX 4, we offer full power with low weight – noticeable on the wrist. And those who need maximum power and endurance can opt for the TBX 8: more metres, more cuts, fewer charging breaks," says Kaupp.

All Festool 18V chargers can still be used; the SCA 16 achieves the fastest charging times. Familiar features such as interfaces, Bluetooth® functionality and the robust rubber coating remain unchanged. The new "TBX" imprint makes the tabless technology recognisable at a glance. Despite the clear technological advantage, the same price applies for more power.

Whether drilling, screwing, sawing, sanding, milling, planing or vacuuming – Tabless cell technology acts as a power upgrade for the entire Festool 18V portfolio. Professionals benefit from high and reliable performance – even in cold winter weather or hot summer conditions. "Tabless cell technology is a quantum leap in battery technology. It results in significantly less heat generation, more power, longer runtimes and shorter charging times," emphasises Kaupp. 

A detailed TechTalk with Festool's development department and users is available on the Festool blog. An overview of 18V battery and charger compatibility can be found at festool.co.uk/18v