Short answer: volts (V) describe how much power a battery platform can deliver, so a 20V tool is stronger than a 12V one. Amp-hours (Ah) describe the battery’s capacity: a 4.0Ah battery runs about twice as long as a 2.0Ah battery on the same tool. The charger’s amps (A) decide how fast the battery recharges.
Volts (V): power level
| Voltage | What it is good for |
|---|---|
| 12V | Light screwdriving, furniture assembly, small jobs |
| 20V | The all-rounder for drills, grinders, blowers and saws |
| 40–42V | Heavy-duty work: big grinders, rotary hammers, high-torque drills |
You may also see "20V Max" and "18V" for similar batteries. 20V is the peak voltage of a fresh battery; 18V is the nominal working voltage. They describe the same class of battery.
Amp-hours (Ah): how long it runs
| Battery | Relative runtime | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0Ah | 1× (baseline) | Light jobs, lighter tool |
| 4.0Ah | About 2× | Everyday use |
| 5.0–6.0Ah | About 2.5–3× | Grinders, saws, long sessions |
| 8.0Ah | About 4× | High-demand tools, all-day work |
A handy way to compare batteries is watt-hours (Wh) = volts × amp-hours. For example, 20V × 4.0Ah = 80Wh, while 20V × 2.0Ah = 40Wh. Bigger batteries are heavier, so for overhead work a 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah battery is often more comfortable.
Lithium-Ion Battery Pack 20V 4.0Ah - TOTALView product →
Lithium-Ion Battery Pack 20V 5.0Ah - TOTALView product →
Lithium-Ion Battery Pack 20V 8.0Ah - TOTALView product →
Charger amps (A): how fast it charges
A rough estimate is charging time ≈ battery Ah ÷ charger A, plus a little extra. A 4.0Ah battery takes roughly 2 hours on a 2A charger and about 1 hour on a 4A fast charger. Dual chargers can charge two batteries at once.
Battery Charger 20V 4A 220-240V~50/60Hz - TOTALView product →
Battery Charger 20V 4A+4A 220-240V~50/60Hz - TOTALView product →
Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger Kit 20V 4A 4.0Ah - TOTALView product →
Can I mix batteries between tools and brands?
Within the same brand and voltage platform, batteries are generally shared, so one TOTAL 20V battery can power many TOTAL 20V tools. That is why "Tool Only" versions are great value once you own a battery. Batteries from different brands, for example JADEVER and TOTAL, should not be assumed to fit each other. If you use JADEVER tools, choose JADEVER batteries such as the Lithium-Ion Battery Pack 20V 4.0Ah - JADEVER.
Tips to make batteries last longer
- Store batteries indoors, away from direct sun and car dashboards, especially in summer.
- Don’t leave them completely empty for long periods; recharge after use.
- Let a hot battery cool down before charging it.
- Use the charger designed for your battery platform.
Shop batteries, chargers and cordless tools in Cordless Power Tools.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 4.0Ah battery more powerful than a 2.0Ah battery?
It gives the same voltage, so the tool feels similar, but it runs about twice as long. Higher-capacity batteries can also help demanding tools keep performing under load.
Can I use a 5.0Ah battery in a tool that came with a 2.0Ah battery?
Yes, if it is the same brand and voltage platform. The tool will simply run longer between charges.
Why does my battery die faster in summer?
Heat is the enemy of lithium-ion batteries. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or in direct sun, and let them cool before charging.
