Six key forces drove transformation: higher Wh/kg (freedom through power), unified tool platforms (Ryobi ONE+), brushless motors, pro cordless adoption, DIY democratization, and smart BMS/IoT integration.. Six key forces drove transformation: higher Wh/kg (freedom through power), unified tool platforms (Ryobi ONE+), brushless motors, pro cordless adoption, DIY democratization, and smart BMS/IoT integration.. Before lithium, tools were heavy, short-lived, and suffered from memory effects; Li-ion changed everything—tripling energy density and halving charge time between 2000–2025. Their widespread adoption is not coincidental; it reflects a range of benefits that these batteries offer, making them the preferred choice over older technologies like nickel-cadmium or lead-acid.
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