Cordless drills make our work faster, but nothing stops a job like a dead battery. As someone who’s spent years around power tools, I’ve learned that battery life¹ isn’t just about voltage—it’s about care, use, and expectations. Let’s unpack how long cordless drill batteries² truly last.

Most cordless drill batteries last between 2 to 5 years depending on usage, maintenance, and type. Lithium-ion batteries usually hold up longer than NiCd or NiMH. The more often you use and charge them correctly, the longer they serve you.

Battery life isn’t just a number—it’s a relationship. Treat your drill’s battery right, and it’ll return the favor. Let’s break down what affects it and how long different setups can realistically last.

How long do 18V batteries last?

When people ask this, they usually mean: “How many hours of work can I get?” Let’s clear that up with some numbers and real talk.

An 18V lithium-ion drill battery typically runs 30–60 minutes of continuous use per charge and can last 3–5 years overall, depending on workload and charging habits.

Back when I was testing 18V drills in the YOUWE workshop, I noticed something interesting—batteries didn’t fail suddenly; they faded like an old song. One day, the same screw that took two seconds started taking five. That’s your first clue.

Here’s how different factors play out:

What I’ve learned

• Don’t always drain to zero—it stresses the cells.
• Avoid charging right after a heavy session (heat kills battery health).
• Rotate batteries if you have two—keeps them balanced in use.

Over time, I started treating batteries less like fuel tanks and more like living tools—they age, and how we treat them matters.

What is the life expectancy of a cordless drill?

People often confuse battery life with tool life, but drills themselves have a lifespan too.

A cordless drill usually lasts 5–10 years with proper care. Heavy users might replace theirs after 3–5 years, while occasional users can stretch it well past a decade.

I’ve seen YOUWE drills still running after seven years in daily use—and I’ve seen others fail in two. The secret isn’t magic; it’s how you use them.

Here’s what makes the biggest difference:

My tip:

If your drill feels weak even with a fresh battery, don’t toss it yet. Sometimes the brushes (in brushed motors) just need replacing. It’s a small fix that can save you hundreds.

For professional users, it’s often smarter to replace after 4–5 years—not because it’s dead, but because newer models are lighter, more efficient, and compatible with improved batteries. You wouldn’t drive a 10-year-old truck on a racetrack, right? Same logic.

How long do drill batteries hold charge?

This one’s about storage, not usage. Say you fully charge your drill, set it aside, and come back after a week—how much juice is left?

Lithium-ion drill batteries can hold a charge for 12–18 months if stored properly. Older NiCd batteries may self-discharge within weeks. Temperature and storage conditions heavily affect this.

I’ve learned this the hard way during winter shipments—cold storage can drain a battery faster than you’d expect.

Here’s a breakdown of storage behavior:

How I store mine:

• Keep them around 20–25°C (68–77°F).
• Store half-charged (40–60%), not full or empty.
• Avoid metal shelves—short circuits are real.
• Charge every few months to keep cells alive.

If you’re sourcing tools for your brand, this matters even more. Long shipping times mean batteries could arrive half-drained—so always test and recharge before selling or using. It’s a small step that saves headaches later.

Conclusion

Cordless drill batteries, like people, have their rhythms—charge, rest, work, repeat. On average, expect 2–5 years of life if treated well. Use them regularly, store them smartly, and they’ll keep powering your work season after season.