Lowe’s has announced a significant upgrade to its Kobalt 24V Max cordless power tool battery lineup with the introduction of tabless battery cells. The new Kobalt TXP batteries represent a major step forward in power tool battery technology and could change the way homeowners and professionals approach their cordless tool purchases.
What Are Tabless Batteries and Why Do They Matter
Tabless battery cells represent an engineering advancement over traditional tabbed lithium-ion cells used in older power tool batteries. The key difference lies in how the cells connect to the battery pack’s circuitry. Traditional tabbed cells use metal tabs for connections, while tabless designs eliminate this component for a more direct electrical pathway.
From a practical standpoint, tabless batteries can deliver longer runtime compared to older tabbed cells, particularly when used with heavy-duty tools or demanding applications. For lighter jobs like operating worklights, radios, or simple fastening tasks, the difference between tabless and traditional batteries is negligible. Think of it this way: the runtime advantage shows up when you push your tools hard, not when you’re using them casually.
Kobalt’s New TXP Battery Lineup
The new Kobalt TXP batteries are available in two capacities: 4Ah and 8Ah. According to Lowe’s specifications, the 4Ah model can generate up to 1200 watts of power and delivers the longest runtime of any Kobalt 24V battery to date. The 8Ah version doubles that output to 2400 watts, also claiming record runtime for the platform.
Both batteries include updated charge indicator lights, making it easier to monitor remaining power at a glance. Lowe’s also mentions that the tabless cells support faster charging capabilities, though specific details about new chargers or charging times have not yet been released.
Pricing for the new batteries sits at $99 for the 4Ah model and $159 for the 8Ah version. For context, Lowe’s previous Kobalt 24V Ultimate Output batteries are being clearanced at $35 and $79 respectively, which might appeal to budget-conscious shoppers, though those older models lack the tabless cell advantages.
The Timeline: Kobalt Playing Catch-Up
It’s worth noting that Ryobi introduced tabless batteries nearly three years ago, making Kobalt’s announcement a significant but late entry into this technology category. Ryobi’s Home Depot exclusive 18V batteries have already established the performance baseline for this technology segment, and the company has continued to advance its offerings with higher-capacity options launched earlier this year.
For shoppers who’ve been waiting for Lowe’s to upgrade its Kobalt platform, this launch finally brings competitive tabless technology to that retailer. However, it’s a reminder that Ryobi has maintained a technological lead in battery innovation across the cordless power tool market.
What This Means for Shoppers
If you’re a Kobalt user or considering entering the Kobalt 24V ecosystem, the TXP batteries offer genuine performance improvements for serious work. The combination of tabless cell technology and higher power output makes these batteries suitable for extended job sites and demanding applications where runtime directly impacts productivity.
However, if your cordless tool use involves occasional repairs, light assembly, or maintenance tasks, the performance jump may not justify the premium price compared to older Kobalt models still in clearance. The benefits of tabless technology become most apparent when you’re running tools continuously or tackling projects that demand extended use.
One remaining question is whether Lowe’s will introduce next-generation Kobalt cordless power tools specifically designed to leverage the higher power output capabilities of these new TXP batteries. Recent Kobalt tool releases have actually featured reduced performance specs at similar price points, so it remains unclear how the company plans to showcase these batteries’ full potential.
The Broader Battery Technology Race
The power tool battery market continues to evolve rapidly. Ryobi’s ongoing battery innovation and platform expansion demonstrate how seriously manufacturers are taking this technology. Other competitors, including Bosch with their 18V tabless offerings and specialty battery makers introducing USB-C charging capabilities, are pushing the entire industry forward.
For shoppers, this competitive landscape is positive. More manufacturers offering tabless battery technology means prices will eventually stabilize, and consumers get access to genuinely better products. Kobalt’s entry into tabless batteries, while overdue, adds another viable option for Lowe’s customers who prefer shopping at that retailer.
The new Kobalt TXP batteries are available now at Lowe’s. If you’re invested in the Kobalt 24V platform or considering a purchase, these represent the company’s most advanced battery offering to date.
