HiKOKI is the brand name adopted after KKR acquired Hitachi’s power tool division (HiKOKI says the Hitachi brand was used during the transition). Its MULTI VOLT packs give 36V output from a pack the same size as an 18-volt battery, and HiKOKI says all its 18-volt machines can run on them.
This guide covers the Multi Volt batteries, their chargers and backward compatibility with 18V tools, with examples of HiKOKI tools.
How Multi Volt Works
HiKOKI’s MULTI VOLT packs work in both its 18V and 36V tools: HiKOKI says it realised 36V output power with the same size as an 18-volt battery pack, and that all 18-volt machines can be operated with Multi Volt packs.
This approach offers a significant advantage on job sites where you might need both compact 18V impact drivers and powerful 36V rotary hammers. One set of batteries covers both applications, reducing the total weight and cost of your battery arsenal compared to systems where 18V and 36V batteries are separate platforms entirely.
TL;DR Compatibility Rules
- Multi Volt batteries work in HiKOKI 36V tools and, HiKOKI says, in all its 18-volt machines; its catalogue says they are compatible with existing Hitachi 18V tools.
- 18V-only batteries (for example the BSL1850C) work in HiKOKI 18V slide tools; HiKOKI says new 36-volt machines cannot be used with existing 18-volt packs.
- We found no HiKOKI statement about other brands’ tools; HiKOKI lists only its own tools and chargers for Multi Volt packs.
- Chargers: HiKOKI lists the UC18YDL2, UC18YDL, UC18YTSL, UC18YSL3, UC18YFSL, UC18YML2, UC18YKSL and UC36YSL as applicable chargers for the BSL36A18X and BSL36B18X.
- HiKOKI and Hitachi: HiKOKI is the brand name used after KKR acquired Hitachi’s power tool division, and HiKOKI’s catalogue says Multi Volt batteries are compatible with existing Hitachi 18V tools.
Multi Volt Battery Models
This guide covers two HiKOKI Multi Volt packs, the BSL36A18X and BSL36B18X. HiKOKI lists the same applicable chargers for both; the difference is capacity and weight.
| Battery Model | 18V Capacity | 36V Capacity | Cell Type | Weight | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSL36A18X | 5.0Ah | 2.5Ah | Not stated by HiKOKI | 0.74 kg (HiKOKI UK) | Applicable chargers include the UC18YSL3, UC18YTSL and UC18YFSL |
| BSL36B18X | 8.0Ah | 4.0Ah | Not stated by HiKOKI | 1.02 kg (HiKOKI UK) | Same applicable chargers; larger capacity |
Recommended Batteries
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Backward Compatibility — Important Rules
HiKOKI’s one-way backward compatibility is crucial to understand.
Multi Volt batteries → older 18V tools: YES. HiKOKI says all 18-volt machines can be operated with the Multi Volt packs, and its catalogue says the batteries are compatible with existing Hitachi 18V tools.
18V batteries → Multi Volt 36V tools: NO. HiKOKI says new 36-volt machines cannot be used with existing 18-volt packs.
Compatible Tools by Category
HiKOKI manufactures a comprehensive range of professional-grade 18V and 36V cordless tools. All Multi Volt tools are listed below by category, grouped by voltage platform. The 18V platform is suitable for compact drilling, fastening, and light demolition. The 36V platform is for heavier work — large-diameter drilling, high-torque fastening, demolition, and extended saws.
Drills & Drivers (18V)
| Tool Type | Model | Voltage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Drill | DV18DJSL | 18V | General drilling and fastening. Two-speed transmission. |
| Compact Impact Driver | TL18DJSL | 18V | Fastening in confined spaces. Ultra-compact body. |
| Driver Drill | DS18DJ | 18V | Lightweight drilling. Single-speed fixed head. |
Rotary Hammers (18V & 36V)
| Tool Type | Model | Voltage | Bore Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotary Hammer | DH18DSAL | 18V | SDS-Plus | Light demolition, masonry drilling. Handheld overhead work. |
| Rotary Hammer | DH36DSAL | 36V | SDS-Plus | Medium-duty demolition and drilling. Higher sustained power than 18V. |
| Rotary Hammer | DH36DPSL | 36V | SDS-Max | Heavy demolition work. Large-diameter boring in concrete and masonry. |
Circular Saws (18V & 36V)
| Tool Type | Model | Voltage | Blade Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circular Saw | C18DSL | 18V | 165 mm | Rip and crosscut in timber. Lightweight for overhead and repetitive cuts. |
| Circular Saw | C36DSAL | 36V | 190 mm | Professional-grade cutting in thick timber and engineered boards. Sustained power for all-day ripping. |
Reciprocating Saws (18V & 36V)
| Tool Type | Model | Voltage | Stroke Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reciprocating Saw | CR18DSL | 18V | 28 mm | General-purpose cutting — wood, metal, plastic. Lightweight one-handed use. |
| Reciprocating Saw | CR36DSAL | 36V | 32 mm | Heavy-duty demolition and cutting. Longer stroke for aggressive material removal. |
Jigsaws (18V)
| Model | Voltage | Stroke Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJ18DJSQR | 18V | 10 mm | Curved and scroll cutting in timber and sheet materials. Pendulum action for aggressive ripping. |
Angle Grinders (18V & 36V)
| Tool Type | Model | Voltage | Disc Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angle Grinder | G18DSAL | 18V | 100 mm | Light grinding, cutting, and polishing. One-handed overhead work. |
| Angle Grinder | G36DSAL | 36V | 125 mm | Heavy-duty cutting and grinding. Steel fabrication and structural work. |
Impact Wrenches (36V)
| Model | Voltage | Socket Size | Max Torque | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WH36DH | 36V | 1/2″ | 200 Nm | Fastening large bolts on vehicles and structural steel. High sustained torque. |
Garden & Outdoor (18V)
| Tool Type | Model | Voltage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hedge Trimmer | CH18DJSL | 18V | Hedge and shrub trimming. Lightweight for extended overhead work. |
| Leaf Blower | RB18DJSL | 18V | Yard clearing and dust management on site. Low noise, zero emissions. |
Charger Compatibility
HiKOKI lists these applicable chargers for the BSL36A18X and BSL36B18X: UC18YDL2, UC18YDL, UC18YTSL, UC18YSL3, UC18YFSL, UC18YML2, UC18YKSL and UC36YSL. Two examples:
| Charger Model | Type | Charge Time (BSL36A18) | Charge Time (BSL36B18) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UC18YSL3 | Charger | 32 minutes | 52 minutes | HiKOKI manual: charge at -10 to 40°C ambient |
| UC18YTSL | Four-port (HiKOKI manual) | 32 minutes | 52 minutes | Manual example: four packs charged in 152 minutes in total |
HiKOKI’s UC18YSL3 manual says the battery can be recharged at 0–50°C, and to charge at an ambient temperature of -10–40°C, with 20–25°C most suitable.
Hitachi to HiKOKI — Brand Transition
HiKOKI’s FAQ says that when KKR acquired Hitachi’s power tool division, the Hitachi brand was used during the transition, and HiKOKI is the new brand name. Its catalogue says Multi Volt batteries are compatible with existing Hitachi 18V tools.
Where to Buy HiKOKI Batteries
You can find the full range of HiKOKI batteries, tools, and chargers on Amazon UK:
Buy HiKOKI Multi Volt Batteries on Amazon
Buy HiKOKI Multi Volt Tools on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Do HiKOKI Multi Volt batteries work in old Hitachi 18V tools?
Yes. HiKOKI says all 18-volt machines can be operated with the Multi Volt packs, and its catalogue says the batteries are compatible with existing Hitachi 18V tools.
Can I use old 18V batteries in Multi Volt 36V tools?
No. HiKOKI says new 36-volt machines cannot be used with existing 18-volt packs.
What is the difference between the BSL36A18 and BSL36B18?
Capacity and weight. HiKOKI UK lists the BSL36A18X at 5.0Ah (18V) / 2.5Ah (36V) and 0.74 kg, and the BSL36B18X at 8.0Ah (18V) / 4.0Ah (36V) and 1.02 kg.
Is HiKOKI the same as Hitachi?
HiKOKI’s FAQ says that when KKR acquired Hitachi’s power tool division, the Hitachi brand was used during the transition, and HiKOKI is the new brand name. Its catalogue says Multi Volt batteries are compatible with existing Hitachi 18V tools.
Are HiKOKI batteries compatible with other brands?
We have no HiKOKI statement about other brands’ tools. HiKOKI lists only its own tools and chargers for Multi Volt packs, so treat them as HiKOKI-only.
How does Multi Volt automatic voltage switching work?
HiKOKI says it realised 36V output power in a pack the same size as an 18-volt battery. The pages we checked do not describe how the pack is wired internally.