Usually not as long as the stock battery. Most drill batteries are 18V (“20V MAX” packs are 18V) with 2-5Ah, which holds less energy than a stock 12V Power Wheels battery, and the higher voltage also makes the car draw more power. On a 12V car, expect shorter rides than stock. Two identical packs in parallel roughly double the run time.
Did you know you can use power tools batteries in Power Wheels? In this post, we will discuss using drill batteries in Power Wheels, and how long the batteries will last, among other related topics.
Stick with us through the end and learn how best to use drill batteries in Power Wheels.
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Can You Use Drill Batteries in Power Wheels?
A 12V Power Wheels can run on an 18V drill battery with an adapter, but it’s a higher-voltage mod: the car goes about 50% faster, and the stock motors, gears and wiring run hotter. Never use one on a 6V car.
Before you try it, know what the extra voltage does to your car (see our drill battery conversion steps). Some adapters have a built-in step-down converter that keeps the car at 12V: that protects the parts, but it adds no speed.
Either way, put a fuse on the red (+) wire at the adapter, since taking out the Power Wheels battery removes its built-in thermal fuse.
Alternatively, you could switch to a motor that is suitable for the increased voltage. Due to the high likelihood of parts and wiring needing replacement, this may not be the best course of action if you lack competence with electrical repair.
How long do Drill Batteries Last in Power Wheels?
How long a drill battery will last in Power Wheels will depend on the voltage rating of the toy, how often it is used, and the terrain on which it is used, among other factors.
Generally, if used in 12-volt Power Wheels, a drill battery won’t last as long as the normal Power Wheels battery. Why? A stock 12V Power Wheels battery is about 9.5Ah or more, over 100 watt-hours, while common 18V tool packs are 2-5Ah, about 36-90 watt-hours.
The higher voltage also makes the car draw more power, so run time drops further. Bigger packs help, since more amp hours means more run time.
Keep in mind there are different amp values in a battery. Think of it as the more amps the more the battery can store and the longer it will run. If you have an option it’s great to get really high amps to run for a long time.
Alternatively, you can get two of a decent amount of amps that way, you can swap them out when the battery dies, and make sure to give it 5 minutes to cool down first (battery and wiring) so you don’t burn out your vehicle.
Never use a drill battery in a 6-volt Power Wheels. An 18V pack is three times the voltage its motors and gearboxes were built for, and they fail fast.
In any case, a drill battery only belongs on a 12V car, with a fuse on the + wire at the adapter, and you should stop riding when the car slows down so the pack isn’t drained too far.
Can I Use Drill Batteries in 24-Volt Power Wheels?
A single 18V drill battery won’t give a 24-volt Power Wheels its full power. Two identical 12V packs in series make 24V, but never put two 18V packs in series: that’s 36V, far beyond what a 24V car’s parts and wiring are built for.
Don’t go past 24V on a kids’ ride-on. Standard blade fuses are only rated to 32V, and 36V machines like Razor’s dirt bikes and karts are purpose-built, with metal drivetrains and real brakes.
Two 12V packs in series need an adapter for each, a fuse on the + wire, and their own tool chargers.
Is it Safe to Use Drill Batteries in Power Wheels?
Using drill batteries in Power Wheels is safe as long as you use them correctly and make the required adjustments where necessary. Also, if possible, avoid using a single battery, say in a 24-volt toy, because then there won’t be enough voltage to run the toy at full speed for a decent amount of time.
Here is a full article that shows you how to do a drill battery conversion safely in detail.
How to Charge Drill Batteries in Power Wheels
Charging drill batteries used in Power Wheels is easy. Just like Power Wheels batteries, drill batteries come with specific chargers that will charge drill batteries of the same voltage.
Just connect the charger to the drill battery by sliding the battery into the charger area and plugging it into a wall socket. The battery will start charging.
The charging time is anywhere between 8 hours to 14 hours, depending on the voltage rating of the battery and the model.
Will Drill Batteries Fit Power Wheels?
On 12V cars, yes, with an adapter for your tool brand that plugs into the car’s battery connector. Drill packs are smaller and lighter than lead-acid batteries, so they fit easily; just strap the adapter down.
However, there may be some slight modifications required to make the battery fit into certain types of cars due to different designs by various manufacturers; but this does not affect charging or usage at all though most times adjusting a few screws does the trick.
Usually, you will not have any issues at all as drill batteries are smaller and lighter than the regular lead-based batteries. This helps give the vehicle more speed as well since there is less to push.
Tips for Using Drill Batteries in Power Wheels
Always match the pack to the car: an 18V drill battery on a 12V car only. Never use one on a 6V car, and never put two 18V packs in series.
Don’t mix and match different voltage batteries; it will damage or destroy some parts, including both batteries used, if they are not compatible with each other, though their voltages may be similar.
Most people will see a speed increase when using a drill battery so these make for perfect Power Wheels upgrades, especially if you have one or two you are no longer using.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use, charge and maintain drill batteries. This way, you will avoid any problems that the battery may cause on your Power Wheels.
Though they are easy to use, don’t forget that maintaining Power Wheels is very important. For your safety and the long life of your toy, always ensure you follow all maintenance guidelines when charging or running a drill battery in any electric-powered ride-on toy.
Be sure to check on the battery status before starting your ride. This will help you avoid any surprises mid-ride, especially if you do not have a second regular Power Wheels battery on standby that can immediately replace the drill batteries when they are low or run out of charge.
Final Thoughts
How long drill batteries will last in Power Wheels is dependent on a number of factors, including the battery voltage. On a 12V car, most drill packs run shorter than the stock battery, and they should never be used on a 6-volt Power Wheels.
Caution has to be taken when using drill batteries in Power Wheels to avoid damaging the toy’s electrical components. If the voltage is higher you may need to upgrade the motor and upgrade the gearbox to handle it.
Kevinsmak
Power Wheels dad. Writing RC Ride On Cars since the start.
Hello! I'm Kevinsmak; I have been a content producer of RC Ride On Cars since the start of this site. I have always enjoyed Power Wheels with my family. My two boys love them, and seeing this helps me make sure this website is very accurate for the safety and enjoyment of your family.
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