Ryobi 40V Lithium Battery

Ryobi set of 40V lithium tools is powered by a long line of power fade-free Ryobi 40V batteries based on the lithium-ion chemistry.

As such, these energy-efficient batteries ensure almost gas-like performances while accepting charge rather well, allowing the users to recharge empty batteries quickly.

Having just a few of these batteries ensure powering of 75+ Ryobi cordless tools that are based on their 40V lithium batteries.

Published: August 16, 2022.

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Ryobi 40 Volt Lithium Batteries Features and Specifications

Ryobi offers 40V batteries in different sizes/capacities, with the most popular ranging from 2Ah to 12Ah - 2.0Ah, 2.6Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah, 7.5Ah, 8Ah, and 12Ah.

Of course, this list may change over time without prior notice.

The most popular batteries for cordless tools are 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, and 6.0Ah batteries - they offer the best combination of battery performance and battery runtime.

For people having larger, energy-hungry devices, 8.0Ah and 12.0Ah batteries combined with Ryobi 40V lithium batteries rapid chargers are highly recommended.

The list of Ryobi 40V tools is a long one, and it includes cordless drills, saws, lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, etc.

So, just having a few of these batteries, for example, a pair of 4.0Ah and a pair of 8.0Ah batteries, allows You to run both handheld tools, where the weight of the battery is important, and energy-hungry tools where the capacity of the battery is of the most importance (lawn mowers, power stations, etc.).

Also, any further purchase of Ryobi 40V tools is much cheaper since all You need is a tool only, without additional batteries and chargers.

Note: If You do need additional batteries, remember that they can be found at a great discount when being sold with cordless Ryobi tools. 

Ryobi 40V 2.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery

Ryobi 40V 2.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery features a nominal capacity of 2.0Ah, a nominal voltage of 36V, and a maximum voltage of 40V, hence the name. Also, the battery weighs ~2.03 pounds (~0.92 kg).

The battery is able to store 72Wh of energy and power a broad set of ultra-light handheld Ryobi 40V cordless tools.

The battery is also able to power larger Ryobi tools, but the runtime on a single battery charge may be too short for most tasks.

Like all other Ryobi 40V batteries, Ryobi 40V 2.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery also features a LED indicator of the remaining battery charge.

Since the battery doesn't suffer from the memory effect like older NiCd batteries, recharge the battery right after use, especially if the battery is discharged down to 100% DoD.

Note: Although Ryobi battery chargers monitor the parameters of the battery and will not recharge a too hot or too cold battery, it is good practice to let the battery cool down for 10-15 minutes right after use and right after charging. This prolongs the battery's operating time and may increase the number of charging/discharging cycles.

Ryobi 40V 2.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

For the best offers and prices, feel free to check the Ryobi 40V 2.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery Amazon link (link opens in the new window). 

Ryobi 40V 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery

Ryobi 40V 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery weighs ~3.08 pounds (~1.4 kg) and offers the best ratio between the weight, capacity, performance, and price. The battery is able to store 144 Wh of energy and to release it when required.

Ryobi 40V 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery is one of the most popular, if not the most popular Ryobi 40V Lithium battery, commonly used in both handheld tools, but also in energy-demanding tools and applications, especially where two batteries are required.

The battery also features a four LED battery remaining charge indicator, allowing the user to verify the remaining battery charge easily.

Ryobi 40V 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery is also designed to fit all Ryobi 40V tools and to be recharged using Ryobi rapid lithium battery chargers.

Ryobi 40V 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

For the best offers and prices, feel free to check the Ryobi 40V 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery Amazon link (link opens in the new window). 

Ryobi 40V 6.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery

Ryobi 40V 6.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery is one of the largest commonly used Ryobi 40V lithium batteries and is able to store 216 Wh of energy.

Note: Ryobi 8.0Ah and 12.0Ah lithium batteries are able to store even more energy, but they also cost more, and as such, they are not that common.

Ryobi 40V 6.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery weighs ~3.29 pounds (~1.5 kg) and is used in energy and power-demanding tools and appliances.

The battery also features a 3-year limited warranty.

For the best offers and prices, feel free to check the Ryobi 40V 6.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery Amazon link (link opens in the new window). 

Other Ryobi 40V Lithium-Ion Batteries

Ryobi manufactures other 40V lithium batteries, including 2.6Ah, 5.0Ah, 7.5Ah, 8.0Ah, and 12.0Ah batteries, but they are not as popular as 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, and 6.0Ah batteries.

Some of these batteries come as a part of the Ryobi cordless tool kit, or they can be ordered later from various online shops, including Amazon, Ryobi's official site, and others. 

Ryobi 40V Lithium Rapid Chargers

Ryobi 40V lithium rapid battery chargers feature 1-port, 2-ports, or 3-ports, while some of them even feature USB charging ports.

For users with several batteries, 2- or even 3-port battery chargers are recommended.

On average, it takes around 80 minutes for a rapid charger to fully recharge fully discharged Ryobi 40V 8.0Ah battery or 120 minutes to recharge Ryobi 40V 12.0Ah fully.

This allows users to cycle 2-3 batteries continuously, without interruptions during the work - this, of course, depends on the tool being used and the capacity of the used batteries. 

Ryobi 40V Lithium Batteries "Sleep Mode"

Ryobi 40V batteries and tools are some of the best buy batteries and tools on the market. However, even such tools and batteries have some issues.

One of the most annoying ones is the so-called "Sleep Mode," which basically means that the battery is too discharged and the battery charger can't charge it anymore because it can't detect the battery in the charger.

And since Ryobi 40V lithium battery chargers don't feature the so-called Boost Mode, at least not yet, there isn't a way for a user to recharge such a battery, at least not quickly and easily.

Note: In order to avoid battery "Sleep Mode", first of all, don't discharge the battery below 10-20% of the battery's nominal capacity. And as soon as the battery is cool enough, recharge it completely - Ryobi 40V lithium battery chargers monitor batteries' temperatures and start charging only when the battery temperature is within the required temperature range. So, when the battery reaches 10-20% capacity, recharge it.

However, when the battery is discharged down to 0% (or almost 0%) and when such a battery is NOT recharged immediately, the battery's voltage may drop below the charger's detection voltage.

When such a battery is placed into the charger, the charger will start showing flashing red and green lights, indicating battery issues.

So, how to solve the "Sleep Mode" issue?

There are two common ways of solving this issue, using the Ryobi 40V battery charger and using another fully charged Ryobi 40V battery.

Using Ryobi 40V Battery Charger

This is a fairly simple method but requires time: connect the charger to the power outlet, place the battery into the charger and just before red/green lights start flashing, remove the battery.

Repeat these steps for 15-30 minutes or until the charger recognizes the battery.

Why does this method work? Every time we place the battery into the charger, the charger sends a very small charge into the battery, charging the battery and increasing its voltage.

After enough charge is transferred to the battery, its voltage will rise enough for the charger to recognize it, after which the normal charging process continues.

While this method requires time, it is the recommended one.

Using Another Fully Charged Ryobi 40V Battery

This is a much faster way of "waking up" the battery - take another fully charged Ryobi 40V battery, connect matching terminals (positive to positive, negative to negative) and leave them for a few minutes.

This allows the charged, healthy battery to transfer some of its charge into the battery, which is in "Sleep Mode," increasing its voltage above the charger's voltage detection threshold, after which the normal charging process may start.

Note: this is not recommended method since we don't have any control over charging current or anything. Also, this can be done using a DC power source with suitable voltage or using a 40V lithium battery of another brand. Again, this is not recommended method, but it may work. Also, You may render the battery's warranty void and maybe even cause some damage or injuries ... Whatever You do, stay safe... 

Ryobi 40V Batteries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions about Ryobi 40V batteries and cordless tools in general:

How long do the Ryobi 40V batteries last?

Ryobi 40V batteries come with a 3-year limited warranty, which is a very good warranty.

However, how long lithium batteries will last depends entirely on how they are used, charged, stored, and similar.

The batteries will last longer:

• if the batteries are not discharged down to 100% DoD every single time,
• if they are kept in a cool (not freezing!) area when not in use,
• if they cool down after each use (and before charging) and after each charging (and before the next use),
• if they are not discharged with extra strong currents (tool dependent), etc.

As one can see, there are many "ifs" here ...

What batteries work with Ryobi 40V tools?

Ryobi 40V lithium batteries are compatible with Ryobi 40V tools - although they are fully compatible, too small batteries may be discharged too fast in energy-hungry tools and devices, limiting their runtime on the single battery charge and "probably" shortening the batteries' lifetime.

How long should a Ryobi 40V battery last in a leaf blower?

This depends on the leaf blower speed and the battery's capacity.

How to charge the Ryobi 40V battery?

Ryobi 40V lithium batteries should be charged using Ryobi lithium battery rapid 40V chargers.

How do you fix a Ryobi 40V battery that won't charge?

If the battery was fully discharged and left discharged for a longer period of time, the battery has probably entered the so-called "Sleep Mode" and must be either slowly charged using a lithium battery charger or quickly charged using another fully recharged battery.

After raising its voltage above the lithium battery voltage threshold, the charging continues as usual.

Is there a way to reset a Ryobi 40V battery?

Ryobi 40V battery must be "reset" if it is in Sleep Mode - recharge it slowly using a battery charger or faster using another fully charged battery.

How to charge Ryobi 40V battery without a charger?

Ryobi 40V batteries should be recharged using ONLY Ryobi 40V lithium battery chargers.

Do Dewalt batteries fit Ryobi tools?

Generally, DeWalt batteries do not fit Ryobi tools and vice versa without modifications.

However, using battery-to-tool adapters, one may use a battery of one brand on the cordless tool of another brand if the batteries have the same voltage, are able to provide enough current, and are able to fit the tool properly.

However, this is not recommended for many reasons, rendering the battery's and tool's warranty void being only of them.

Note: Never, but really never try to charge a battery from one brand with a battery charger from another brand - it may work, but it may also cause the battery to overheat and even burst into flames. 

Few Final Words

Ryobi 40V batteries are used to power a broad range of Ryobi's 40V cordless tools using just several batteries, making future tool purchases very affordable.

Depending on your tools, feel free to choose the batteries between 2.0Ah and 12.0Ah and combine them with rapid chargers.

Also, even if You do have enough batteries, if You happen to find a tool with a battery on sale, go for it - one never knows when an additional battery can come in handy ...