The New Battery Alliance
Kärcher and STIHL launch groundbreaking battery alliance
Winnenden/Waiblingen, 2 July 2026. Two drivers of innovation, one vision: Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG and ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG have announced the launch of their joint battery alliance. The aim of this strategic partnership is to offer professional users a common, high-performance and future-proof battery standard. At the heart of the alliance is the ALLPRO battery system developed by STIHL, which will be used in the professional equipment of both brands in future.
“Professional users need more than just high-performance tools. They need systems that cover a wide range of tasks, reduce complexity and ensure their investment pays off in the long term,” says Michael Traub, Chairman of the Executive Board of STIHL AG. “This is exactly where ALLPRO comes in. The partnership with Kärcher expands the scope of our battery system to include further professional applications, thereby creating added value in our customers’ day-to-day work.”
“STIHL and Kärcher are two family-owned businesses whose success has always been based on innovative strength and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Through the synergy between our equipment, we are creating far more than just a technical solution: we are consistently driving forward the electrification of professional applications, thereby securing a decisive competitive advantage for our customers,” says Hartmut Jenner, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chairman of the Board of Management of Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG.
This partnership brings tangible benefits to professional users: they profit from a system that combines maximum performance with a high degree of flexibility, as they will in future be able to use the same high-performance batteries and chargers for both their Kärcher cleaning equipment and their STIHL power tools. STIHL customers can rest assured of full compatibility with the existing AP system. A particularly attractive feature is that existing AP batteries can also be used to their full potential with the new Kärcher battery-powered devices. For Kärcher customers, ALLPRO is an entirely new platform. However, Kärcher continues to guarantee full service, spare parts and battery availability for existing devices from the previous Battery Universe. The result is a working environment for professionals in which they can cover the entire spectrum of daily landscaping, forestry and cleaning tasks with just one battery system – a significant advantage in terms of efficiency, logistics and cost-effectiveness, and a technological milestone in the respective sectors. The new batteries will be available from STIHL specialist retailers from 1 August 2026. Kärcher will launch the new batteries and the new tools on 1 January 2027.
Both companies are committed to delivering the highest level of technical expertise, proven reliability and solutions that make day-to-day professional work more efficient and straightforward. In addition to these two long-established companies, numerous other partners – including those specialising in forestry winches, equipment carriers and mobile refuelling systems – will be incorporating the ALLPRO battery system into their equipment. This means that users in the forestry and landscaping sectors, the construction industry, facility management and even aid organisations have access to a range of more than 120 devices, all powered by the same battery packs. A sophisticated and reliable charging and energy management system rounds off the offering.
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Frequently asked questions
Why are STIHL and Kärcher forming a battery alliance?
Why are STIHL and Kärcher forming a battery alliance?
The Battery Alliance is a technological cooperation between STIHL and Kärcher. It brings together cutting-edge battery and charging technology with strong global partners to deliver high-performance solutions for professional users. The goal is to set new industry standards while enabling professionals to work more efficiently and with maximum performance across applications. At the same time, the shared battery system expands the range of compatible equipment, giving customers access to a broader variety of applications.
What is the core objective of the battery alliance?
What is the core objective of the battery alliance?
Professionals aim to work with as few battery platforms as possible while covering as many applications as possible in order to optimize investment and operating costs. At the same time, they need high performing products in order to work efficiently and effectively. The battery alliance is therefore a key element of our cooperation partner ecosystem, enabling STIHL to continuously expand our ALLPRO battery platform. Kärcher adds professional cleaning applications to the ALLPRO ecosystem, while STIHL contributes the ALLPRO 40V MAX battery and charging technology, along with the complete STIHL ALLPRO product range. This collaboration significantly expands the platform reach and increases battery and charger utilization.
Will additional partners join the alliance in the future?
Will additional partners join the alliance in the future?
The ALLPRO alliance will continue to evolve in line with professional user needs and market requirements. Expanding the partner network is therefore a integral part of its development.
Which target groups are addressed (professional or private user)?
Which target groups are addressed (professional or private user)?
The primary focus is clearly on the professional segment: • Designed for daily, intensive use in demanding environments • Strong relevance for professional users across multiple categories At the same time, ALLPRO products are also highly attractive for: • Ambitious private users who seek professional-grade performance and reliability
What specific market challenges does the alliance solve?
What specific market challenges does the alliance solve?
The Battery Alliance addresses core pain points professionals face today: • Fragmentation of battery systems → one high-performance ecosystem across multiple brands • Performance limitations of battery tools → cutting-edge technology delivering true professional power • System complexity (multiple chargers, batteries, platforms) → streamlined workflows
What is tabless cell technology and what benefits does it provide?
What is tabless cell technology and what benefits does it provide?
The benefits of the ALLPRO batteries with Tabless technology are remarkable, especially for Pro users: 1. Best Power-to-Weight Ratio in class (up to 72 V) 2. Fast Charging (80 % in 9 minutes (EU)) 3. Double the Life Cycle (compared to AP 300 S).
How fast is charging under real-world conditions?
How fast is charging under real-world conditions?
All ALLPRO Performance batteries (AP 100.0 P, AP 200.0 P, AP 300.0 P, AP 300.0 P C) charge to 80 % in 9 minutes and to 100 % in 20 minutes — using the AL 1802 MO at 25–40°C. For the AP 20.1 it is 25/40 min (80 %/100 %) and AP 30.1: 30/45 min.
How realistic are the claimed 3,000 charge cycles?
How realistic are the claimed 3,000 charge cycles?
STIHL makes sure that the battery remains usable after 3,000 cycles but a correlation with the remaining capacity is not possible. This depends not only on the number of cycles but also strongly on factors such as application and storage conditions.
Which applications benefit most (e.g. chainsaws, pressure washers, vacuums)?
Which applications benefit most (e.g. chainsaws, pressure washers, vacuums)?
For example the AP 100.0 P is highly beneficial when using HSA applications and lightweight tools. For AP 200.0 P: go-to battery for most machines (e.g. MSA 260 with power-to-weight ratio comparable to a professional gasoline machine). AP 300.0 P: intensive blowing and cutting applications with maximum runtime and power.
Do STIHL batteries deliver the same performance in Kärcher devices?
Do STIHL batteries deliver the same performance in Kärcher devices?
Yes they do, depending on the power needed.
Are there any performance losses when using batteries across brands (cross-use)?
Are there any performance losses when using batteries across brands (cross-use)?
There is no performance loss.
Are ALLPRO batteries with Connected features also available for Kärcher devices, and can these devices be integrated into my fleet?
Are ALLPRO batteries with Connected features also available for Kärcher devices, and can these devices be integrated into my fleet?
Kärcher, like STIHL, will offer the AP 300 P C with Connected functionality, and it will be manageable via the STIHL Connected app.
Will there be a unified charging system?
Will there be a unified charging system?
ALLPRO-System are based on a unified charging infrastructure which has multiple chargers, including the AL 101, AL 301, AL 501, and AL 1802 MO.
Are there risks when using batteries across brands?
Are there risks when using batteries across brands?
No.
How is misuse or incompatible pairing prevented?
How is misuse or incompatible pairing prevented?
The construction of the battery/battery housing prevents a misuse.
Which ALLPRO battery variants will be available (AP 100 / 200 / 300 etc.)?
Which ALLPRO battery variants will be available (AP 100 / 200 / 300 etc.)?
AP 20.1 AP 30.1 AP 100.0 P AP 200.0 P AP 300.0 P / AP 300.0 PC
How will the product portfolio evolve over time?
How will the product portfolio evolve over time?
We are working on expanding applications and adding further partners to offer the broadest possible portfolio. Both the product portfolio of ALLPRO products and the range of devices for using the ALLPRO system are continuously being expanded and optimized. New partners will also be added to broaden the range of applications.
What are the key benefits of the alliance for customers?
What are the key benefits of the alliance for customers?
The alliance provides a cross-brand battery system, allowing users to operate multiple tools from different manufacturers with a single battery platform. This increases flexibility, reduces equipment complexity, and improves overall efficiency in daily operations.
Will customers need fewer batteries and chargers?
Will customers need fewer batteries and chargers?
Yes, customers can reduce the number of batteries and chargers needed. Thanks to cross-compatibility, fewer units are required to cover the same range of applications.
How does the system simplify daily workflows?
How does the system simplify daily workflows?
The system streamlines workflows by reducing the need to switch between different battery platforms. Users can seamlessly operate multiple tools with the same batteries, reducing downtime, planning effort, and logistical complexity.
How significant is time saving due to fast charging?
How significant is time saving due to fast charging?
Time savings are significant. With the AL 1802 MO charger, ALLPRO Performance Series batteries can be charged to 80% in just 9 minutes. This enables professionals to minimize interruptions and complete a full day’s work with fewer batteries.
How will service, warranty, and support work across brands?
How will service, warranty, and support work across brands?
The seller of the affected product is the responsible contact. Each company handles warranty claims for the products it sells.