Battery compatibility/cordless drill

[D_o_S]

Hi guys,

as some of you know, I'm located in mainland Europe... and electric tools are very expensive over here (most often 2x US price, if not more)...

I'm looking for a decent cordless drill... I do NOT want a DeWalt, don't like the company, the name, or their color scheme...

I chose a Bosch 36V Litheon drill (haven't bought it yet, still deciding), the thing is, batteries here cost $500... I found them in the USA for like ~$150... my question is, are they compatible? I noticed some differences between the Euro-Version (which is called GSR 36 V-Li or GSB 36 V-Li for those that care to look) and the US version... Its not just the sticker, but the front face of the battery seems different too...

Which brings me to my next point... say I can't get the Bosch because the batteries are not compatible (or at least we are uncertain of it)... what would you recommend, Milwaukee 18V or Makita 18V?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Danglerb]

Something to look into is if the USA batteries have TUV approval. They should work fine, but never make it through customs. Also look at Panasonic, which appears to be the same as some Milwaukee units.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Wow, I thought we had things rough. What country do you live in? Why are batteries so costly over there? What is TUV?
I would call Bosch and ask them about the compatability issue.

 

[Danglerb]

TUV is "like" UL Underwriters Laboratories, except in the European Union they are REAL sticky about approval, and Li batteries might be pesky items.

 

[D_o_S]

Wow, I thought we had things rough. What country do you live in? Why are batteries so costly over there? What is TUV?
I would call Bosch and ask them about the compatability issue.

I'm in the Czech republic, right next to Germany.

I have no idea why stuff is so costly here, but the general rule is Czech price > 2x US Price (after conversion).

 

[Danglerb]

Part of price is that USA has a very efficient distribution system. Seems odd, but many German Porsche owners can find new Porsche parts cheaper in the USA even with shipping and customs than buying the part locally where it was made.