Replacement battery for Bosch 12V (type BAT043 / BAT120 / 2 607 335 262)

This is the classic 12 volt plug-in battery (also called "pod style" or "lump battery") for older Bosch power tools. The original batteries were mostly nickel-cadmium (NiCd) cells with low capacity (1.2 Ah to 1.7 Ah) and the notorious memory effect.

Today's replacement batteries almost exclusively use the modern NiMH technology (nickel-metal hydride). These are not only more environmentally friendly (no toxic cadmium), but also offer a significantly higher capacity (up to 3,300 mAh), which often gives your old cordless screwdriver twice as much runtime as when new.

Highlights at a glance

• 100% Compatible: Replaces all common Bosch 12V plug-in batteries with the part numbers BAT043, BAT045, BAT046, BAT049, BAT120, BAT139 as well as the number 2 607 335 262.
• NiMH technology (upgrade): In contrast to the old NiCd batteries, these NiMH batteries have no memory effect. You can recharge the battery any time without losing capacity.
• Enormous power reserve: While old original batteries often only had 1.5 Ah, high-quality replicas today offer 3.0 Ah (3000 mAh) or more. That means you can work much longer before you need the charger again.
• Fit: Features the typical red or black push buttons on the sides for release and latches cleanly into the pistol grip of the machine.
• Universally applicable: Fits both the blue series (commercial/professional) as well as the green series (DIY) from Bosch, as long as they use 12V and the plug-in system.

Compatible machines (excerpt)

This battery gives new life to a wide range of classics:

• Bosch Blue (Professional): GSR 12 VE-2, GSB 12 VE-2, GLI 12, GSR 12-1, GSR 12-2.
• Bosch Green (DIY): PSR 12, PSR 12VE-2, PSR 1200, PSR 12-2.
• Other: Often also fits similar devices from Würth or Skil (please compare visually).

Features

FAQs about the Bosch 12V replacement battery

Can I charge NiMH batteries in my old charger?

In most cases, yes. The common Bosch chargers from this period (e.g. AL 60 DV, AL 12 FC or AL 15 FC) can charge both NiCd and NiMH. Caution is only advised with very old, very simple "plug-in power supplies" or cheap chargers. If your charger has "NiMH" on the type plate or has intelligent cut-off, it is safe. If the battery is extremely hot after charging, the charger may not switch off in time.

My old battery was NiCd, the new one is NiMH. Is that OK?

Yes, this is the best upgrade you can make. The machine (the motor) doesn't care about the chemistry, only the voltage (12V). NiMH is more powerful and more robust against capacity loss from incorrect charging.

Is this battery also available as Li-Ion (lithium-ion)?

Yes and no. There are occasional adapter solutions or modifications, but no direct 12V Li-Ion plug-in batteries that you can just plug into the old NiCd charger. The Li-Ion charging electronics are completely different. Stick with NiMH – it's safe, affordable and proven for these devices.

Does the battery fit in the new 12V (10.8V) devices?

No. The current Bosch 12V (Professional) devices use small, flat batteries that disappear in the handle ("stick battery"). The BAT043 described here is a large block that hangs from the bottom of the handle ("lump battery"). The systems are not compatible.