Clones vs. Champions:
Why you should avoid replica batteries
Batteries: Originals vs. imitations
Why is it so important to use original Einhell batteries?
More and more frequently we are receiving messages from customers who have purchased what are claimed to be Power X-Change batteries online, but find that these do not work optimally with our Power X-Change tools. We also receive frequent reports of batteries that are advertised as "compatible with Power X-Change" or "spare battery". However, these are not Original Einhell batteries, but replica batteries from other manufacturers, which pose some dangers!
Dangers of Replica Batteries
Replica or fake batteries can often be cheaper and promise the same or even better performance than Original Einhell batteries. However, the cheaper price often brings with it a lack of quality and safety. At Einhell, we spare no expense or effort to produce powerful, safe, and high-quality lithium-ion batteries and to continuously improve them. We offer this quality at an exceptional price-performance ratio. With counterfeit batteries, one can assume that, in order to keep the price lower, corners are cut in terms of quality and safety components, and that the stated performance often does not correspond to the reality. Even the actual battery cells are usually inferior and do not provide as much power as an Original Einhell Power X-Change battery. Although Einhell employs the strictest controls to ensure compliance with quality standards, this is not the case with such poor-quality imitations, which can pose the following risks, among others:
Risk of fire or explosion
Damage to tools and equipment
Damage to battery and charger
Risk of injury (e.g. from overheating)
Not sure if you bought an imitation battery?
No problem! Just use the form below to check your battery's serial number and find out if you have an original Power X-Change battery or if you still need to get one. If it is an imitation battery, we also have a solution for you.
This checklist gives you some pointers to help you identify our Power X-Change batteries.
- Recognisable, original Power X-Change logo
- Recognisable, original Einhell logo
- Shipped in original Einhell packaging
- References on packaging and lasered type plate: Part number, identification number, iSC GmbH in 94405 Landau
What can happen if I use a replica battery?
The counterfeits offered on the internet as Power X-Change batteries may fit into the receptacles of Einhell cordless tools, but the use of imitation batteries carries certain risks, such as the risk of damage to the device and charger. At the same time, all benefits that Einhell offers customers who purchase an original battery will no longer apply. As soon as a counterfeit battery is inserted into a Einhell Power X-Change device and used, the following services will cease to apply:
Invalidation of warranty
At Einhell, we can guarantee that our original Einhell Power X-Change batteries and tools meet the highest standards of safety while delivering optimal performance. If a newly purchased Einhell tool or an Original Einhell battery is registered online, the warranty will be extended to 3 years. However, if an imitation battery is used with a Einhell tool, the warranty on the tool will be invalidated. This applies to tools, garden equipment and chargers.
Loss of eligibility for service
In the event of a warranty or service claim, we are here for you. You can reach us at any time via email, or by phone during our business hours. We can help you with repairs, product returns, or return shipments under warranty. During the warranty period, these services are even free of charge. However, if damage has occurred as a result of using a replica battery, you can no longer use our services for this cordless device free of charge.
Loss of performance
Original Power X-Change batteries are designed for optimal performance when used with the corresponding Einhell cordless tools. Integrated safety mechanisms disconnect the battery and switch off the tool if a problem is detected. Most replicas are not equipped with such intelligent systems. For example, the battery may not be disconnected in case of overheating. In the long term, this causes the performance of the battery and the tool to suffer, and, in the worst case, can even damage them.
What to do if you have purchased a counterfeit battery?
The vast range of offers on the Internet often makes it difficult to tell whether it is an original Power X-Change battery or an imitation. In many cases, you only realise that it is not a genuine Einhell battery after it has been delivered. Perhaps the packaging is not right or the serial number and part number cannot be found in our system. In this case, you have two options:
- Check right of return:
Many well-known online shops and payment services offer special buyer protection. This assures the buyer that if the product is incorrect or faulty, they will be able to return it and will also be reimbursed any costs incurred. As well as buyer protection, there is also the possibility of free returns without having to give a reason. In each case, you can check with the respective online retailer how the return process works and what conditions must be met. - Dispose of the battery safely:
If it is not possible to return the product, the only option is to safely dispose of the imitation battery. Generally, distributors of lithium-ion batteries must also take them back and then recycle or dispose of them (German Battery Act, BattG § 5). If this is not the case, for example, if the merchant is based outside Germany, then old Li-ion batteries can be disposed of at specialist electrical retailers, collection points and recycling centres. Many supermarkets can also accept such batteries.
In some cases, the contacts of these imitation batteries have melted as they cannot handle a high enough load. If these batteries continue to be exposed to excessive power, there is a risk of fire.
Our ABS* protects Original Einhell batteries from overheating, among other things. It is physically supported by heat sinks. Silicone also protects against moisture.
Battery clones often specify incorrect capacities. For example they might promise 5 Ah, although in reality it is 4 Ah (2 x 2,000 mAh).
*Active Battery Management System