Milwaukee M18 HOTSHOT Jump Starter Capacitor-Powered & Cordless Cranking for Pros | 3841-20

Milwaukee Tool has officially expanded into the automotive power equipment category with the launch of the M18 HOTSHOT Jump Starter (3841-20) a first-of-its-kind solution within the M18 system. Known for its robust lineup of cordless tools, Milwaukee is now offering a professional-grade jump starter designed for maximum reliability, all-weather performance, and minimal user maintenance.

The HOTSHOT is tailored for professional mechanics, fleet technicians, and tradespeople who rely on consistent power in unpredictable conditions. It sets itself apart by eliminating one of the most common frustrations in the jump starter category: keeping the unit charged and ready to go.

Milwaukee Tool has expanded its M18 system with the launch of the M18 HOTSHOT Jump Starter, marking the company’s first entry into the automotive jump starter category. Designed for professional technicians and tradespeople, this new solution eliminates the most common issues found in traditional lithium-ion jump packs. Unlike models that require regular charging or battery maintenance, the HOTSHOT uses internal capacitors to become jump-ready in under 70 seconds when powered by any M18 battery. It delivers up to 2,000 peak amps, starts engines up to 8.1L (gas) and 3.0L (diesel), and performs reliably in a wide temperature range of -4°F to 122°F. With up to 70 jump starts per M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 battery, the HOTSHOT offers a low-maintenance, always-ready solution for job sites, service fleets, and demanding environments.

Beyond performance, the HOTSHOT includes features aimed at improving safety and usability, such as spark-proof clamps, reverse polarity protection, a digital voltage display, and an IP65-rated housing for resistance to dust and water. Milwaukee also prioritized durability with capacitors rated for up to 500,000 cycles, far outlasting internal battery-based models. With its focus on consistent performance, faster readiness, and full compatibility with existing M18 batteries, the HOTSHOT addresses long-standing user frustrations in the portable jump starter market.

The M18 HOTSHOT Jump Starter combines advanced functionality with ease of use, offering a range of features designed for performance and reliability. It becomes jump-ready in under 70 seconds when paired with any Milwaukee M18 battery and delivers up to 2,000 peak amps—capable of starting engines up to 8.1L (gas) and 3.0L (diesel). With an M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 battery (48-11-1850R), users can expect up to 70 jump starts per charge. Its maintenance-free capacitor system eliminates the need for internal battery charging or replacement, and it operates dependably in extreme temperatures from -4°F to 122°F. Safety features include spark-proof design, reverse polarity and overheat protection, and a digital voltage display for clear diagnostics. Additional highlights include an IP65-rated housing for water and dust resistance, a custom clamp design for improved terminal access, and Milwaukee’s 3-year limited warranty for added peace of mind.

How It Compares to Other Jump Starters

While this is the first entry into the jump starter space for Milwaukee, the HOTSHOT goes head-to-head with the top options already out there. Unlike traditional models that rely on internal batteries and gradually lose charge or require frequent maintenance, the HOTSHOT removes that hassle entirely with a capacitor-driven system. It’s always ready, fast to power up, and fully integrated into the M18 platform for a seamless user experience.

It is also one of the few options on the market specifically designed to perform at full power in sub-zero and high-heat environments without any degradation in function.

Many users want to know how quickly the M18 HOTSHOT Jump Starter becomes operational after inserting a battery, Milwaukee designed it to be jump-ready in less than 70 seconds, so there’s virtually no wait time. It’s also built for year-round use, performing reliably in extreme temperatures ranging from -4°F to 122°F, making it ideal for both winter and summer conditions. When it comes to engine capacity, the HOTSHOT is powerful enough to start gas engines up to 8.1 liters and diesel engines up to 3.0 liters, which covers most trucks, work vans, and service vehicles.

For safety, Milwaukee built in spark-proofing, reverse polarity protection, and overheat safeguards, so users can confidently connect the clamps without worrying about errors or accidents. Lastly, because it uses high-cycle internal capacitors instead of a traditional battery, no regular maintenance is required, and the system is engineered for long-term durability.

With its introduction of the M18 HOTSHOT Jump Starter, Milwaukee is offering a maintenance-free, M18-compatible option that eliminates the limitations of traditional jump packs. This tool brings greater reliability, faster operation, and expanded temperature tolerance to users who rely on dependable vehicle power—whether in the garage, on the road, or in the field.

As Milwaukee continues to grow its M18 platform, the HOTSHOT shows the brand’s commitment to solving real-world job site problems with purpose-built, professional-grade tools. Don’t hesitate to reach out at cs@ohiopowertool.com or 614-481-2111 with any questions, comments, or concerns, and be sure to follow us on all your favorite social media channels to stay in the know on all the latest announcements, deals, news, and more!