Dewalt is revamping their line of 20V Max XR cordless power tools and batteries.
Most of the changes will impact Dewalt’s 20V Max cordless power tool batteries, although there will be some changes to tool classifications as well.
These changes are coinciding with the launch of the new Dewalt PowerPack battery, which features higher-performing tabless Li-ion cells.
XR will now encompass Dewalt’s best performing batteries and power tools.
This is similar to how their XR branding was used in the past, but they are redrawing the line with respect to XR batteries.
Historically, “XR” branding was given to Dewalt’s higher capacity 20V Max batteries. Their 1.3Ah, 1.5Ah, and 3Ah batteries were “standard,” and their 2Ah, 4Ah, 5Ah batteries were XR. This goes back more than 10 years, where “XR” meant extended runtime.
When Dewalt launched higher capacity and higher power 20V Max batteries, such as 8Ah, those too were given XR branding.
In recent years, Dewalt launched PowerStack batteries with pouch cells, and they are now launching a PowerPack battery that can deliver high power and capacity.
Dewalt’s XR batteries now include the two sizes of PowerStack batteries – plus the oil-resistant models – and the new PowerPack battery, but not older batteries with “standard cylindrical cells.”
Essentially, XR no longer means “extended runtime,” and is now used to denote power delivery potential, at least relative to standard Dewalt batteries.
As I understand it, the Dewalt 20V Max XR PowerStack 5Ah and PowerPack 8Ah batteries will enable certain power tools – such as the new DCD1007 3-speed hammer drill – to deliver their top performance.
Thus, for specific XR power tools, you’ll need one of the higher capacity XR batteries to achieve maximum performance.
XR batteries will feature a yellow-grey color scheme, along with a black overmolded base. Oil-resistant XR batteries have a different appearance.
Basically, the older 5Ah and 8Ah batteries will be “standard” batteries, and the same is true for all other higher and lower Dewalt 20V Max capacity batteries that utilize similar Li-ion cell technologies.
At this time, Dewalt 15-cell Flexvolt batteries don’t have XR branding, but they do have color differentiators for separating their 6Ah battery from their higher-powered 9Ah and 12Ah batteries. It’s unclear as to whether a hypothetical FlexVolt 12Ah battery will receive XR or PowerStack branding.
Cosmetic Updates to Non-XR Batteries
Dewalt is overhauling the appearances of their non-XR batteries. As you can see, Dewalt 20V Max batteries that lost their XR status will no longer feature XR branding.
As far as we can tell, the differences are only cosmetic.
Dewalt has updated the looks of their entire line of 20V Max batteries, including their 21700-based 8Ah and 10Ah batteries.
Dewalt updated some of their battery pack housings over the years, and at different times.
All of the 20V Max non-XR batteries look to have similar aesthetics, with improved consistency from 4Ah to 10Ah.
Dewalt’s 3Ah battery received an updated look late last year.
We have not seen any recent changes to Dewalt FlexVolt batteries.
20V Max FlexVolt Advantage and Power Detect are Disappearing
On the cordless power tool side of things, Dewalt 20V Max FlexVolt Advantage and Power Detect tools will be rebranded as XR.
New XR tools will include the DCS590 cordless circular saw, Dewalt’s most powerful yet, DCS384 cordless reciprocating saw, their fastest saw of its kind, and DCG410 cordless angle grinder.
As with the DCD1007 XR hammer drill, it is reasonable to expect that all of the new XR tools are compatible with all Dewalt 20V Max batteries, and that users can experience the best performance when pairing them with an XR battery.
This is similar to how Dewalt 20V Max FlexVolt Advantage and Power Detect tools worked.
Judging from preorder listings and product images, the new 20V Max XR cordless power tool additions will be kitted with PowerStack or PowerPack batteries.
Summary
All Dewalt 20V Max batteries will lose their XR branding, except for PowerStack and PowerPack batteries.
The PowerStack batteries (compact 1.7Ah and 5Ah with pouch cells) and PowerPack (8Ah with tabless cells) are capable of delivering higher power, depending on the tool and application.
Dewalt 20V Max FlexVolt Advantage and Power Detect product families will be absorbed into the XR cordless power tool line. Thus select XR tools will be capable of benefiting from the greater power delivery potential of XR batteries.
Questions?
I know this is a bit confusing – please let me know if you have any questions!
