Dewalt has quietly launched another 20V Max pouch-cell PowerStack battery, this time with 3.5Ah charge capacity.
This is their 3rd PowerStack cordless power tool battery, following in the footsteps of 1.7Ah and 5Ah batteries.
This is the 4th 20V Max XR series battery, following a recent revamp (see Guide to DeWALT XR Batteries).
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In addition to the this and the other PowerStack pouch cell batteries, the XR line of batteries also includes an 8Ah battery built with tabless 21700-sized cylindrical Li-ion cells.
Dewalt says that the new PowerStack 3.5Ah battery delivers 50% more power than their DCB205 5Ah battery (not in application), as well as a longer lifespan.
The new 3.5Ah battery is also more compact than the 5Ah battery, or rather both 5Ah batteries – the older-style battery equipped with 18650-sized cylindrical cells, and the newer PowerStack battery with pouch cells.
Pricing
- $169 each (DCBP320)
- $249 for 2 (DCBP320-2)
- $199 for the starter kit with battery and charger (DCBP320C)
At this time it is not yet clear whether any new or existing Dewalt 20V Max cordless power tools will be kitted with the new PowerStack battery.
Our go-to Dewalt retailers have the Dewalt DCB320 battery available for preorder.
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Discussion
With the PowerStack 3.5Ah battery being advertised as being more compact than the legacy 5Ah battery, perhaps it’ll be a better choice than the PowerStack 5Ah for applications that don’t require greater power.
It’s advertised as delivering 50% more power than the legacy 5Ah battery, and so it should be able to handle slightly greater performance demands.
Interestingly, this is the same claim made for the PowerStack 5Ah battery, suggesting that the PowerStack 3.5Ah and 5Ah batteries should be capable of delivering comparable power and performance levels.
The compact 1.7Ah battery is Dewalt’s smallest 20V Max battery, and the PowerStack 5Ah delivers more punch in a larger and heavier package. It seems that the 3.5Ah is designed as a balance between the two, delivering more power than legacy higher capacity batteries, but in a smaller size while compromising on runtime.
If you’re not sure which PowerStack or XR battery to select for a tool or application, this one seems to be right in the middle – 50% more power than the legacy 5Ah battery, with the same claim being made for the PowerStack 5Ah battery, and more compact size.
It’s not as compact as the 1.7Ah battery, and doesn’t have the runtime of the 5Ah battery.
Following are prices and cost per amp-hour of charge capacity calculations for all XR PowerStack and PowerPack batteries. Figures were taken from authorized Dewalt dealers at the time of this posting.
1.7Ah (DCBP034): $119 | $70 per amp-hour
1.7Ah 2-pack: $149 | $43.8 per amp-hour
3.5Ah (DCBP320): $169 | $48.3 per amp-hour
3.5Ah 2-pack: $249 | $35.6 per amp-hour
5Ah (DCBP520): $199 | $39.8 per amp-hour
5Ah 2-pack: $299 | $29.9 per amp-hour
8Ah (DCB2108): $219 | $27.4 per amp-hour
8Ah 2-pack: $329 | $20.6 per amp-hour
Big Richard
I will add that its battery kit code is “S”, so if you see a tool kit ending with S1 or S2, it is kitted with this 3.5Ah PowerStack. I haven’t seen any yet in North America, but abroad the DCF870 quiet impact will be kitted with it.
Robert
I’m confused about the statement “delivers 50% more power than their DCB205 5Ah battery (not in application)”
What does that mean? That no load it shows 50% more current, but not when in a tool? Then it doesn’t seem like much of a gain for the presumably greater price as the shiny new toy.
There was a similar statement when you had an article about the 5 AH Powerstack. But I wrote it off to being written in a hurry.
Stuart
I interpret it to mean that the battery cells can deliver 50% more power, but the actual performance gains are dependent on the tool, accessories, work being done, etc, and can vary. It’s a qualification Dewalt adds to their claims, and so it should warrant inclusion.
Nathan
Pulls more current at same voltage for a short period of time is how I read it.
Was going to say this would fit well on the small impact wrench or the drivers.
Jared
I was hoping there’d be a Flexvolt next, but this fits a hole in the line.
Big Richard
Next gen FlexVolt will more than likely be tabless cells. Given the 4Ah and 8Ah PowerPack 20v batteries, it only makes sense that DeWalt will use those same cells to make a 12Ah tabless FlexVolt.
One product engineer told me that that was something difficult about making the parallel vs. series switching connections with a pouch stacked battery. IF they made a compact pouch 60v battery, it could be straight up 60v, not 20v/60v Flexvolt. And honestly, I would be OK with that. If they made a 60v 3P version of the 1.7Ah, it would be pretty tiny compared to the current FlexVolt batteries, but still punch pretty good while only giving up a little runtime to the 2Ah/6Ah DCB606. That’s all conjecture though.
Stuart
A 60V-capable battery would require 15 cells, which I think would contribute to a very large battery size. In addition to that, thermal dissipation would be a problem.
FlexVolt connection switching could be a challenge as well, but I think size considerations and thermal buildup are greater obstacles.
I’d say they would have to be tabless – that’s the better option from an engineering standpoint and in keeping with FlexVolt-20V Max compatibility.
Nathan
I was just going to ask when will the power stack/pack variant flexvolt battery show up. I could see like a 12ah power stack but I bet the current flexvolt tools don’t really know how to benefit from higher unit current draw. So there would be a new model tool with a new controller chip to get the full benefit
But I thing a pouch cell flexvolt say 3ah pack that was lighter than the current one might be good for those grinders. Like said though needs 15 pouches
eddiesky
I think the deals (incentive) is to go with Twin 5Ah packs or Twin 8Ah packs because the value of amp-hours.
I mean, two 8Ah (16 total Ah) for $329 vs two 1.7Ah (3.4Ah total) for $149… You get five times more amps for $180 more. Weight will be issue, and charging. But that depends on the tool. I wouldn’t use the 1.7Ah with a 7.25″ saw but would use and 8Ah with it.
Anyway. I have about 5 of the 5Ah normal Dewalts and 1 of the newer packs… make sure to write/label date/year you started using them on it…
MM
I am certainly interested. When the Powerstack batteries were first announced I didn’t really care about 1.7, but once I started using them I found that the 1.7 is my favorite as it’s just so light yet is surprisingly powerful for its size. The 5ah is nice, and I really like it for high power applications, but it is a bit chunky. This 3.5 might end up being even more in the “goldilocks zone” for general use.
That said, I have plenty of Dewalt batts right now so I don’t think I’ll end up being an early adopter, but I will keep my eyes open for deals.
JP454
Exactly my situation.
I’ve been waiting for these since the 1.7 came out. I love those because I can save weight on tools I know I won’t be running long but I need the juice. They’re awesome for the oscillating tool or woodworking tools since I’m never using those for more than a free minutes at a time.
The 5s didn’t make sense for me because I already have flexvolts and larger AH batteries that give me plenty of juice and runtime when size isn’t a big deal
These though would be awesome while climbing around with a hammer drill or larger impact if I know I’m not drilling a million holes.
Hopefully they’ll start offering these with their ‘buy a battery package, get a free tool or 2’ sales soon.
Another Bob
Sounds like a Goldilocks size for certain tools. Good to have options.
Does anyone know why the 5ah and this new 3.5Ah pouch battery have those little wings on the front side of the battery? I’m assuming it’s so you can’t connect to certain tools or maybe the adapters for 20v batteries to old 18v tools. I remember I had to cut off a section of the adapter so I could fit flexvolt batteries to it. I haven’t managed to melt any of my old 18 V tools with flexvolt batteries yet if you’re wondering. Not for lack of trying 🙂
Ken
I may be the only one asking for it but I’d love a 12v tab-less or pouch cell battery. I really love my DCF703 but wish it had a bit more power.
Either that or make a 20v version of it like what Bosch has with their flexiclick.
Mopar
The DCF703 might be my favorite/most used tool in my kit. I would buy a slightly larger, more powerful 20v version in a heartbeat. Ya hear that, Dewalt?
Ken
SDS plus attachment and 20v version
You hear that DeWalt!
MM
I like the M12 installation driver but I’d still buy a 20v Dewalt version straight away. Sometimes the 12v lacks power. A 20v running on Powerstacks could be just as compact but offer a lot more grunt. Add me to the wish list.
Another attachment that would be great for the installation driver would be a torque multiplier, like this model from Metabo:
https://www.amazon.com/Metabo-Attachment-627256000-Cordless-Accessories/dp/B00B0W95BC
JR Ramos
I think they mentioned these a few months back but thank you for this “reminder” post about the 3.5. After commenting yesterday about wavering on the DeWalt 3″ cutoff tool and waiting/hoping that Milwaukee would improve theirs or introduce a new 18v, this morning I picked up the DeWalt at Ace Hardware for $179 with the free 1.7 powerstack batt/charger. Put it to good use this morning and it really is a little beast of a cutoff tool – probably will snip off the dust chute and cover the hole left behind so I can use the saw plate/foot and still see the cut line. Made 32 cuts in 5/16″ stainless allthread and had to charge the battery after I think 26 cuts or so. Super compact but it looks like the only slightly larger 3.5 powerstack will be just the ticket for this tool. First yellow tool I’ve purchased in about 19 years…still have an original DW100 electric drill which will never die (but sees very little use anymore) and a circular saw (also sees little use since the “new” cordless saws offer so much more power than they used to). I don’t know if I’ll invest in other DeWalt 20v tools but now the platform is open and one more color in the rainbow tool assortment.
Stuart
There were rumors on social media, and then EU news, but no official news about USA availability until now.
JR Ramos
My rumor news came from a local distributor’s service department who either heard it from their sales rep or parts contact at DeWalt. That was early October I think. Same folks who told me about Porter Cable “going away” and all the PC parts renumbering/reducing…I’ll have to ask them if they’ve heard anything else about that since because it wasn’t long after that where we saw PC enter the Tractor Supply stores unexpectedly.
Stuart
As a fairly strict rule, I avoid talking to sales reps. They usually get advanced info, but are not authorized to share with public, and certainly not the media.
JR Ramos
I can see where that’s probably best for you. We had a different relationship with ours (a lot of real money changing hands…) so unless something was super secret most would give up some information when asked (or politely pressed). And then there’s the difference between company rep vs. line rep, the latter of which is far more apt to have and share information about all kinds of things if you establish a good relationship with them. Funny…our various DeWalt reps were the least favorite and least helpful, except one, and we learned not to trust or rely upon them for almost anything…that was a lot of years ago, though. But these days NDAs float freely so someone probably has to be a bit rogue to spill beans if they know something beyond a hint.
vipkl
Late to this article, sorry.
I understand that pouch cells can deliver more power, but can we expect the PowerStack 3.5Ah to offer a longer *runtime* as well compared to the DCB205 (18650-cell) 5Ah?
Similarly can the PowerStack 1.7Ah offer a longer runtime vs the DCB203 (18650-cell) 2Ah? I have quite a few of the 1.7’s but never tried a runtime comparison.
Trying to figure out optimal battery weight savings for elderly parents, not to mention myself. Not for heavy duty tools… but the 20v leaf blower for example goes through batteries fast.
Stuart
I wouldn’t expect it to. “Not for heavy duty tools” – then it all comes down to the energy capacity, and the 5Ah should deliver longer runtime than the 3.5Ah.
vipkl
Gotcha, thanks Stuart!
JR Ramos
I think generally no but it will also depend on the load applied. It all comes down to voltage sag. The “more power” is achieved by the pack being able to maintain the voltage for a little longer period before beginning to drop. The more load applied, the more is asked from the battery, and the more the voltage will begin to drop…which equals less work done, basically. A battery that drops quite quickly at a given load will peter out faster than one that can maintain the voltage at a higher level.
So if you have a lower demand load, the 5Ah will likely last quite a bit longer than the 3.5Ah pack, and 18650 cells (even the best ones) just don’t do great with higher loads compared to nearly any 21700 cell or pouch cells. If you have a medium to higher load that might start to tax the 5Ah 18650 cells and cause them to drop faster (compared to a low load) then it’s possible the 3.5 and the 5 might end up with about the same run time…it’s unlikely but still possible that the 3.5 could have a longer run time in some applications. This is dependent on what level of voltage the tool can still acceptably perform the work (some still do fine down to 15 volts as the pack drains its energy, some really want to stay up in the 16+ volt range or else the performance drops off enough that it really matters).
Intermittent vs. continuous loads make a huge difference too, as cells can rebound at rest and the voltage will bounce back up slightly between rounds of use. Leaf blowers and heat guns….those just eat up the juice fast, so the bigger the battery the better. 5Ah powerstack in a leaf blower will give better performance through its whole run time but the run time won’t be extended (it’ll give more usable work, though). The larger packs with 21700 cells are better choices, just heavier…not ideal for elderly users I guess, so maybe lighter weight batteries with a spare or two to swap during use might be better than a larger more capable one.
vipkl
Very informative, much much appreciated thank you sir! I’ll evaluate the types of tools and how long they get used at a time.