At a June event in Baltimore, DeWalt unveiled its new FLEXVOLT system, which features a battery that automatically changes voltage when the user changes tools. The FLEXVOLT battery powers a new lineup of brushless 60V MAX and 120V MAX FLEXVOLT tools. The FLEXVOLT battery (DCB606) uses patent-pending technology that is backwards compatible with most existing DeWalt 20V MAX tools and chargers. When used in DeWalt 20V MAX tools, the FLEXVOLT battery is designed to provide up to 4X runtime. In addition, the FlexVolt battery is designed to provide more than 3X battery power versus DeWalt's 18V NiCad.
This technology is driven by the FLEXVOLT battery's ability to switch between DeWalt tools of varying voltages. The battery automatically changes voltage depending on whether it’s being used in a 20V MAX or 60V MAX tool. Two FLEXVOLT batteries together power the new DeWalt 120V MAX tools. This means that high power tool applications that previously could only be accomplished by corded tools, such as miter saws, can now be performed with the DeWalt system of cordless tools.
The FLEXVOLT battery not only extends the runtime of existing DeWalt 20V MAX tools, but it also powers five new 60V MAX tools and two new 120V MAX tools (with 2 FlexVolt batteries). The new 60V MAX FLEXVOLT brushless tools include a 7-1/4-inch circular saw (DCS575), a 4-1/2-inch to 6-inch grinder (DCG414), a reciprocating saw (DCS388), a 1/2-inch VSR stud and joist drill (DCD460), and an 8-1/4-inch table saw (DCS7485). The new 120V MAX FLEXVOLT tools are a 12-inch fixed head compound miter saw (DHS716) and a 12-inch sliding compound miter saw (DHS790).
Also capable of operating off of the FLEXVOLT battery platform are new 20V MAX tools, including a portable power station (DCB1800), a 20V MAX Bluetooth radio charger (DCR025) and a 20V MAX Bluetooth LED area light (DCL070). DeWalt’s 20V MAX hammer drill & impact driver combination kit (DCK299) will also be offered kitted with a FLEXVOLT battery in addition to a 2.0 Ah Pack. In addition to the tools, FLEXVOLT High Efficiency Accessories are engineered to maximize runtime. This new line is optimized for use with cordless power tools and is engineered to deliver more cuts or holes per charge than standard DeWalt accessories.
