Altan recently sent a heads-up (thank you!) about a new Dewalt DCB208 cordless power tool battery pack, delivering 8.0Ah of charge capacity.
The new Dewalt 20V Max 8.0Ah battery pack follows the introduction of the 6.0Ah battery by more than two years, and joins a growing number of next-generation higher-powered Li-ion battery options.
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Price: $179 each, 2-pack for $249
ETA: June 30th, subject to change
Buy Now: 8Ah Battery via Amazon
Buy Now: 2-Pack via Tool Nut
Cost Analysis
Let’s take a look at the cost breakdown.
At $179 for 8.0Ah, that’s $22.38 per amp-hour. At $249 for a combined 16.0Ah if you buy the 2-pack, that’s $15.56 per amp-hour.
Over at Amazon, the DCB206 6.0Ah battery pack is currently $129 for one, or $179 for the 2-pack. Some sellers are offering the single battery for less (as low as $100), but for the sake of consistency I’m using the Amazon-direct list pricing.
So, for the 6.0Ah battery, that comes out to $21.50 per amp-hour if you buy one (or $16.67 per amp-hour if you go buy the lowest 3rd party seller pricing), or $14.92 if you buy two.
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If you look at the 5.0Ah battery, DCB205, which is based on the older 18650 battery cell technology, the price of a 2-pack is $159 at Amazon. Or, for $1 more, they also have a 2-pack plus charger and carrying bag starter set. A single DCB205 battery is $123 at Amazon (direct), or as low as $72 via a Fulfilled-by-Amazon 3rd party seller. Other retailers have the 5.0Ah battery priced at $139. Talking about the 2-pack, the price per amp-hour comes out to be $15.90.
So, what this all means is that the new Dewalt DCB208 20V Max Li-ion battery cost more, but their cost is roughly proportional to the charge capacity you get. The 6.0Ah battery pack, with a lower cost per amp-hour, provides a little more bang for the buck.
Discussion
The new Dewalt DCB208 battery is the same size as the 6.0Ah, giving you a bump-up in runtime at no added size or weight. Both the DCB206 and DCB208 batteries feature the latest Li-ion battery cell technology, which allow them to run a little cooler than the smaller high capacity battery packs with 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, and 5.0Ah capacities.
Compared to the DCB205 5.0Ah battery, you might see a little better runtime or performance in high-demand applications, but this is in theory and not something we have thoroughly checked out yet. However, Dewalt’s heaviest duty cordless power tools are found in their FlexVolt 60V Max and 120V Max lineups. With the heaviest duty 20V Max cordless power tools designed around the cell technology found in the 18650-based battery packs, with 1.5Ah to 5.0Ah charge capacities, there is likely minimal performance benefits in stepping up to the 6.0Ah and 8.0Ah batteries. There shouldn’t be any noticeable differences in less demanding applications.
What I’m trying to say is that I don’t believe there are going to be measurable performance differences if choosing the new 8.0Ah battery over say a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery.
The main selling point here is that you get much longer runtime. Compared to a 4.0Ah battery you get double the charge capacity, and 60% more than with the 5.0Ah battery.
If you want longer runtime, and are willing to accommodate a slightly larger battery pack, the 8.0Ah should be a good upgrade or replacement.
As it’s a 10-cell pack, the 8.0Ah battery is going to be smaller and lighter than the 15-cell FlexVolt 9.0Ah battery, which as a reminder can work with FlexVolt or 20V Max cordless power tools. There’s also the FlexVolt 12.0Ah battery.
The FlexVolt 9.0Ah 2-pack is currently on sale for $249 at Tool Nut, which is the same price as the 20V Max 8.0Ah 2-pack. So, you get more charge capacity for your money with the FlexVolt batteries – a combined 18.0Ah vs. 16.0Ah, and you can use those batteries in 20V Max or FlexVolt cordless power tools. But, if used with small and mid-sized 20V Max cordless power tools exclusively, the added size of the 9.0Ah batteries due to the greater number of Li-ion cells (15 vs. 10 for the 8.0Ah battery) will be a hindrance.
I think that the new 8.0Ah battery will be a good fit for all but the smallest and lightest Dewalt 20V Max cordless power tools. Tools like their impact drivers, compact drills, and smaller worklights are better paired with smaller battery packs. You could use this battery in all those tools, but it’s not quite idea. If it’s a tool that is often kitted with a compact battery, such as a 5-cell 1.5Ah or 2.0Ah battery, the size and weight of the 8.0Ah might imbalance things a little.
Jared
Good point about this being a high-capacity lighter weight battery for tools that don’t demand high draw. That was exactly my question – i.e. isn’t this redundant when there’s a 9.0ah flexvolt pack? Makes sense.
I would still just buy another flexvolt pack if I was in the market for more batteries since I want more of them compatible with my chainsaw – but I suppose this size makes sense, albeit for a narrow application.
jason gloekler
I think this will be subjective because as you stated, depends on what tools you currently have, and will get. I have both 20v and 60v tools and would rather go the Flexvolt 9 AH or even 12 AH rather than buy a 8 AH battery. But if I didnt, then the 8 AH makes sense since smaller and lighter than Flexvolt
Mo
Flex use 18650s , 8ah uses 21700 better cells and dewalt claims 40% more power.
ChrisP
Is Dewalt likely to bring out Flexvolt batteries that use the new generation cells?
Stuart
The FlexVolt 2.0/6.0 Ah battery has 18650 cells, the 9.0/3.0 Ah and 12.0/4.0 Ah batteries have larger cells. I was told the 9.0Ah has 20700-sized cells. Dewalt has not answered the question about what size cells are in the 12.0Ah battery, and I haven’t opened one up to check yet. I took their lack of response to mean that they’re 20700 cells and not 21700, which isn’t a big deal but could be taken as a negative.
In other words, the FlexVolt batteries already do feature the latest Li-ion cell tech, except for the 2.0/6.0 battery. If it helps, the black battery has the previous tech, the yellow has the latest.
XRH07
9.0s were updated about 6 months ago to use 21700 cells. Samsung 35T.
The updated packs have visible metal tabs built into the plastic. Used for heatsinks.
XR 3.0 compact and XR 6.0s were also updated to the Samsung 35T. (same cell that Milwaukee uses in their 3.0 CP and 6.0 HO batteries)
I also have a couple of the early 6.0s and they use 20700 Sanyos. But they were placed in a “rack” that was clearly meant for 21700 cells. So Dewalt was already anticipating the switch to 21700s in early 2018.
And the Dewalt 12.0 uses Samsung 40T. Same as the Milwaukee 12.0 HO. (too bad those Dewalt 12.0s are so hard to get for a reasonable price)
XRH07
edit: corrections.
-Samsung “30T”, not “35T”. The cell is capable of 35A continuous discharge, which is why I always want to call it “35T”
-The metal tabs on the Dewalt Flexvolt batteries are visible from the top. There’s 3 on each side for a total of 6 visible tabs. These are the updated packs that use 21700 cells. (Samsung 30T)
-The battery in this post is going to be using the Samsung 40T. Same as the Dewalt 12.0 & the Milwaukee 8.0/12.0 HO.
XRH07
……and one more correction.
Meant to say that the 20V XR 6.0 used to use 20700 Sanyo cells.
The Flexvolt 6.0s will always use 18650s. Although if that pack is ever updated to the Samsung 20S they would be better poised to match the 9.0s & 12.0s in discharge rate.
Big Richard
You are correct. To summarize all DeWalt’s high capacity batteries currently available:
“Old” 20v XR 6Ah: 20700 30A Sanyo NCR20700A @ 10 cells
“Old” 60v FLEXVOLT 9Ah: 20700 30A Sanyo NCR20700A @ 15 cells
“New” 20v XR 6Ah: 21700 35A Samsung 30T @ 10 cells
“New” 60v FLEXVOLT 9Ah: 21700 35A Samsung 30T @ 15 cells
20v XR 8Ah: 21700 30A Samsung 40T @ 10 cells
60v FLEXVOLT 12Ah: 21700 30A Samsung 40T @ 15 cells
Essentially this 8Ah pack is a 10 cell version of the 12Ah pack, just like the 6Ah pack is a 10 cell version of the 9Ah pack (while the new compact 3Ah is a 5 cell version). Similarly, the 8Ah is a bit overpriced at the moment. It’s not hard to find 6Ah 2-packs for ~$140 and 9Ah 2-packs for ~$200 on eBay or other sales.
Dollars aside, it’s tough because what is better, the slightly higher amperage of the 30Ts or the extra capacity of the 40Ts?
Stuart
The last I checked, Samsung INR 2.5Ah cells were rated at 20A continuous discharge. I don’t recall seeing any complaints about performance, runtime, or longevity of 5.0Ah battery packs compared to 4.0Ah, and so differences between 30A and 35A discharge rates in 21700 3.0Ah and 4.0Ah cells might be transparent to end users.
Will the higher capacity cells have slightly reduced longevity compared to lower capacity cells that can withstand higher current draw? I suppose that depends on operating temperatures. Even if the answer is “maybe” or anything other than “no,” I don’t think the difference will be significant, and it might not even be measurable or noticeable. Will a user notice the difference? But what they will notice is shorter runtime if they have to return a battery to the charger more frequently. If 6Ah is more than enough for a user, then there’s not a lot of reason to consider stepping up to 8Ah, unless they want to be future-proof (or as future-proof as possible).
What I’m trying to get at is that it’s probably better to choose according to anticipated needs, or potential budget constraints, unless or until a promo comes along to help with the decision.
I absolutely do love technical and theory-based discussions, but caution that looking at what’s “under the hood” of the batteries can be problematic if it’s done as part of the purchasing decision process. A lot of times, what’s “best” is not the best choice.
I would argue that the on-paper current discharge rate is irrelevant to the determination as whether the 6.0Ah battery is better or the 8.0, but it’s also something I have not tested explicitly. There’s just no suggestion that it will be a significant factor.
BUT, if we’re talking about 3.0Ah or 4.0Ah compact 5-cell batteries, that’s a different story. There’s a reason that very few brands came out with 6.0Ah batteries that use 18650 cells, or compact batteries with 18650 cells and 2.5Ah or 3.0Ah charge capacities.
Master M
What is the cutoff date code for the DCB230 and DCB206 that use the newer 21700 cells? Once I find out this date code, I am going to sell off any old stock DCB230 and DCB206 I have with the older 20700 cells. Thanks in advance for any insight.
Big Richard
I believe all the DCB230 use the 21700 cells. The 21700 DCB206 and DCB609 dates are 2019 and later. You can also tell by looking at the packs.:
The DCB609 with the 21700 cells will have three silver tabs (heat sinks) on the top, the 20700 based battery does not.
The DCB206 with the 21700 cells will say “6Ah” in large white lettering on its side sticker, the 20700 based battery will say “6.0Ah” in smaller yellow lettering
Jeremy Solsbery
How much bigger is the 10ah battery?
Jeremy Solsbery
Can not find info anywhere online
JoeM
Funny, I was debating with my conscience about whether or not I can budget new tool batteries in. Truth be told, I need a good Dozen new batteries. I’ve got 4, and they’re getting to be extremely old. All first gen Black batteries. Sadly, I can’t seem to budget in even a SINGLE new battery, let alone a dozen. Maybe these 8’s, maybe some 12’s, some nice FlexVOLTs… Wishlists full of them.
Oh well. One more to drool over.
Roger
Good to see they’re filling the gaps. IMO there is a size/Ahr/Weight range balance when buying. 1.3-3AHr as compact; 4-6Ahr as mid; and 9-12(15) as Heavy Duty. With exception to price, where this 8AHr falls is not really favorable because of 9Ahr FLEX.
Most of the batteries I can go for are limited to 100Whr or 160Whr spare due to travel restrictions. FLEXVOLT solves this issue with the switching system. So I’ll lean towards that system for anything above 108Whr (6Ahr@18V). A 15Ahr FLEXVOLT would put it right on the mark. Pack dimensions is an issue after that.
John Fal
Well I just bought 4 6ah batteries. I think I’d be interested in these when they go on a big Black Friday sale. I do like the idea that Dewalt is pumping out new items though, I just wished they would expand more on the Flexvolt. I can’t wait to get my hands on the new axial blower. I also wished they would make an optional 60v chainsaw with a bolt on chain and tensioner. With that said, keep up the good work Dewalt.
Josh
can’t wait to see 4ah compact batteries
And
The 8.0 will likely provide more than 60% better run time than the 5.0. As the draw increases, the actual amp-hours delivered decreases. Less so with the larger cells.
Stuart
But how much more?
Dewalt’s marketing language describes the runtime strictly in relation to charge capacity ratings.
I would agree that it might be true to say that users can expect to see at least 60% longer runtime with the 8.0Ah battery over the 5.0Ah, but it’s hard to say that without supporting evidence. For the DCB206 6.0Ah battery, Dewalt explicitly says that it delivers 2X the runtime of their 3.0Ah battery, and 3X the runtime of their 2.0Ah battery. So, for this one, they might say it delivers 2.7X the runtime of the 3.0Ah battery and 4X the runtime of their 2.0Ah. By extension, it should provide 1.6X runtime over the 5.0Ah battery.
Most if not all Dewalt 20V Max tools are designed around the power capabilities and heat dissipation of the 3.0Ah to 5.0Ah batteries. It’s possible that you will see some added runtime advantages due to the larger cells, but it’s not quite the same as with Milwaukee M18, where tools designed with the HD batteries in mind might result in elevated temperatures or overheating of XC batteries (at least excluding High Output). In that case, stepping up from an M18 XC battery to M18 High Output XC battery, which is analogous to stepping up from Dewalt’s 5.0Ah battery to 6.0Ah or 8.0Ah, would have a much more noticeable impact on more demanding tools and applications. That’s not quite the case with Dewalt, since their heaviest duty cordless power tools are in the FlexVolt system.
Still, you do make a good point, although I would agree that it’s elevated operating temperatures that decrease charge capacity, and not current draw. I changed the wording to reflect that you get 60% more charge capacity, rather than runtime, which puts the phrasing in perfect agreement with how Dewalt describes these battery packs.
andy
It’s a lot more variation than you might think.
Here is some supporting evidence. Note capacity is 3.75 AH at a very low (for tools) 10A draw, and only 3.3Ah at 40A draw. Only at .8A draw do they meet or exceed rated capacity:
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/threads/bench-re-retest-results-samsung-40t-35a-4000mah-21700-amazing-performer-but-25a-35a.873677/
Stuart
It depends on how a battery cell is used or tested.
When I talked to Milwaukee about their HD batteries, with concern over the specs and performance of 9.0Ah packs since a series of 3-parallel 3.0Ah cells doesn’t compare well against parallel pairs of 2.0Ah or even 2.5Ah cells.
The datasheet specs I’ve seen for high-performance 18650 cells had discharge ratings of around 25A, 20A (22A actual if I recall correctly), and 15A, for 2.0Ah, 2.5Ah, and 3.0Ah.
In theory, couldn’t a 10 cell battery with 2.0Ah cells peak at 50A, and a 15 cell battery with 3.0Ah cells peak at 45A? So how could a 9.0Ah pack be considered High Demand?
We talked a lot about it, and it was explained that the datasheet is a starting point. With enough cooling, you could deviate from that.
Perhaps as important as discharge current, it is the temperature that needs to be controlled to maximize charge capacity, runtime, and longevity.
Different cells will also respond to elevated temperatures by different amounts.
Altan
I personally do not like Flexvolt batteries because of the size and weight to use with 20V tools, Flexvolt batteries are great but for Flexvolt tools and in case of an emergency to use with 20V tools, but in general I like 20V batteries for 20V tools as they are really small. Unfortunately after two years DeWALT’s 20V 6Ah batteries are not available in the UK, so it can be the case with 8Ah batteries also.
Hoser
If you don’t like the size of the Flexvolt batteries you won’t want a 6 or 8.0 ah 20V battery.
Altan
No, 6Ah and 8Ah batteries are a bit bigger than 5Ah batteries, but Flexvolt batteries are very big compared to 20V batteries. I did not mean I don’t like at all, I just don’t like them with most of the 20V tools, but with 60V tools they are great, at the end I have come to that conclusion that I should have at least two of all 8V, 12V, 20V and 60V batteries, there is another platform which is very rare in the UK 14.4V (16V US version probably) but in Europe specially in Germany and Scandinavia you would see more of that platform in their catalogues, This platform does not catch my attention at all, maybe the Atomic platform is to replace that 14.4V platform, DeWALT had 24V, 28V and 36V platforms also, 28V was for a short time only but 24V platform was in the market for long time, they had great tools in that platform, specially a cordless Mitre Saw and an AC battery adapter, these platforms are discontinued but 36V platform is still alive, In DeWALT’s German catalogue I saw they have made some new tools in 36V platform similar to the 40V platform tools in US, but in English websites you can not see them. I will try to find some links. I don’t really know 36V platform new tools are the same as 40V platform tools in US or not. it is a bit confusing.
Hoser
Yes, the 6.0 is a lot bigger than a 5.0 20V. It’s actually longer than a 6.0 Flexvolt but not quite as tall.
Altan
Really? We don’t get the DeWALT 6Ah 20V battery in UK, yet. that was my understanding from the photos only, but I know Makita’s 18V 5Ah and 6Ah batteries are the same size.
Nathan
OK Ideally when you get near end of pack with the new battery you will have more of the standard tool performance with most tools. Bigger benefit however is the longer runtime start to end with nominal increase in tool weight.
probably the biggest benefit on the 8ah is use with some of the lights. Like the DCL60/61. that battery would be great with that light. Might be good fit for a larger drill or the recip saw. Not such a good fit for the impact driver.
but a great battery for the impact wrenches. I don’t know how they run with the 5.0 today, but I could see the 8 being an all day battery for some techs.
anyway it’s interesting – might press the price of the older smaller batteries down which I also like. OH and a 4ah compact will be awesome.
Gman
I will say first I am not in the trades, but I have worked in the IT industry for 30 years and understand battery tech fairly well. It seems to me you are going to need a book to understand what DeWalt product would fit the application intended. Let alone what each battery tech offers to the end user. They are sneaky smart into pushing the user to continually upgrading for slight gains and less weight. They all do it but DeWalt seems to be the worst. I couldn’t even begin to understand all the 18, 20, and 30 volt variations.
Stuart
Think of all the options you have for AA batteries.
Alkaline is good for low to medium drain devices where you want high value.
Low-drain NiMh rechargeable batteries are good for light-demand devices, such as television remotes.
High-powered NiMh rechargeable batteries are good for higher powered devices, such as bright flashlights, camera flashes, and motorized toys.
Lithium batteries are great for long-term use, in colder temperatures, and in high-powered devices.
Cordless power tool brands release new batteries when the technology is available, depending on customer demand, and to remain competitive. There are plenty of users who want the highest possible capacity so that they don’t have to fiddle around with chargers and multiple battery packs throughout the day.
It’s not about being sneaky, but about giving customers choices. In this post I tried to share my thoughts on where the 8Ah battery makes sense. It’s smaller and lighter than the 9Ah FlexVolt battery, and offers higher charge capacity than the 6Ah battery. Its larger size and weight compared to a 4Ah or 5Ah battery (and also compact batteries) should also be taken into consideration for tools where you don’t want any sacrifice to weight or balance for the sake of runtime.
Different cordless systems start to make better sense if you make specific comparisons within individual brand offerings, but brands’ different approaches to a “cordless jobsite” makes cross-brand comparisons much more complex and even difficult.
If you have any questions, that’s what I’m here for. =)
John
I wonder about the huge mark up on these batteries. A few months back I bought some emergency lights for the house that use 18650 cells. I got 12 cells for U$$32.00 inc postage. Side note: Just about everything on Aliexpress has gone up in the last few weeks. Price rise 10% to 25%
Anyway I am thinking the big companies are getting these cells for less than a buck each and maybe a buck for the plastic bits so the mark-ups are huge.
And the change to the 21700 cells will only be pennies on the dollar.
Either they should be giving the bare tools away or pricing the batteries lower.
Price gouging is not a nice thing!
Stuart
Critics have described it as a “printer ink and razor blades” business strategy, but I don’t know how true that is.
John
” “printer ink and razor blades” business strategy ” The more I think about it the more I agree with that.
The only option to get the price down are cheaper Chinese generic batteries but you take all the risk if you buy them online.
Altan
New 36V tools example
https://www.stokker.com/akuga-kettsaag-dcm585n-36v-karkass-pappkarbis-dewalt/-5883240
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku5rtCYcCEg
In this video you can see a 7.5Ah 36V battery which looks like 40V 7.5Ah battery that is for North American market. Is DeWALT introducing 40V tools to Europe Finally?
Here is the 36V blower
https://www.stokker.com/akuga-lehepuhur-dcm587n-36v-karkass-pappkarbis-dewalt/-5738759?searchId=4410700
Here is the 36V DeWALT cordless Jigsaw
https://www.toolden.co.uk/power-tools/jigsaws/dewalt-dc308kl-36v-heavy-duty-cordless-jigsaw/
Are these tools going to share the same battery platform?
Stuart
Those Stokker links aren’t working for me.
The blower and saw look to be 40V Max cordless power tools, which would likely be marketed as 36V outside North America.
The jig saw, however, is what I would consider a legacy tool. There’s still a market for that type of tool, but I don’t believe it’s an active system.
Altan
In the US you had/have 36V platform as we had/have in Europe, it is not an active system as you said, they have Jigsaw, Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw, Torch, SDS+ Drill, Hammer Drill, Impact Wrench and a Grinder in 36V platform. What I was also trying to understand is that these new 36V (40V) tools like blower and Chain Saw are going to accept the same batteries that 36V Jigsaw or Circular saw come with?!
Hoser
We did have the 36V platform here in the States, but it’s dead now. The Stokker links aren’t working for me either. But the battery on that jigsaw and the batteries on the old 36V platform had the clip that held the battery onto the tool on the battery itself, like the current batteries. However, the 40V batteries have the clip on the tool. And while the batteries look “similar” they are actually quite different.
Altan
Here I see an AC 36V battery adapter
http://esiequipmentglobal.com/rescue/products/36v-dewalt-tool-adapter-for-xl-3612/
Altan
Good to know that those links don’t work for you, I was trying to login to Wiha’s US website for years and I could not, I just wanted to get their PDF catalogue as I knew Wiha has some Screwdriver bits specially made for American market, I think it is the same issue, somehow they don’t want us to have access to some websites specially if it is a foreign website and we have a local version of that website. You are more in IT than I am, what do you think?!
Stuart
That’s possible. I can only see blank white pages.
If you want to talk about problems accessing websites, Irwin (later I found out all Rubbermaid sites) had blocked my entire University. For months, I simply couldn’t access Irwin.com, and that was before smartphones were popular and so I couldn’t access it via a mobile network either.
Last year, my home computers were blocked by Southwire. That issue, it turns out, had to do with my service provider changing my IP address, and that IP address triggering a security block because it was being seen as an internally-owned IP trying to access the site externally. Or, something like that.
A while ago, ToolGuyd’s server blocked an entire office at a USA-based cordless power tool brand. It’s unclear what happened, but I had to clear an IP block initiated by the firewall.
There are also targeted blocks, but that’s probably not what’s happening here.
Hoser
One reason I like the higher capacity batteries is that I simply don’t have to charge them as often which theoretically should make them last longer. With the limited number of charge cycles that these batteries have, it’s nice to get more run-time before having to throw it on the charger. And in a situation where a 4 or 5 ah battery might be dead at the end of the day on one tool, the higher capacity battery will still have 30-50% charge left, and charging a battery with more “juice” in it is easier on the cells, according to my research.
loup68
I think that the new 8 ah battery would be great for the 20 volt blower. I use the 6 ah batteries now. The 6 ah is too large to me, for my 6 1/2″ circular saw.
Altan
New Stanley batteries compatible with DeWALT tools:
https://www.stanleyengineeredfastening.com/tools/accessories/sat-cordless-tool-battery-and-charger
Hoser
Looks like these got delayed a few months, not expected to ship until October 31.
Hoser
Pushed back again. Not expected to ship until November 22.
Hoser
Pushed back, yet again. . . . . . . Now supposed to ship on December 31. This is getting to be ridiculous.