The breaking news from our friends at Stanley Black and Decker is the DeWalt PowerShift battery system—a new battery platform designed to expand cordless jobsite applications. Here’s what we know so far:
This is a breaking story, and we are adding more information as it becomes available. Check back for updates.
The system is slated for a fall 2024 launch. We expect pricing and more details on the tools to be available closer to the release date.
DeWalt PowerShift Battery
The battery DeWalt has shown is a 554Wh pack, though they’re not focusing on the voltage. From what we can gather based on the tools they’re showing, the FlexVolt compatibility, and magnifying one of the tool labels the best we can, it seems that it’s a 60V Max system.
First of all, that makes a lot of sense. DeWalt notes that you can use FlexVolt batteries to extend your runtime. If, as we believe, the PowerShift battery runs at 60V Max, then 554Wh makes for a 9.2Ah pack (assuming they’re calculating watt hours based on max voltage rather than nominal). The biggest FlexVolt pack we have in 300Wh/5.0Ah (15.0Ah at 20V Max), that the PowerShift pack is an 85% increase in capacity.
Secondly, don’t get too hung up on the voltage. We have battery-powered zero-turn lawn mowers running at similar voltage levels, with power equivalents challenging 25 HP has engines. Keep in mind that power is a function of voltage and currrent—you can run whatever voltage you want as long as you can drive the current to get the total watts you need for effective performance.
One of the big questions hanging out there is… what kind of battery technology are we looking at—round cell or pouch cell? The safe bet is pouch cell, but with the recetn development of a tabless conncetion for round cells, it’s possible DeWalt could be using those instead.
What’s not in question is the recharge rate. This 11.5-pound battery can fully recharge in less than one hour.
DeWalt PowerShift Interface
Note that the battery interface with the tools is very different from DeWalt’s standard 20V Max/60V Max tools. Unless there’s some Photoshopping involved, no one is going to put a 554Wh battery on the DCF850 impact driver.
That may be simply to keep people from trying make such a large battery work on smaller handheld tools. However, there may be more at play. The PowerShift system appears to be targeting the replacement of gas tools, similar to what we see from Milwaukee’s MX Fuel line.
Those products require significantly higher power, and one of the big obstacle for achieing those power levels from a abttery is electrical resistance. The beefier connection may also contribute to lower resistnace, allowing the energy transfer to happen more efficiently.
As I mentioned, the focus for this system seems to be replacing gas equipment. In addition to the new battery and rapid charger, there’s are six tools to go with it. Each one is targeting for the concrete sector and focuses on the areas of power, runtime, and ergonomics.
- Plate compactor
- Rammer
- Backpack vibrator
- Powerpack vibrator
- Power screed
- Core drill and stand
Additionally, there’s an adapter to use FlexVolt batteries with PowerShift equipment.
Plate Compactor DCPS7154
The plate compact features a 15.7-inch plate and 3370 ft-lbs of force. The design team paid close attention to the ergonomics of the control layout and gave it a folding handle.
Rammer DCPS660
The rammer offes 2660 ft-lbs of force. The design includes vibration-reducing insulatorsand a two-position handle that holds the controls.
Backpack Vibrator DCPS310
Including the DeWalt PowerShift battery, the backpack vibrator has a working weight of 25 pounds. A roll cage protects the tool while a hi-vis harness design keeps the operator more visible.
Powerpack Vibrator DCPS320
Designed to set on the ground or have a second person carry the powerpack, this vibrator takes the majority of the weight off of the operator. When you’re using is solo, DeWalt’s Wireless Tool Connect gives you the option to activate the tool remotely. There’s a shoudler strap to make transportation easier.
Power Screed DCPS330
The power screed has an adjustable handle and controls you can mount to either side, making for a highly customizable setup.
Core Drill DCD150 and Stand DCPS151
Part of DeWalt’s Perform & Protect lineup, the core drill includes bind-up protection to prevent overrotation and reduce the risk of injury. The overall size of the tool and stand lends itself to close wall or ceiling applications.
