DeWalt 20V Max Premium XR Lithium-ion battery packs come in 2.0 Ah (DCB203) and 4.0 Ah (DCB204) sizes. They provide up to 33% longer runtime than DeWalt’s standard 20V Max battery packs. They’re comparing to their current-gen 20V battery packs, mind you—not their older post-style or NiCad batteries,. That’s an impressive spec when fully understood. The DCB203 (2.0 Ah) and DCB204 (4.0 Ah) packs are fully backward-compatible with DeWalt’s entire line of 20V tools.
DeWalt 20V XR 2.0 and 4.0 Ah Lithium-ion Battery Packs
XR tools perform well with these batteries installed. The initial results impressed us. We drilled holes through 2x material with paddle bits and standard fluted bits fitted into the DeWalt XR hammer drill. Next, we took the XR impact driver and ran hundreds and hundreds of self-tapping screws into sheet metal. We drove lag bolts, spun down decking screws…the batteries last a good long time, and yet the electronics are smart—stopping the tools when a load is encountered that will damage either the motor or the batteries.
In either case, run-time and power were both outstanding and DeWalt has put itself back into contention for the longest run-time and hardest drilling/screwing/cutting possible on the ~18V platform. In addition to dramatically improved run-time, the new packs have improved cold-weather performance. Of course, the feature we think most professionals will observe and rejoice over is the integrated fuel gauge (battery level meter).
The new packs are the same size as the older packs as well, (the 4.0 Ah packs weigh about 1.34 lbs.) so there is no additional weight added—just more power, speed, or torque. With the new 3-LED fuel gauge, the batteries let you know exactly how much is left on the pack—before you put it in and begin working.
How to Get DeWalt XR Batteries
The 2.0 Ah battery will be included in all DeWalt compact brushless tool kits, including combo kits, and the 4.0 Ah battery will be included in all DeWalt premium individual brushless tool kits.
The new Premium XR lithium-ion batteries are expected to retail for $109 (2.0 Ah DCB203), $129 (4.0 Ah DCB204), $149 (2.0 Ah DCB203 2-pack), and $199 (4.0 Ah DCB204 2-pack) and are available now anywhere DeWalt products are sold. The 2.0 and 4.0 Ah battery packs come with a 90-day money-back guarantee and a two- and three-year free service contract, respectively.
