DeWalt 20V Max Premium XR Lithium-Ion Battery Packs are available in 2.0 Ah (DCB203) and 4.0 Ah (DCB204) sizes. They run up to 33% longer than DeWalt's standard 20V Max battery packs. Note that they are comparing to current 20V battery packs, not to their older rear mounted or NiCad batteries. When fully understood, this is an impressive specification. The DCB203 (2.0 Ah) and DCB204 (4.0 Ah) battery packs are fully backward compatible with DeWalt's entire line of 20V tools.
DeWalt 20V XR 2.0 and 4.0 Ah Li-Ion Battery Pack
XR tools performed well with these batteries installed. We were very impressed with the initial results. We drilled holes in 2x material with the paddle bit and the standard flute bit mounted in a DeWalt XR impact drill. Next, we used an XR impact driver to drive hundreds of self-tapping screws into the sheet metal. We unscrew the lag bolts, unscrew the deck screws… the battery lasts a long time, but the electronics are smart – stop the tool when it encounters a load that would damage the motor or battery.
In either case, run time and power are excellent, and the DeWalt has thrown itself back into the race for longest run time and hardest drill/screw/cut on a ~18V platform. In addition to significantly improving runtime, the new battery pack also improves cold-weather performance. Of course, a feature we think most pros will notice and love is the integrated fuel gauge (battery fuel gauge).
The new battery pack is also the same size as the old one (the 4.0 Ah pack weighs about 1.34 pounds), so there's no added weight—just more power, speed, or torque. With a new 3-LED fuel gauge, the battery lets you know exactly how much power is left in the pack before you put it in and get to work.
How to Get DeWalt XR Batteries
The 2.0 Ah battery will be included with all DeWalt compact brushless tool kits, including combo kits, while the 4.0 Ah battery will be included with all DeWalt premium stand-alone brushless tool kits.
The new Premium XR Li-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), now 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 two- and three-year free service contracts, respectively.