DEWALT has made huge steps in delivering the power, safety and convenience tradesmen need in cordless power tools, and tradies around the world have benefitted. But meeting the needs of continuous run cycles and high power applications in a cordless platform has been elusive. Now DEWALT has made a major breakthrough with XR FLEXVOLT – a new technology about to rock the cordless world.
World’s first convertible power tool battery
DEWALT XR FLEXVOLT is compatible with DEWALT’s present 18V platform, but is also capable of amplifying voltage to deliver unprecedented levels of 54V power, and that makes for a huge step toward DEWALT’s dream of the completely cordless jobsite. Traditionally manufacturers have looked at battery platforms on a voltage or amp-hour basis, but each in its own right is only half the story. The new DEWALT powerpack is both. It’s a single battery that recognises the tool it’s on, either 18V or 54V, and adapts its power output accordingly. The result is greater run time on 18V tools and higher power performance on 54V equipment.
Works harder for longer
The DEWALT XR FLEXVOLT is capable of identifying the tool it’s on to dictate the current flow. With three strings of cells working in parallel at 2.0AH each it can deliver six amp/hours at 18V or 108Wh. When placed on a specifically designed DEWALT XR FLEXVOLT tool, 15 cells lined up in series, and working together, deliver 54V of power to deliver greater speed and power. That’s the equivalent of corded tool performance. Even though power has been increased, in real applications the improved performance of the tool and faster application speed results in greater tool efficiency. That means both runtime and performance are greatly improved compared to a traditional 18V tool. If that’s not mind-blowing enough, the new technology will be able to run in series to produce greater output across two or more batteries. Imagine the possibilities of 108V. Or more!
Old is new
Existing 18V DEWALT tools can be powered by the new system. For most applications18V is ideal, and DEWALT will continue supporting and refining the platform. Current 18V multi-voltage chargers will suit the new FLEXVOLT batteries, and there’ll be a fast charger and dual-port charger that handle the FLEXVOLTs as if they’re in 18V mode. FLEXVOLT tools and batteries will be available by the time you read this, so have a look at them. It’s definitely the way of the future.
Benefits for every trade
FLEXVOLT technology will benefit a huge scope of trades and work. Here’s a few examples:
• Steelworkers will be able to complete heavy duty grinding applications like weld finishing and material preparation with complete cordless freedom;
• Electricians can go completely cordless and finish jobs faster.
• Plumbers can drill large diameter holes in tough concrete for pipework, or perform repetitive cutting applications in metal. In the past, this meant a corded SDS Hammer drill and grinder. No trailing cables when working at height.
• Carpenters needing to rip cladding, do internal studwork, install flooring and cut skirting will have the option of going cordless. The XR FLEXVOLT range includes the world’s first cordless table saw.
• Roofers will be able to use the new 54V circular saw and 54V mitre saw, and the system is backward compatible with all existing 18V nail guns