Dewalt has announced the launch of their new 20V Max 3.0Ah battery pack, DCB230, and it seems to be built with larger sized Li-Ion cells, the same as their highest capacity 20V Max 6.0Ah and FlexVolt 9.0Ah battery packs.
The new 20V Max compact 3.0Ah battery pack offers the same capacity as their DCB200 3.0Ah battery pack, while being 20% lighter.
Pricing
- DCB230: $99
- DCB230-2 two pack: $129
- DCB230C starter bundle with charger: $119
Buy Now(Starter Set via Amazon)
Buy Now(2-Pack via Amazon)
First Thoughts
I haven’t heard back yet as to how the new battery pack will perform compared to existing 2.0Ah battery packs, or higher capacity battery packs. In theory, it should run quite well, as the larger battery cells should be capable of cooler running under high loads.
The battery pack has a built-in fuel gauge, and is said to recharge in “45 minutes or less.”
If you buy a 2-pack, the price per amp-hour would be $21.50 ($129/6.0Ah). Dewalt’s 20V Max 5.0Ah 2-pack (currently $150 at Amazon) comes down to $15 per amp-hour.
A Dewalt 20V Max 6.0Ah 2-pack is $178-$189. Taking the $189 MSRP, that would come down to $15.75 per amp-hour. A 2-pack of 9.0Ah batteries (there’s also a bundle deal with charger), is $279 at Amazon. So that’s $15.50 per amp-hour.
With these compact battery packs, the cost of manufacturing the battery pack contributes to the higher per-amp-hour cost. It’s how a 4″ screwdriver might be $10, and a 6″ model $12.
Looking at Dewalt compact battery packs, a you can buy a 2-pack for $119 or a few dollars less. So that’s $119 for two 2.0Ah battery packs, or $29.75 per amp-hour.
If you want the lowest runtime cost, go with a higher capacity battery pack. If you want the most compact battery pack, go with the 2.0Ah pack.
If you want a higher capacity compact battery pack that can deliver greater runtime in a form factor that’s larger than existing compact packs but smaller and lighter than existing higher capacity battery packs, this might be a good fit for you.
Long story short, looks good.
Are there any compatibility issues? Unpublicized runtime or performance benefits? I’ll let you know when I find out.