Some new details have emerged about the new Dewalt Xtreme Sub-Compact cordless power tool line that we talked about earlier this week. (Thank you Linus for the tip!)
Dewalt Sweden has issued a press release that details the first wave of Dewalt 12V XR cordless power tools. At this time, it appears that the new wave of compact cordless power tools will be branded as Dewalt 12V XR internationally (or at least in Europe), and Dewalt Xtreme Sub-Compact in the USA. Regardless of branding or potential branding, the new tools fit within the larger Dewalt 12V Max (10.8V) cordless system.
In the above image, Dewalt is showing off the drilling and fastening tools that will be included in the first wave of Xtreme Sub-Compact and 12V XR launches.
- DCD701 brushless drill/driver
- DCF801 impact driver
- DCF902 impact wrench
- DCF601 screwdriver
- DCD706 brushless hammer drill
Here is how Dewalt describes the new cordless power tools (translated from Swedish):
The new 12V XR series is an update of DEWALT’s previous battery-powered 10.8 V tool and if you compare it the size is up to 20% less and the engine up to 45% stronger.
The new tools are said to be up to 20% more compact, and with the new brushless motors making them up to 45% more powerful.
Dewalt emphasizes that the new tools are several centimeters shorter when compared to previous models, which helps them fit better into tight work spaces.
There is also a noteworthy change in marketing language concerning the tools’ operating voltage. Previously, Dewalt 12V-class Li-ion cordless power tools were branded as 12V Max in North America, and 10.8V everywhere else. 12V Max cordless power tool batteries operate at 10.8V nominally. We have seen Bosch make the change to “12V” branding previously, in how they discuss their compact cordless power tools in European press releases and product marketing, and it seems that Dewalt is following the trend.
What this means is that Dewalt 10.8V and 12V should be considered part of the same system.
The new 12V XR series, including the new battery, is, of course, also fully compatible with all DEWALT’s existing 10.8V tools, batteries and chargers.
It remains to be seen whether Dewalt will bring the naming changes to their 18V XR/20V Max cordless power tool system as well.
Dewalt has also announced a brand new battery to the 12V XR/Xtreme Sub-Compact cordless power tool system – a new 3Ah battery, DCB124. Preorder listings for the new battery have started to appear at European power tool retailers.
At this time, there is no information as to whether the new Dewalt 12V XR 3Ah battery is equipped with legacy 18650 Li-ion cell technology, or next-gen 20700 or 21700 cells found in all of their more recently-released 20V Max and FlexVolt cordless power tool batteries.
The new Dewalt 12V XR and Xtreme Sub-Compact cordless power tools, at least those revealed so far, feature brushless motors, and all of the marketing language we have seen so far emphasizes the compact size of the new tools. Even with improved specs compared to older Dewalt 12V Max cordless power tool offerings, the new tools likely have modest power requirements that fall well within the capabilities of 18650-sized 3.0Ah cells.
Next-generation Li-ion cells are physically larger, resulting in physically larger battery packs, and while the 3Ah battery appears to be comparable in size to the existing 2.0Ah battery, it is inconclusive from product imagery alone.
We might see future battery releases to satisfy users’ desires for longer runtime, especially if the new 12V cordless power tool roadmap includes more power-hungry tools like saws or other cutting tools. Dewalt is also set to release an Xtreme Sub-Compact Series brushless oscillating multi-tool, one of many such cordless tools that typically benefits from higher capacity batteries and longer runtime.
The new 3.0Ah battery is a welcome addition to the 12V Max cordless system, and it does not preclude the possibility of additional battery releases.
Lastly, please keep in mind that this information comes from Dewalt Sweden. It is uncertain about whether there will be any regional differences in product availability or in the timing of releases.
Stanley Black & Decker and Dewalt have not yet been able to meet our requests for more information, but we’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
Our excitement about the new Dewalt 12V XR /Xtreme Sub-Compact cordless power tool lineup continues to build. What tools do you think will be included in the 2019/2020 roadmap? What tools do you want to see them bring to the new product family?
