Back in September, Dewalt announced a pending release of a battery adapter that would allow users of the older, but still functional, 18V line of tools with 20V batteries. Originally set to release in October, it will now be available for purchase some time in January, but, although a lot of eager 18V tool users excitement, it hasn't been very clear which 20V batteries will work with it.
Dewalt’s current catalog of 20V batteries are available in several different varieties: 1.3Ah, 1.5Ah, 2.0Ah XR, 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah XR, and 5.0Ah XR, as well as a few with Bluetooth capabilities that are remotely accessible with the use of the new Tool Connect application for iOs and Android. After the adapter was added to DeWalt's website, a part of the description caused a lot of concern. The very last line reads, "Use only with Compact DEWALT Batteries (DCB201 and DCB203)." Those are the 20V 1.5Ah and 2.0Ah batteries and neither of them are Bluetooth! Oh no!
Screen shot from DeWalt's website
Well, it turns out that there's no reason to be alarmed. We contacted DeWalt and their PR department confirmed that the 1.3Ah, 1.5Ah, 2.0Ah XR, 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah XR, 5.0Ah XR, and the 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah Bluetooth batteries will all be compatible with the adapter, which is great news. So now, if you're an 18V DeWalt Tool user, you can gain all the advantages of the newest 20V battery technology, without having to buy a new tool.
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