DeWalt is killing the power tool battery game right now, there’s no doubt about it. With the recent release of their new flagship product, FLEXVOLT, which consists of a line of 60V and 120V cordless power tools and batteries, their mission is to turn every jobsite into a mobile jobsite. Now, their doubling down on battery solutions with the announcement of a portable power station that can power most corded tools by plugging into a series of batteries.
The new FLEXVOLT system is great for contractors that are in the market for a new tool, but many of those who have already invested in previous versions may not be so willing to shell out some extra cash for a new version of a tool. This new 1800 Watt Portable Power Station (model DCB1800) gives you the ability to use your existing tools, while also getting the convenience of battery power. Think about it, a job site under construction may leave you a hundred feet away from the closest working electrical outlet and your job site riddled with extension cords that probably should have been thrown out 3 jobs ago. Other times, you’re stuck using a gas powered generator to power your job site, which is not only extremely loud, but release dangerous carbon monoxide into the air. DeWalt has done good job recently in not alienating their long time customers with older tools. They have also recently released an adapter for the older 18V tools that allows the newer and more efficient 20V batteries to be used with them.
With a peak power output of 3600 watts, the Portable Power Station uses the juice of (4) DeWalt 20V batteries. For additional ruggedness, the power solution is equipped with a heavy-duty roll cage and a cooling fan to reduce heat. Total weight without the batteries hooked up will be about 18 pounds, making it easy to move from room to room as needed.
The bare power station (DCB1800B) will retail for around $399* and will also be available in a kit (DCB1800M3T1) with 4 batteries included*, (3) 20V MAX 4.0 Ah (DCB204)* and (1) 20V/60V FLEXVOLT 6.0Ah (DCB606)* battery for around $599.
*Denotes Amazon Affiliate link
Last summer, Hilti announced that they had developed their first exoskeleton designed for construction tradespeople in a partnership with Ottobuck, a prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeleton provider. Earlier this month, Hilti officially released the exoskeleton, announced more details, and published its retail price on their website.