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In case you haven't yet heard, POWERSTACK is DeWALT's much-heralded bid to further revolutionise lithium-ion battery technology for power tools. What's all the fuss about? Plenty, since you ask: DeWALT's all-new 18v POWERSTACK battery provides more power than conventional Li-ion batteries, but in a smaller format. More importantly, it also boasts a MUCH longer life.
How have DeWALT achieved this? A big clue is in the name itself: The 'stack' in POWERSTACK refers to a technology never before used in power tool design: the pouch cell battery. Pouch cell batteries are created using a thin, flexible film casing – instead of the bulky metal casing that's used in standard Li-ion batteries. This means more efficient use of space, which results in greater energy efficiency and lighter weight when compared to standard Li-ion batteries. In DeWALT's POWERSTACK battery, these pouch cell batteries are arranged in stacks, providing a whole 50% more power†. That's all in spite of the POWERSTACK being 25% smaller†. And the new POWERSTACK isn't just powerful and more compact. It weighs less, too – 15% less†. |
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Less is more – thanks to POWERSTACK
Okay, so you now already know that the POWERSTACK battery has a longer lifespan, but just how much longer? It actually has double the lifespan†, based on charge cycles. Now this IS a big deal. Again, it's all thanks to the narrow, flat design of the pouch cell, which results in lower resistance … which in turn eliminates excessive heat, heat that damages battery cells.
But what about compatibility? More good news. You'll be glad to know that the POWERSTACK battery works with the complete line of DeWALT's 18v XR tools and chargers, too.
Stacking up the advantages
What does this mean for you, the customer? Here are the advantages – and they are truly impressive:
- More power: Having 50% more power† is a huge advantage for us power tool users, as it allows us to perform an even wider range of even more demanding tasks.
- Longer life: The pouch cell format helps to reduce resistance, which leads to a longer life. This is a big deal in itself, but when you own a number of batteries, this can result in sizeable cost savings over the long term.
- Smaller size: Smaller is definitely better when it comes to tool battery size. Because pouch cell technology results in a smaller battery, you've got a tool that's more manageable, more compact and easier to fit into smaller spaces. It also means more space in your toolbox.
- Lighter weight: Okay, when you consider that the typical Li-ion battery weighs only a few hundred grams, 15%† less weight might not seem like a big deal. But if you're working overhead – and/or your tool uses 2 batteries – having a tool that weighs less, even by a little, means less fatigue and less strain, resulting in a more comfortable working experience.
All of these ground-breaking qualities come packed into a DeWALT's tough overmoulded exterior, which is also impact-resistant and non-marring, guaranteed to withstand the tough conditions of the average worksite. What's more, the LED battery gauge lets you monitor your charge levels to make sure that you don't suffer from unexpected interruptions to your work day when you suddenly find yourself having to recharge.
Extra power, longer battery life and a lighter, more compact format – these are technological advances that the power-tool world can't afford to ignore. If more manufacturers adopt this battery technology, we could well see lower production costs – resulting in lower selling prices. Greater cost savings will then make this technology even more attractive to end-users, thus boosting demand – which will lead to increased availability. A win–win situation? We certainly think so!
UK Planet Tools will have DeWALT's 18v POWERSTACK battery in stock from February.
† vs DeWALT's DCB183 battery.
