iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A DeWalt FLEXVOLT battery works as a 20V MAX* pack in a 20V MAX* tool and as a 60V MAX* pack in a 60V MAX* tool. The pack does not gain energy when you move it. The tool platform determines how the battery’s cells are connected, and that connection sets the output voltage.
How one pack produces two voltages
DeWalt’s international support explanation for the XR FLEXVOLT system describes the mechanism directly. In an 18V XR tool, the cells link in parallel. In an XR FLEXVOLT tool, they link in series, which raises the output to 54V. Parallel wiring keeps the voltage at the single-pack level and adds capacity. Series wiring adds the cell voltages together, which is how the higher output is reached.
DeWalt’s published explanation does not give the cell count, the switching hardware, or the internal circuitry. This article does not speculate about them either. What is established is the outcome: the same pack is wired one way for 20V tools and another way for 60V tools.
Why the labels and the numbers differ
DeWalt’s U.S. labels are 20V MAX* and 60V MAX*. DeWalt states that the MAX* figures are maximum initial voltages without a workload. The corresponding nominal ratings are lower, which explains why the same packs are also described as 18V and 54V. The two-pack platform is labeled 120V MAX*, and DeWalt’s footnote gives its nominal rating as 108V, based on using two 60V MAX* batteries together.
#1 Best Overall
- DEWALT FLEXVOLT 20V/60V MAX Lithium-Ion 9.0Ah Battery DCB609
| Platform (U.S. label) | Nominal rating | Battery arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| 20V MAX* | 18V | One FLEXVOLT pack; cells in parallel for the 18V XR arrangement described by DeWalt’s international support |
| 60V MAX* | 54V | One FLEXVOLT pack; cells in series for the XR FLEXVOLT arrangement |
| 120V MAX* | 108V | Two 60V MAX* batteries used together; internal wiring not stated |
When you compare a tool’s spec sheet with a battery label, check which convention each one uses. A 60V MAX* label and a 54V nominal rating describe the same platform.
Which tools use which mode
DeWalt’s manual describes two relevant modes. In Use Mode, the pack operates at 20V MAX* in a 20V MAX* product and at 60V MAX* in a 60V MAX* or 120V MAX* product. The mode follows the tool, not the battery’s position in a charger or a user setting.
Rank #2
- DEWALT 20V/60V Battery provides the power of corded and the freedom of cordless
- DEWALT battery has 4 times runtime compared to DCB201 1.5Ah Battery Pack
- 3 times power compared to DC9096 18V Battery
- Tri-Platform Compatability 20V MAX*, 60V MAX* and 120V MAX*
- LED State of Charge Display
The safe compatibility statement is narrow. FLEXVOLT batteries are compatible with DeWalt’s 20V MAX* and 60V MAX* platforms, and specified 120V MAX* products use two 60V batteries. The sources behind this article do not establish that a standard 20V MAX* battery will run a 60V MAX* tool, so do not assume it will.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Before buying or using a battery with a specific tool, follow these steps:
Rank #3
- DEWALT 20V/60V Battery has 180 Watt Hours of energy in each battery pack (360 Watt Hours combined)
- DEWALT battery has 6 times the runtime compared to DCB201 1.5Ah Battery
- 9.0 Ah capacity when used in a 20V MAX tool
- Compatible with 20V MAX, 60V MAX and 120V MAX tools
- Compatible with all 20V MAX, 60V MAX and 120V MAX tools
- Find the exact tool model in the tool’s manual or on DeWalt’s product page, and note whether it is a 20V MAX*, 60V MAX*, or 120V MAX* product.
- Open DeWalt’s compatibility chart for batteries and chargers, which the manual directs you to consult.
- Confirm the battery model, such as the DCB606, against that chart.
- Charge the battery only with a DeWalt charger listed as designated for it, as the manual instructs.
Shipping mode
The manual also describes a Shipping Mode. With the shipping cap attached, the pack electrically disconnects strings of cells. According to the manual, this changes how the watt-hour rating is counted for shipping. It does not change how the battery performs in a tool, so it matters mainly if you ship or transport packs.
Launch history and manufacturer claims
DeWalt announced FLEXVOLT on June 21, 2016. At that time, the DCB606 6Ah battery was planned for fall 2016 and the DCB609 9Ah battery for early 2017. These were launch plans. They are not a statement of current availability. The announcement also described backward compatibility with most existing DeWalt 20V MAX* tools and chargers, along with initial 60V and paired-battery 120V tools.
Rank #4
- 【Enhanced 4-Pack 12.6Ah High Capacity】Upgrade your tools with this upgraded 12.6Ah (12600mAh) replacement for Dawalt 20V/60V Max battery. Offering higher performance and longer runtimes, this 4-pack ensures your tools are always ready for heavy-duty tasks without interruptions.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Compatible with most for Dawalt 20V/60V cordless tools and chargers. A perfect replacement for Dawalt 20V/60V battery models DCB606 DCB609 DCB612 DCB615, and the DCD/DCF/DCG series, making it an ideal choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
- 【Safe & Reliable】Certified by FCC, RoHS, and CE,Each battery pack is equipped with a complete 9-layer protection system, covering over-charge, over-discharge, short circuit, over-current, over-voltage, performance monitoring, over-temperature, and reverse-charge prevention.
- 【LED Power Indicator】Equipped with a 3-stage LED power indicator, this replacement for Dawalt 20V/60V Max battery 12Ah lets you easily monitor the remaining charge, so you can plan your work and avoid unexpected downtime.
- 【Package & Service】Includes 4 × 12.6Ah 20V/60V replacement for Dawalt batteries + user manual. Batteries are shipped partially charged for safe delivery—please fully charge before first use. Enjoy 24/7 professional customer service, ensuring you're supported every step of the way.
The 2016 announcement contains several performance claims, and each comes from DeWalt:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- The DCB606 delivered “up to 4X runtime” in 20V MAX* tools compared with the DCB201 1.5Ah battery.
- FLEXVOLT provided “more than 3X battery power” compared with DeWalt 18V NiCad.
- The announcement called the system “the world’s first batteries that automatically change voltage when the user changes tools.” This is DeWalt’s own launch claim.
Independent comparison testing of these runtime and power figures is not available in the sources behind this article, so treat them as manufacturer claims from 2016. DeWalt’s current DCB606 product page makes a runtime comparison against the DCB201 1.5Ah pack as well.
Best Value
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
The announcement also included a quote from Frank Mannarino, who was then President of DeWalt’s Professional Products Group: “The impact of the FLEXVOLT™ system will be felt throughout the construction industry on each and every jobsite.” It is a promotional statement from the launch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Current models and what is not verified
The DCB606 6Ah FLEXVOLT battery is the official 6Ah example, and DeWalt’s system page also lists the DCB609, DCB612, and DCB615. Models and capacities can change, so confirm the current lineup on DeWalt’s site before buying. Current stock and pricing were not verified for this article.
The following points are established by the sources behind this article:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- The tool platform sets the operating mode, with 20V mode in 20V MAX* tools and 60V mode in 60V MAX* tools.
- U.S. MAX* voltages are maximum initial ratings, and the nominal values are lower.
- Two 60V MAX* FLEXVOLT batteries are used together in the 120V MAX* platform.
- Compatibility is specific to DeWalt platforms and models.
The following points are not established: the internal electrical design beyond the parallel and series description, independent performance comparisons, and whether any standard 20V pack will run a 60V tool.
Once you have confirmed the tool model and the battery model against DeWalt’s compatibility chart, the voltage switch is automatic and requires no setting on your part.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
