How Long Do DeWALT Batteries Take To Charge?

Ever found yourself in the middle of a project, only to be halted by a drained battery? As a woodworker, I know the importance of efficient tool use, and a key factor is understanding ‘How Long Do DeWALT Batteries Take To Charge?’

Whether you’re prepping for a big project or managing your workshop time, this insight will ensure your DeWALT batteries are charged optimally, keeping your workflow smooth and uninterrupted.

DeWALT 18V and 20V Max Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are a fairly recent technology that replaced the nickel-cadmium battery. LI batteries are easy to recharge and contain battery cells of 1.2 volts, 1.5 volts, or 3.6 volts.

When they are assembled into a battery pack, they create packs that will range from between 3.6 volts to 48 volts.

The upper range of those packs, the higher voltage will create greater torque or turning power. To give you some idea of this, a battery voltage of between 4 and 8 volts is enough to turn your cordless screwdrivers.

Power drills in the 12 – 18 volt range will be sufficient to tackle most tasks around the house. The higher the voltage, the heavier tasks the tools can perform, but the greater the voltage, the larger and heavier the battery packs will be.

Every cordless power tool manufacturer sources the battery cells elsewhere but makes its own battery packs. The battery slots on the power tools, as well as the branded battery chargers, are made such that the branded battery pack will fit well and tightly so that the tool is powered efficiently and effectively.

In lithium-ion batteries, you will find cells.  Each individual cell is 3.6 volts, and battery packs have rows of 5 cells. 5 cells x 3.6 volts = 18 volts.  There are 2 rows of 5 cells each, with 5 cells offering the juice at a time.  

The nominal voltage of a DeWALT battery is the voltage that the battery is designed to operate at. It is the average voltage of the battery cells when they are fully charged.

The nominal voltage of a DeWALT 18V battery is 18 volts. This means that the battery cells are typically 3.6 volts each, and there are 10 cells in the battery.

The actual voltage of a battery can vary depending on the state of charge. When the battery is fully charged, the voltage will be close to the nominal voltage. However, as the battery discharges, the voltage will decrease.

The nominal voltage of a battery is important because it determines the power output of the battery. A battery with a higher nominal voltage will have a higher power output.

DeWALT also uses the term “20V Max” to market its batteries. This is a marketing term that refers to the maximum voltage that the battery can produce. The maximum voltage of a DeWALT 20V Max battery is 20 volts, but the nominal voltage is still 18 volts.

The use of the term “20V Max” is a bit misleading, but it is a common practice in the power tool industry. Other brands, such as Milwaukee, also use similar marketing terms.

What Is The Life Of a DeWALT 18V Battery Charge?

The battery life of a DeWALT 18V battery depends on the specific battery model and how it is used. In general, DeWALT 18V batteries can last for about 2 to 5 hours on a single charge.

However, the actual battery life may vary depending on the following factors:

• The capacity of the battery. Batteries with a higher capacity will typically last longer than batteries with a lower capacity.
• The power draw of the tool being used. Tools that draw more power will drain the battery faster than tools that draw less power.
• The temperature. Batteries will typically last longer in cooler temperatures than in warmer temperatures.
• The age of the battery. Batteries will gradually lose their capacity over time, so older batteries will not last as long as newer batteries.

The DeWALT 18V XRP battery is one of the longest-lasting DeWALT 18V batteries. It has a capacity of 6.5 Ah and can last for up to 5 hours on a single charge.

Here are some tips for extending the battery life of your DeWALT 18V battery:

• Avoid overcharging the battery.
• Do not store the battery in extreme temperatures.
• Do not let the battery completely discharge.
• Use a high-quality charger.
• Inspect the battery regularly for damage.

By following these tips, you can help extend the battery life of your DeWalt 18V battery and get the most out of it.

What Is The Lifespan of a DeWALT 18V Battery?

The lifespan of a DeWALT 18V battery depends on how it is used and cared for. In general, a DeWALT 18V battery can last for about 3 to 5 years.

However, the actual lifespan may vary depending on the following factors:

• The number of charge cycles. The more times a battery is charged, the shorter its lifespan will be.
• The depth of discharge. The more deeply a battery is discharged, the shorter its lifespan will be.
• The temperature. Batteries will typically last longer in cooler temperatures than in warmer temperatures.
• The age of the battery. Batteries will gradually lose their capacity over time, so older batteries will not last as long as newer batteries.

Here are some tips for extending the lifespan of your DeWALT 18V battery:

• Avoid overcharging the battery.
• Do not store the battery in extreme temperatures.
• Do not let the battery completely discharge.
• Use a high-quality charger.
• Inspect the battery regularly for damage.

By following these tips, you can help extend the lifespan of your DeWALT 18V battery and get the most out of it.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• The lifespan of a DeWALT 18V battery can also be affected by the type of tool it is used in. Tools that draw more power will put more strain on the battery and shorten its lifespan.
• If you are not using your DeWALT 18V battery for an extended period of time, it is best to store it in a cool, dry place.
• If your DeWALT 18V battery starts to lose its capacity, you can try to revitalize it by running a few complete discharge and recharge cycles.

Overall, the lifespan of a DeWALT 18V battery is relatively good. With proper care and use, it should last for several years.

Average Charge Time For the 18V Battery

The charging time of a DeWALT 18V battery depends on the specific battery model and charger being used. In general, DeWALT 18V batteries can be fully charged in about 1 hour to 90 minutes using a standard charger.

However, the charging time may vary depending on the following factors:

• The capacity of the battery. Batteries with a higher capacity will take longer to charge than batteries with a lower capacity.
• The wattage of the charger. Chargers with a higher wattage will charge batteries faster than chargers with a lower wattage.
• The temperature. Batteries will typically charge faster in cooler temperatures than in warmer temperatures.
• The age of the battery. Older batteries may take longer to charge than newer batteries.

The following table shows the approximate charging times for some popular DeWALT 18V batteries using a standard charger:

Battery Model	Capacity (Ah)	Charging Time (Hours)
DCB1820	2.0	1 hour
DCB1830	3.0	1 hour and 30 minutes
DCB1845	4.5	2 hours
DCB1850	5.0	2 hours and 30 minutes

If you are using a fast charger, the charging time may be shorter. For example, the DeWALT DCB115 fast charger can charge a 2.0 Ah battery in about 30 minutes.

It is important to note that you should not overcharge a DeWALT 18V battery. Overcharging can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan. Take the battery off the charger once it is fully charged. 

How Long Should You Let a DeWALT 18V Battery The First Time?

You saw a lot of “it depends” in the previous sections.  We’ll add another “it depends” for a battery’s first charge.

According to DeWALT, you should allow a full first charge of a DeWALT 18V battery overnight for a minimum of 8 hours at room temperature. This is because the first charge helps to condition the battery and maximize its lifespan.

After the first charge, you can typically charge your DeWALT 18V battery in about 1 hour to 90 minutes using a standard charger. However, the charging time may vary depending on the following factors:

• The capacity of the battery. Batteries with a higher capacity will take longer to charge than batteries with a lower capacity.
• The wattage of the charger. Chargers with a higher wattage will charge batteries faster than chargers with a lower wattage.
• The temperature. Batteries will typically charge faster in cooler temperatures than in warmer temperatures.
• The age of the battery. Older batteries may take longer to charge than newer batteries.

Again, we see the “it depends” qualifier.  In the instance of a first charge, you want each individual cell to be fully charged before you use the power tool for the first time.

The drill battery, and the circular saw battery, no matter the power tool, are still 18V batteries and will take the general length of time to charge after the first charge, with the time to charge decreasing over time with age and use.