20-08-2025, 11:37 AM
I’ve seen a lot of questions and confusion about DeWalt’s 20V MAX batteries, especially the DCB206. Since I’ve used these batteries for years on job sites and at home, I thought I’d put together a detailed post to help anyone who wants the full picture. This might be a long read, but if you care about runtime, charging, tool compatibility, and how to extend the life of your pack, stick with me. Hopefully this thread will be useful to new users with a DeWalt 20V battery, and experienced folks alike.
What is the DeWalt 20V MAX system?
DeWalt markets its cordless tools in the 20V MAX lineup, but the truth is these batteries are based on an 18V nominal platform. Each battery pack uses lithium-ion cells that sit at about 3.6V nominal per cell. Five cells wired in series equals 18V, but at peak charge those cells hit about 4.0V each, which is how DeWalt gets the 20V MAX name. So, while you’ll see both 18V and 20V terms, in practice they’re the same class of battery.
The DCB206 explained
The DeWalt DCB206 is a 20V MAX 6.0Ah lithium-ion battery pack. The “206” means:
“20” = 20V MAX line
“6” = 6 amp-hours of capacity
This is a step up from the DCB204 (4Ah) or DCB203 (2Ah). The larger the amp-hour rating, the longer the runtime, assuming you’re using the same tool under the same load.
Key specs:
Voltage: 20V MAX (18V nominal)
Capacity: 6.0Ah
Energy: About 108 watt-hours
Weight: ~1.5 lbs
Type: Slide-on lithium-ion
The DCB206 packs more cells inside compared to the 2Ah or 4Ah versions. That extra capacity translates into longer tool operation and fewer trips to the charger.
What is the DeWalt 20V MAX system?
DeWalt markets its cordless tools in the 20V MAX lineup, but the truth is these batteries are based on an 18V nominal platform. Each battery pack uses lithium-ion cells that sit at about 3.6V nominal per cell. Five cells wired in series equals 18V, but at peak charge those cells hit about 4.0V each, which is how DeWalt gets the 20V MAX name. So, while you’ll see both 18V and 20V terms, in practice they’re the same class of battery.
The DCB206 explained
The DeWalt DCB206 is a 20V MAX 6.0Ah lithium-ion battery pack. The “206” means:
“20” = 20V MAX line
“6” = 6 amp-hours of capacity
This is a step up from the DCB204 (4Ah) or DCB203 (2Ah). The larger the amp-hour rating, the longer the runtime, assuming you’re using the same tool under the same load.
Key specs:
Voltage: 20V MAX (18V nominal)
Capacity: 6.0Ah
Energy: About 108 watt-hours
Weight: ~1.5 lbs
Type: Slide-on lithium-ion
The DCB206 packs more cells inside compared to the 2Ah or 4Ah versions. That extra capacity translates into longer tool operation and fewer trips to the charger.