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Katherine MackApril 28, 20223 min read

Most Popular Lithium-Ion Cells for Custom Battery Packs

There are a few different types of lithium-ion cells that are popular for use in custom battery packs. The most common type is the 18650 cell, which is a cylindrical cell that is 18mm in diameter and 65mm long. These cells are often used in laptop batteries and other high-powered applications.

Another popular type of lithium-ion cell is the 26650 cell, which is slightly larger than the 18650 cell. These cells are often used in high-powered applications such as electric vehicles.

The third type of lithium-ion cell that is popular for use in custom battery packs is the 21700 cell. This type of cell is similar in size to the 18650 cell, but it has a slightly larger diameter and length. These cells are often used in high-powered applications such as electric vehicles.

Many lithium ion cells are in short supply, so it is important to choose the right one for your custom battery pack.

Lithium ion cells are generally divided into three categories - high power, high energy and balance.

  • High power lithium ion cells are typically used in applications where high discharge rates are required, such as in robotics, drones and power tools. These cells tend to have a lower capacity and cycle life than high energy cells, but can provide more power.
  • High energy lithium-ion cells are typically used in applications where a long battery life and cycle life is required, such as in laptop computers and asset tracking devices. These cells tend to have a higher capacity than high power cells, but can provide less power. They also tend to be safer, as often they contain a CID (current interrupter device).
  • Balanced lithium-ion cells are a compromise between the two and are suitable for many applications. Balance lithium ion cells usually have a capacity of around 2200mAh.

Engineers often ask us which lithium-ion cell is the most popular for custom battery packs. The answer really depends on the application, but below are some of the most popular lithium-ion cells.

If you're looking for advice on which cell is best for your application, contact one of our battery designers. We'll analyze your mechanical and electrical needs and choose the finest battery based on your specifications. Please schedule a free consultation here. If you've already chosen a cell, we can design the BMS as well as the mechanical enclosure.

Manufacturer

Format

Model #

Battery Voltage and Battery Capacity

LG

Cylindrical

18650-F1L

High Energy, 3.6V, 3.35Ah

LG

Cylindrical

18650-M26

Middle rate, 3.6V, 2.6Ah

LG

Cylindrical

18650-MH1

Middle rate, 3.6V, 3.2Ah

LG

Cylindrical

18650-MJ1

Middle rate, 3.6V, 3.5Ah

LG

Cylindrical

21700-M50LT

Middle rate, 3.6V, 5.0Ah

MoliCel

Cylindrical

INR18650-M35A

3.6V, 3500mAh

MoliCel

Cylindrical

INR18650-P26A

3.6V, 2600mAh, Wide Temp, High rate

MoliCel

Cylindrical

INR21700-P42A

3.6V, 4200mAh

Murata

Cylindrical

US18650VTC6

3.6V, 3000mAh, 20A/30A Disch.

Murata

Cylindrical

US18650VTC5

3.6V, 2500mAh, 20A/30A Disch.

Murata

Cylindrical

US18650VTC4

3.6V, 2100mAh, 30A discharge

Panasonic

Cylindrical

18650ZM2

3.6V, 2600mAh

Panasonic

Cylindrical

NCR18650GA

Middle Rate, 3.6V, 3.5Ah

Panasonic

Cylindrical

NCR18650B (Sanyo)

3400mAh, 3.6V, Standard Type

Panasonic

Cylindrical

UR18650RX (Sanyo)

1950mAh, 3.6V

Panasonic

Cylindrical

NCR18650GA(6W)

3300mAh, 3.6V

Panasonic

Prismatic

NCA103450

3.6V, 2350mAh

Panasonic

Prismatic

UF553450ZP

3.7V 1200mAh

Samsung

Cylindrical

18650-25R

High Rate, 3.6V, 2.5Ah

Samsung

Cylindrical

18650-26J

High Energy, 3.6V, 2.6Ah

Samsung

Cylindrical

18650-29E7

Middle rate, 3.6V, 2.9Ah

Samsung

Cylindrical

18650-35E

Middle rate, 3.6V, 3.5Ah

Samsung

Cylindrical

21700-30T

3.6V, 3.0Ah

Samsung

Cylindrical

21700-48X2

3.6V, 4.8Ah, 3000cycles

Samsung

Cylindrical

21700-50E

3.6V, 5.0Ah, 2C(C), 3C(P)

Samsung

Cylindrical

21700-50G

3.6V, 5.0Ah, 1C(C), 2C(P)

Samsung

Cylindrical

21700-50S

3.6V, 5.0Ah 5C(C), 9C(P)

Samsung

Cylindrical

18650-30Q

High rate, 3.6V, 3.0Ah

 

Contact Us

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Katherine Mack

Katherine Mack has over 38 years of experience in designing and developing custom battery systems for industrial and medical OEMs requiring portable power. For the past 20 years, she has been the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Rose Electronics, a high technology battery pack assembler. Over the years, Katherine has focused her career particularly on portable cell chemistries, cell vendors and smart battery solutions. She was a member of the IEEE P1625 Working Group for establishing Safety Standards for Mobile Computing and has given several web based battery seminars in conjunction with Texas Instruments. She has presented papers at Microsoft's WinHEC and IQPC's Battery and Fuel Cell Technology Conference, and has published several articles and white papers for Battery Power Products and Technology Magazine, Electronic Component News, and Medical Design & Development Magazine. Katherine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the Honors College at the University of Oregon.

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