18650 battery cells for pack builders

The 18650 is still the default cylindrical format for tool, medical, mobility and instrumentation packs. Fifteen models across four manufacturers, from 8 A energy grades to 36 A power grades.

In one paragraph

An 18650 cell is an 18 mm diameter, 65 mm long cylindrical lithium-ion cell. Current models span roughly 2,000 to 3,500 mAh, with continuous discharge from 8 A on energy cells to 36 A on power cells.

Why this format

What decides whether it is the right choice

Established mechanical ecosystem — holders, nickel strip, welded busbars and pack tooling are standardised around 18 mm

Widest grade spread of any cylindrical format: the same footprint covers both 3,500 mAh energy cells and 36 A power cells

Second-source friendly — several manufacturers make electrically comparable parts at the same dimensions

Models on file

Current specification table

Sorted by continuous discharge. Every figure is quoted with the condition the manufacturer attaches to it.

Model	Brand	Format	Capacity	Cont. discharge	Max charge	Energy	Source
INR18650-P22S	Molicel	18650	2,200 mAh	36 A	4.0 A	7.92 Wh	Datasheet
INR18650-P30S	Molicel	18650	3,000 mAh	36 A	6 A	10.8 Wh	Datasheet
INR18650-P28A	Molicel	18650	2,800 mAh	35 A	8.4 A	10.3 Wh	Datasheet
INR18650-P26A	Molicel	18650	2,600 mAh	35 A	6.0 A	9.5 Wh	Datasheet
INR18650-P30B	Molicel	18650	3,000 mAh	30 A	9 A	10.8 Wh	Datasheet
INR18650-25R	Samsung SDI	18650	2,500 mAh	20 A	—	—	Pending
INR18650-30Q	Samsung SDI	18650	3,000 mAh	15 A	—	—	Pending
INR18650-M35A	Molicel	18650	3,450 mAh	10 A	1.7 A	12.5 Wh	Datasheet
NCR18650GA	Panasonic	18650	3,450 mAh	10 A	—	—	Pending
INR18650-M30A	Molicel	18650	3,000 mAh	10 A	3.0 A	10.8 Wh	Datasheet
INR18650-MH1	LG Energy Solution	18650	3,200 mAh	10 A	3.1 A	11.5 Wh	Pending
INR18650-MJ1	LG Energy Solution	18650	3,500 mAh	10 A	3.4 A	—	Pending

Selection map

Which grade, for which job

Capacity-first (3,000–3,500 mAh, 8–10 A)

Medical carts, instrumentation, power banks, backup modules

Balanced (2,500–3,000 mAh, 15–20 A)

E-bike and scooter packs, general-purpose industrial packs

Current-first (2,000–3,000 mAh, 30–36 A)

Power tools, drones, motorsport and high-pulse equipment

Common questions

Before you specify

Do the discharge figures assume a temperature cut-off?

Yes, and that is the point. A 60 A figure valid only while the pack holds the cell under an 80 °C surface cut cannot be used in a pack with no thermal path. Where a manufacturer states a condition, we publish it alongside the number.

Can cells of different models share one pack?

No. Cells of different model, batch or state of charge must not be mixed in one pack. Uneven cells force the BMS to cut early at both ends and the pack loses the capacity it was specified for.

What documentation ships with an order?

UN38.3 test summary, MSDS and the transport classification for the shipping configuration. Certificate numbers are quoted only for documents we actually hold, and only where the model appears in the certificate coverage list.

Other formats

If this one does not fit

21700 cells High drain cells 18500 & 22700 cells Prismatic cells Cell comparisons Cell selection guide

Narrowing down? Send the load profile

Peak current, continuous current, duty cycle and target cycle life. We will come back with the candidates and the documentation behind each one.

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