NCR18500A — 18500 lithium-ion cell
Panasonic NCR18500A: 2,040 mAh typical (1,940 mAh minimum at 25 C; 1,900 mAh rated minimum at 20 C), 3.6 V nominal, 33.5 g max, 18.15 mm diameter by 49.36 mm height, 536 Wh/L and 204 Wh/kg at the bare cell. Panasonic's short-format high-energy cell.
Specification
NCR18500A parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Model | NCR18500A |
| Form factor | 18500 |
| Chemistry | NCA |
| Nominal voltage | 3.6 V |
| Typical capacity | 2,040 mAh |
About the Panasonic NCR18500A 18500 Li-ion Cell 2,040 mAh
The NCR18500A is the 18500-format member of Panasonic's cylindrical range: 2,040 mAh typical in a 49.36 mm height instead of 65 mm. It exists for housings that were never going to take an 18650 — medical monitors, industrial terminals, precision instruments and compact instrumentation.
Why pack builders specify it
- 49.36 mm height against 65 mm for an 18650, with 2,040 mAh still available
- 33.5 g max, so multi-cell packs stay light in handheld equipment
- 536 Wh/L volumetric and 204 Wh/kg gravimetric at the bare cell
- Panasonic NNP electrode technology with HRL heat-resistance layer
Typical applications
- Medical monitors and infusion pumps – Compact equipment where battery bay depth is fixed
- Industrial handheld terminals – Scanners, handheld computers and test instruments
- Security devices – Alarms, sensors and access control with a shallow battery compartment
- Precision instruments – Metering and laboratory equipment needing a stable 3.6 V platform
Where it fits
Specify the 18500 A when the enclosure cannot take a 65 mm cell. Capacity and current are lower than an 18650 by design, so it is not a substitute for a GA or BD in a pack that has room. Panasonic does not publish a maximum continuous discharge rating for this cell — the 3.8 A figure in circulation is distributor data, so confirm against the datasheet before setting BMS limits.
Charging and pack integration
Charge CC-CV to 4.2 V (4.15 V for cycle life) within the current limits listed above and stop discharge at 2.5 V. These are unprotected industrial cells: a BMS or protection circuit is required, interconnects must be resistance or laser welded rather than soldered, and cells of different model, batch or state of charge must not be mixed in one pack. Charging below 0 °C is not permitted unless the pack implements a low-temperature charge strategy.
Certifications and documentation
UN38.3, MSDS, IEC 62133-2, CE, RoHS, REACH, PSE, KC. UN38.3 test summary, MSDS and the cell specification are available on request.
Packaging
| Quantity per box | 400 pcs |
|---|---|
| Gross weight per box | 14.5 kg |
| Box dimensions | 390 × 210 × 180 mm |
Specification basis: Official Panasonic data.
Questions about this cell
Compare
Other cells in this category
| Model | Brand | Format | Capacity | Discharge | Data sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCR2270A | Panasonic | 22700 | 5,635 mAh | — | Pending |
Capacity and discharge figures are the values held for each model; where no manufacturer data sheet is on file the row is marked pending rather than presented as verified.
Related
Where else to look
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