As battery technology continues to advance, both 21700 and 18650 batteries have become widely used in various fields. Whether it’s flashlights, power tools, electric vehicles, or remote-controlled toys, these batteries provide convenience and high performance. This article compares the two battery types to help you better understand their advantages and make an informed decision.
What is a 21700 Battery?
The 21700 battery is a cylindrical lithium-ion battery with a diameter of 21mm and a length of 70mm. It emerged to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and other high energy density applications. Compared to the traditional 18650 battery, the 21700 battery offers higher energy density and greater capacity, making it ideal for applications that require extended usage time.
Advantages of the 21700 Battery:
- Introduction Year: The 21700 battery was introduced around 2017 to meet the demands of EVs and other high energy applications.
- Common Applications: Electric vehicles, power tools, e-bikes, energy storage systems, etc.
- Larger Capacity: The 21700 battery typically has a capacity between 4500mAh to 5000mAh, offering around 42% higher capacity than the 18650 battery.
- Longer Usage Time: Larger capacity means the device can run for a longer time under the same conditions, making it ideal for high-power applications.
- Higher Power Output: Due to its larger size, the 21700 battery can deliver higher power output, suitable for heavy-load applications.
What is an 18650 Battery?
The 18650 battery is a cylindrical lithium-ion battery with a diameter of 18mm and a length of 65mm. It is one of the most widely used battery types, known for its moderate size, ample capacity, and good stability, making it a common choice for consumer electronics, appliances, and power tools.
Advantages of the 18650 Battery:
- Introduction Year: The 18650 battery dates back to the early 1990s and has become one of the most commonly used lithium-ion batteries.
- Common Applications: Laptops, power tools, LED flashlights, electric toys, remote-controlled cars, etc.
- Wide Applications: The 18650 battery is widely used in many devices, and many products are designed to be compatible with it, making it readily available in the market.
- Lightweight: The 18650 battery is lighter compared to the 21700, making it suitable for smaller or weight-sensitive devices.
- Lower Cost: Due to its mature production process, 18650 batteries are usually more affordable.
21700 vs 18650 Battery Comparison
Production cost:
Due to the production process requirements and raw material consumption of 21700 batteries, the overall cost is higher. In contrast, 18650 batteries have lower costs due to mature production lines and technologies.
Capacity:
The capacity of 18650 batteries is usually up to 3600mAh, while the capacity of 21700 batteries can reach 5000mAh, an increase of about 42%. Therefore, 21700 batteries have an advantage in devices that are used for a long time.
Weight:
Due to their larger size, 21700 batteries are usually heavier than 18650 batteries, but this extra weight is usually accompanied by higher energy density and stronger battery life.
Use scenarios:
18650 batteries are more common in small consumer electronics, while 21700 batteries are mainly used in scenarios that require more power, such as electric vehicles and power tools.
Lifespan:
The lifespan of both depends mainly on the conditions of use and the battery management system (BMS), but because 21700 batteries have higher capacity and greater current carrying capacity, their service life is often longer under high-load use.
Will the 21700 Battery Completely Replace the 18650 Battery?
While the 21700 battery outperforms the 18650 in terms of capacity, power, and battery life, it cannot fully replace the 18650 battery. The 18650 battery is still preferred for certain applications where size, weight, and cost are critical factors (e.g., remote-controlled cars, small electric toys). The 21700 battery, due to its larger size, excels in larger power storage needs, such as in electric vehicles or heavy-duty power tools.
For instance, when building a 100Ah battery pack, using 20 x 5000mAh 21700 cells is more lightweight than using 30 x 3300mAh 18650 cells, which makes 21700 more suitable for large-capacity packs.
Who Produces 21700 Batteries?
Several well-known battery manufacturers produce 21700 batteries, including:
- Samsung: Known for high-performance 21700 batteries used in electric vehicles and high-end power tools.
- Panasonic: Offers stable 21700 batteries, particularly in the EV market.
- LG Chem: A key supplier for electric vehicles and other high-energy applications.
- PKNERGY: A Chinese brand providing cost-effective 21700 batteries for various consumer electronics and industrial applications.
Conclusion
Both 21700 and 18650 batteries have their unique advantages. The 21700 battery excels in high-energy applications and extended usage time, while the 18650 is preferred for lighter, smaller devices. Choosing the right battery depends on specific needs such as energy demand, application scenario, and cost considerations. Rather than replacing each other, both battery types serve their respective markets and applications.
Post time: Nov-29-2024