These cells were donated for the purposes of testing by EnerCig in Germany. Thank you! To prevent any confusion with the eGo-type "batteries", I use the term "cell" here to refer to a single 18350, 18650, 26650, etc.
While the test results are hard data, the conclusions and recommendations I make based on these tests are only my personal opinion based on my criteria for setting a rating. Carefully research any cell you are considering using before purchasing.
Testing cells at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved and how to minimize them.
If the cell has only one current rating number on it, or if it says "max discharging current" then I have to assume that the company is stating that the cell can be discharged at that current level in any way, including continuously.
Bottom Line
This is an fantastic performing cell that I am rating at 25A/2500mAh. It is a rewrap of the Sony VTC5A, one of the best cells available. EnerCig is releasing the EC-C5A with a thicker, tougher wrap to help prevent damage. The wrap adds about 0.2mm to the diameter of the cell. This isn't much but it should be mentioned as mods that are already a tight fit for most cells might have trouble fitting these. The cells I tested were rated by EnerCig at the VTC5A's "max continuous current" rating of 35A but that is being changed to the 25A true continuous rating of the VTC5A.
The EnerCig cells are only available in Germany right now (www.intaste.de and www.dampfdorado.de) but they hope to have their cells available in the US soon. This is especially good news as the VTC5A is an incredible cell but is only available from a couple of vendors worldwide.
The 18650 ratings table has been updated to include this cell.
Continuous-Current Test Results and 10A/20A comparison to VTC5A
Pulsed-Current Test Results
Comments
List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
18350/18500 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
18650 Battery Ratings -- Picking a Safe Battery to Vape With | E-Cigarette Forum
26650 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
While the test results are hard data, the conclusions and recommendations I make based on these tests are only my personal opinion based on my criteria for setting a rating. Carefully research any cell you are considering using before purchasing.
Testing cells at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved and how to minimize them.
If the cell has only one current rating number on it, or if it says "max discharging current" then I have to assume that the company is stating that the cell can be discharged at that current level in any way, including continuously.
Bottom Line
This is an fantastic performing cell that I am rating at 25A/2500mAh. It is a rewrap of the Sony VTC5A, one of the best cells available. EnerCig is releasing the EC-C5A with a thicker, tougher wrap to help prevent damage. The wrap adds about 0.2mm to the diameter of the cell. This isn't much but it should be mentioned as mods that are already a tight fit for most cells might have trouble fitting these. The cells I tested were rated by EnerCig at the VTC5A's "max continuous current" rating of 35A but that is being changed to the 25A true continuous rating of the VTC5A.
The EnerCig cells are only available in Germany right now (www.intaste.de and www.dampfdorado.de) but they hope to have their cells available in the US soon. This is especially good news as the VTC5A is an incredible cell but is only available from a couple of vendors worldwide.
The 18650 ratings table has been updated to include this cell.
Continuous-Current Test Results and 10A/20A comparison to VTC5A
Pulsed-Current Test Results
Comments
- At 10A continuous it reached 2350mAh. This is good performance for 2500mAh cell at 10A so I am rating this cell at 2500mAh.
- At 15A continuous the temperature rose to 62°C. This is way below the average temperature of a cell running at its continuous discharge rating (CDR).
- At 20A continuous the temperature rose to 72°C. This is a few degrees below the average temperature of a cell running at its CDR and an indication that we are near the cell's true rating.
- At 25A continuous the temperature rose to 83°C. This is a bit above the average temperature of a cell running at its CDR but within limits and is an indication that we are at the cell's true rating.
- At 30A continuous the temperature rose to 94°C. This is a ridiculously high temperature and a strong sign that we're way above the cell's true rating.
- At 35A continuous, the VTC5A's "max continuous current" rating, the temperature rose to 105°C. This is a ridiculously high temperature, above my 100°C safety limit, and is a strong sign that we're way above the cell's true rating. The datasheet for this cell shows that the 35A max rating is temperature-limited to 80°C. This means the discharge must stop when the temperature reaches 80°C. Since this occurs way before a 35A discharge has finished we cannot use the max rating as the true continuous current rating.
- I am setting a CDR of 25A for this cell. Operating at that level would bring the temperature near to the average for a cell operating at its CDR. While operating any cell near its rated maximum current level causes damage to the cell, I would expect decent cycle life from this cell at 25A continuous.
- I have included pulsed discharges but I haven't set pass/fail standards for pulse testing yet. The discharges were done at 5sec on/30sec off, down to 2.5V. One chart shows the entire discharge at each level. The other chart is zoomed in to show the first 5 minutes to make it easier to see the voltage sag at different current levels.
List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
18350/18500 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
18650 Battery Ratings -- Picking a Safe Battery to Vape With | E-Cigarette Forum
26650 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
