Bench Retest Results: Molicel P42A 4000mAh 21700...beats 40T, one of the best batteries available

These tests below only note the ESTIMATED ratings for these batteries at the time I tested them. Any battery that is not a genuine Samsung, Sony, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, or Sanyo can change at any time! This is one of the hazards of using “rewrapped” or batteries from other manufacturers so carefully research any battery you are considering using before purchasing.

Misusing or mishandling lithium-ion batteries can pose a SERIOUS RISK of personal injury or property damage. They are not meant to be used outside of a protected battery pack. Never exceed the battery’s current rating and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition.

Testing batteries at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved, understands the risks, has the proper equipment, and takes all appropriate safety precautions.

If the battery has only one current rating number, or if it only says "max", then I have to assume the battery is rated at that current level for any type of discharge, including continuous.




Bottom Line
This is a retest of this incredible performing 21700 which hits harder and runs for longer than the Samsung 40T. It even competes with the Samsung 30T at 30A. The 30T hits harder for about the first third of the discharge but then the P42A holds its voltage up better and hits harder for the rest of the discharge.

If you use a mech and you change cells early then the 30T is the better choice because it hits harder at the start. But if you run your cells down to 3.5V-3.6V (when put on the charger), and wanted a slightly more consistent vape that could run for longer, then the P42A is worth trying.

They are a bit larger than the Samsung 30T and 40T and might not fit in a mod where the Samsung’s are already a snug fit.

The P42A is my choice for best all-around performing cell of any size and best choice for a regulated mod for use from about 40W-90W each (80W-180W in a two-battery mod). Below that there are ultra-high capacity cells like the Samsung 50E2 that are a better choice. At above 90W each or so the Samsung 30T could be the better choice. Try the P42A and 30T and see which performs better for the way you vape.

The datasheet for the P42A lists 45A as the max continuous current rating but notes that cycle life is reduced at high current levels. Running this cell continuously at 45A gets it much too hot for that to be a continuous current rating we can use for comparing to other cells.

The datasheet lists the minimum capacity at 4000mAh. The six P42A’s I tested delivered 4115mAh - 4142mAh at 800mA (0.2C) down to 2.5V. This is great consistency and they all easily meet their minimum capacity rating.

I am rating this Molicel at 30A continuous with a temperature-limited rating of 40A as long as you stop before the cell reaches 75°C.

Four cells were donated for the purposes of testing by Moli (Molicel-E-One Moli Energy Corp-Company Profile) and N-Power Energy, Ltd. and two cells were purchased from Liion Wholesale by me.


Continuous Current Discharge Graphs



Ratings Graphic



Performance Specs
DC Internal Resistance = 17.9mOhms (milliohms) average for four cells.
Total energy delivered down to 3.2V at 10A continuous = 12.4Wh
Total energy delivered down to 3.2V at 20A continuous = 10.7Wh
Total energy delivered down to 3.2V at 30A continuous = 8.7Wh

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To see how other cells have tested check out this link: List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum