These tests below only note my personal ESTIMATED ratings for the batteries I tested 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 can be 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 property damage, personal injury, or even death. Never use them outside of a fully protected battery pack and you use them at your own risk. Never exceed the battery’s true continuous discharge rating (CDR), never let it get colder than 0°C or hotter than 60°C, and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition. Never use a battery that is physically damaged in any way.
Testing batteries at their limits is dangerous and should never 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.
Test Results
A decent performer for up to about 20A or so. Its “max continuous discharge” rating is ridiculous though as the cell reaches 95°C when discharged at 35A. The datasheet lists the max temperature for this cell as 75°C which it would reach at a little over 20A.
At 10A this cell equals the Lishen LA/SA/SD/SF and Molicel M50A. At 20A it equals the Samsung 40T3. At 30A it does not perform well due to voltage sag. I recommend staying at around 20A or lower. The Molicel P42A and P45B and the Samsung 50S outperform this cell at all current levels.
One of the cells had a lot of rust on it, a sign of incorrect storage IMO. These cells were sent by Imren, or a distributor they contacted, so I will definitely be discussing this problem with them. This rust isn’t necessarily dangerous (unless obviously eating through the can) but it’s a sign of excessive moisture during storage in my opinion. This is not good for the cell.
There are some big problems with the datasheet Imren sent me for this cell. The wrap on the cell says it’s rated 35A but the datasheet shows a 40A max continuous current rating.
The datasheet also lists a ridiculous 2-second “pulse discharge current” rating of 80A! This would instantly cause the cell voltage to sag down to a uselessly low level.
Two cells tested out to 4101mAh and 4129mAh so both exceeded their 4000mAh rating. I have not tested the cycle life of these cells.
The cells I tested were sent by Imren (Best Li-ion 18650 Battery Store - Lithium Battery & Chargers | IMREN). Thank you!
18650 Ratings and E-Scores Table:
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/blog-entry/18650-battery-ratings-table.7447/
20700/21700 Ratings and E-Scores Table:
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/blog-entry/20700-21700-battery-ratings.7827/
Continuous Current Discharge Graphs
Ratings and Performance Specs Graphic
I want to work for the community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: Battery Mooch is creating battery and device tests | Patreon.
To see how other cells have tested check out this link: https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blog-entry/list-of-battery-tests.7436/
Misusing or mishandling lithium-ion batteries can pose a SERIOUS RISK of property damage, personal injury, or even death. Never use them outside of a fully protected battery pack and you use them at your own risk. Never exceed the battery’s true continuous discharge rating (CDR), never let it get colder than 0°C or hotter than 60°C, and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition. Never use a battery that is physically damaged in any way.
Testing batteries at their limits is dangerous and should never 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.
Test Results
A decent performer for up to about 20A or so. Its “max continuous discharge” rating is ridiculous though as the cell reaches 95°C when discharged at 35A. The datasheet lists the max temperature for this cell as 75°C which it would reach at a little over 20A.
At 10A this cell equals the Lishen LA/SA/SD/SF and Molicel M50A. At 20A it equals the Samsung 40T3. At 30A it does not perform well due to voltage sag. I recommend staying at around 20A or lower. The Molicel P42A and P45B and the Samsung 50S outperform this cell at all current levels.
One of the cells had a lot of rust on it, a sign of incorrect storage IMO. These cells were sent by Imren, or a distributor they contacted, so I will definitely be discussing this problem with them. This rust isn’t necessarily dangerous (unless obviously eating through the can) but it’s a sign of excessive moisture during storage in my opinion. This is not good for the cell.
There are some big problems with the datasheet Imren sent me for this cell. The wrap on the cell says it’s rated 35A but the datasheet shows a 40A max continuous current rating.
The datasheet also lists a ridiculous 2-second “pulse discharge current” rating of 80A! This would instantly cause the cell voltage to sag down to a uselessly low level.
Two cells tested out to 4101mAh and 4129mAh so both exceeded their 4000mAh rating. I have not tested the cycle life of these cells.
The cells I tested were sent by Imren (Best Li-ion 18650 Battery Store - Lithium Battery & Chargers | IMREN). Thank you!
18650 Ratings and E-Scores Table:
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/blog-entry/18650-battery-ratings-table.7447/
20700/21700 Ratings and E-Scores Table:
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/blog-entry/20700-21700-battery-ratings.7827/
Continuous Current Discharge Graphs
Ratings and Performance Specs Graphic
I want to work for the community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: Battery Mooch is creating battery and device tests | Patreon.
To see how other cells have tested check out this link: https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blog-entry/list-of-battery-tests.7436/
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