These tests only note my personal ESTIMATED ratings for these batteries at the time I tested them. Any battery that is “rewrapped” (not in its original factory wrap) can change at any time! This is one of the hazards of using these batteries 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 to help lower the risks and extend cell life, 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
This is an average performing 20A cell that must be severely derated (down to 7.5A) if the cell operates when warmer than 45°C. This temp is just “warm” and is easily reached in a battery pack so read the datasheet and consider this derating carefully.
Some other info…
Thank you DIY500AMP.com for donating cells for testing!
***China Compulsory Certification, additional testing now required for all cells made or sold in China after August 1, 2024. The logo and certain information must be put on all cells once they are certified. This typically won’t be done by a manufacturer until the cell is ready to go into full production.
Continuous Current Discharge Graphs
Ratings and Performance Specs Graphic
18650/21700 Ratings & E-Scores and Recommended Batteries Tables:
The links are in my public Patreon pinned post: https://www.patreon.com/posts/pinned-post-137974946
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: Get more from Battery Mooch on Patreon.
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 to help lower the risks and extend cell life, 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
This is an average performing 20A cell that must be severely derated (down to 7.5A) if the cell operates when warmer than 45°C. This temp is just “warm” and is easily reached in a battery pack so read the datasheet and consider this derating carefully.
Some other info…
- This cell performs a bit worse than the Samsung 50S2 but could be a good cell to consider for the same applications (around 20A and not running too warm) if it’s priced lower than the 50S2.
- The cells I tested are H51T. I am assuming that the specs will be close or identical to the specs in the H51 datasheet but I cannot guarantee that. If you will be running anywhere near this cell’s ratings you must carefully work your way up in power level and confirm that the cell is operating properly and not overheating.
- There are a lot of temperature-related adjustments to the charge and discharge current ratings in the datasheet. You must read and fully understand those before using this cell!
- The max allowed cell surface temp is 70°C. This is lower than most power cells.
- The H51 is spec’d as having a long cycle life but we need to read the datasheet carefully..that spec is for cycling down to 3.0V and not 2.5V.
- The preliminary H51 Rev 3 datasheet dated Oct 2024 lists a guaranteed minimum cycle life of >=1000 cycles down to 80% of the original capacity. But it also notes that this spec is “TBD”, to be determined. It has not been confirmed by LG, for this version of the datasheet at least. And IMO there are many cells that can reach 1000 cycles before dropping below 80% capacity if the discharges stop at 3.0V
- As usual, that huge warning on the cell doesn’t mean this cell is any different, in terms of safety, than any other li-ion cell we use. It’s just a standard CYA warning for liability reasons since these cells are being used outside of fully protected battery packs by end users (“unauthorized” use).
- There’s no CCC*** logo so IMO it was either made before Aug 1st, 2024, it’s not being sold in China (and wasn’t made there), or it’s a pre-production cell.
- Max charge rate is 5A but that will shorten cell life IMO. Stay under 2.5A to help with long cycle life.
- The two cells I tested delivered 5083mAh and 5089mAh. This is above the cell’s 5000mAh capacity rating and is incredibly consistent
- The two cells had DC IR’s of 18.2mOhms and 18.6mOhms. This is decent consistency and is typical for an average performing 20A cell.
- Max weight is 70.5gms and max size is 21.27mm dia. x 70.60mm long, from the datasheet. But the weight spec is marked as “TBD” so it is a preliminary spec and not guaranteed.
Thank you DIY500AMP.com for donating cells for testing!
***China Compulsory Certification, additional testing now required for all cells made or sold in China after August 1, 2024. The logo and certain information must be put on all cells once they are certified. This typically won’t be done by a manufacturer until the cell is ready to go into full production.
Continuous Current Discharge Graphs
Ratings and Performance Specs Graphic
18650/21700 Ratings & E-Scores and Recommended Batteries Tables:
The links are in my public Patreon pinned post: https://www.patreon.com/posts/pinned-post-137974946
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: Get more from Battery Mooch on Patreon.
