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 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 property damage, personal injury, or even death. They should never be used 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
It has been three years since I tested the Molicel P26A. With the 2021-dated cells being available I wanted to see if any changes in their performance has occurred over that time.
All genuine 2021-dated P26A’s should have an “L” as the second character in the date code on the wrap. If it has a “K” that is a cell manufacturered in 2020, “J” = 2019, “I” = 2018, etc.
I’m happy to report that the 2021-dated Molicel P26A’s are still one of the best all-around 18650’s you can buy, a great choice for almost any use from 5A-25A.
The 2021 cells ran the same or a touch better than the 2018 cells I tested three years ago. The 2021 cells ran at a slightly higher voltage at the start due to, I believe, the slightly lower DC internal resistance I measured (causing less voltage sag).
This cell has 35A “maximum discharging current” rating in the datasheet with an 80°C limit. This means Molicel says you can use the cell at up to 35A if you do not let it get hotter than 80°C (very hot).
This is not a true continuous current rating you can use to compare against other cells. The P26A will get almost hot enough to boil water if run continuously at 35A down to its 2.5V cutoff. In my opinion Molicel rated this cell for its intended use in power tools and other applications where the cells are used only for short periods of time at high current levels.
So while you can run this cell for short periods at 35A I recommend staying at 25A or lower to help improve performance (reduce voltage sag), extend cell life, and reduce risk.
The two cells I tested delivered 2654mAh and 2667mAh, exceeding Molicel’s 2600mAh typical capacity rating. This is great consistency.
Two cells were purchased for testing by me from 18650BatteryStore (18650 Battery Store - Lithium Ion Batteries, Chargers and Accessories).
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 and charger 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: List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
Misusing or mishandling lithium-ion batteries can pose a SERIOUS RISK of property damage, personal injury, or even death. They should never be used 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
It has been three years since I tested the Molicel P26A. With the 2021-dated cells being available I wanted to see if any changes in their performance has occurred over that time.
All genuine 2021-dated P26A’s should have an “L” as the second character in the date code on the wrap. If it has a “K” that is a cell manufacturered in 2020, “J” = 2019, “I” = 2018, etc.
I’m happy to report that the 2021-dated Molicel P26A’s are still one of the best all-around 18650’s you can buy, a great choice for almost any use from 5A-25A.
The 2021 cells ran the same or a touch better than the 2018 cells I tested three years ago. The 2021 cells ran at a slightly higher voltage at the start due to, I believe, the slightly lower DC internal resistance I measured (causing less voltage sag).
This cell has 35A “maximum discharging current” rating in the datasheet with an 80°C limit. This means Molicel says you can use the cell at up to 35A if you do not let it get hotter than 80°C (very hot).
This is not a true continuous current rating you can use to compare against other cells. The P26A will get almost hot enough to boil water if run continuously at 35A down to its 2.5V cutoff. In my opinion Molicel rated this cell for its intended use in power tools and other applications where the cells are used only for short periods of time at high current levels.
So while you can run this cell for short periods at 35A I recommend staying at 25A or lower to help improve performance (reduce voltage sag), extend cell life, and reduce risk.
The two cells I tested delivered 2654mAh and 2667mAh, exceeding Molicel’s 2600mAh typical capacity rating. This is great consistency.
Two cells were purchased for testing by me from 18650BatteryStore (18650 Battery Store - Lithium Ion Batteries, Chargers and Accessories).
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 and charger 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: List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
