Panasonic NCR18650B 4.9A 3200mAh 18650 Bench Test Results...a so-so 4.9A battery

[Mooch]

These cells were purchased with funds donated by the vaping community for the purposes of testing. 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 battery is often shown as a 6.4A 3400mAh battery but it's not. The datasheet clearly shows its rating is 4.875A and 3200mAh. Due to its very high internal resistance and lower capacity it is easily outperformed by the Panasonic NCR18650GA, LG MJ1, and other high-capacity batteries. I do not recommend using it over 12W/3A to minimize voltage sag.

The 18650 ratings table has been updated to include this cell.


Continuous-Current Test Results



Pulse-Current Test Results



NCR18650B Datasheet Ratings



Comments

• At 5A continuous it reached about 2901mAh. This is about average performance for a 3200mAh cell at 5A so I am rating it at 3200mAh.
• At 10A continuous the temperature rose to 72°C. This is just below the average temperature of a cell operating at its continuous discharge rating (CDR) but there is significant voltage sag. This is an indication that we are operating at above its true rating.
• At 15A continuous the voltage quickly dropped to 3.2V, delivering only 120mAh.
• I am setting a CDR of 4.9A for this cell. While operating any cell near its rated maximum current level causes damage to the cell, I would expect good cycle life from this cell at 4.9A continuous.

To see how other cells have tested and how hard you can safely push them, check out these links:
List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...afety-grades-and-pulse-performance-data.7566/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...des-picking-a-safe-battery-to-vape-with.7447/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...fety-grades-and-pulse-performance-data.7554//