XTAR VC4 Question.

[Baditude]

Thanks!

But I saw a 30A battery and got it. Fake marketing?
Or my lack of knowledge?

www.orbtronic.com/sony-vtc6-18650-battery-flat-top

This one says 30A.

With the current state of the battery industry, we usually have to dig pretty deep into our research to find a battery's true specifications. Exactly why 18650 battery names like VTC4, VTC5, Samsung 25R, are confusing everybody

Too often, vendors advertise a battery's spec based more on "word of mouth" knowlege than real scientific fact. For example:

Specs for the Sony VTC6 say it is a 20/30 amp continous discharge rate on Orbtronics website:

VTC6 Battery Specs:​

• Nominal Capacity: 3120mAh
• Rated Capacity: 3000mAh
• Max Continuous Discharge Current for temp. up to 80 degrees Celsius: 30A
• Max Continuous Discharge Current: 20A
• Nominal Voltage: 3.6V/3.7V
• Full charge Voltage: 4.2V
• Internal Impedance 13 mΩ measured by AC 1kHz
• Diameter 18.45mm max +/- 0.05mm
• Length 65mm max +/- 0.05mm
• Weight: 47 g Average
• Positive terminal: Flat top
• Color: Green
• Battery Type / shape: 18650 / Cylindrical
• Made in Japan
• Manufacturer: Sony Energy
• Intended use: Power Battery packs

However, our ECF battery expert bench tests sample batteries and says that battery is offically listed as a 15A battery. He said it could be used as a 20 amp battery as long as it doesn't feel hot to touch during use. Otherwise, he says we should go by the official manufacturer's amp rating.

Sony VTC6 15A 3000mAh 18650…a fantastic 15A/20A battery!​

"Sony gives this cell a continuous current rating of 15A but allows for temperature-limited operation at a level above that. You can run it at above 15A but only until you reach a certain temperature, 80°C, and then the discharge must stop.

But this is not a high performance “power” cell, designed for high current. It is a high capacity “energy” cell designed for low to moderate power levels and long running time. At higher current levels the voltage sag and power loss in the cell are huge. Do not exceed 20A." --- Battery Mooch
​

Truth be told, you have to look pretty hard to find Sony's official spec sheets. They typically don't publish their specs publically because their batteries were designed to be used only in battery packs which have a BMS (battery management system) for the auto and power tool industry (see images below). Meaning, they aren't meant to be used in the general consumer market.

These battery packs have their own custom-designed battery management system (BMS) that ensures configurable, consistent protection at desired current, voltage, and temperature settings to ensure long battery life and to ensure their safe use. They were never meant to be used outside of a battery pack, and not meant to be used solo in an electronic cigarette.