Deciding between a 21700 or 18650 battery can be hard when picking the right one for your electric car (EV) or other electric device. Similar to each other, the 21700 and 18650 lithium-ion batteries have high discharge rates, which means they can power light electric vehicles. They both have the same power of 3.7 volts, which means they can be used with a wide range of products. Additionally, both types work well in various temperature ranges and have long life spans, which means they don’t need to be replaced as often.
What Is A 18650 Battery?
The 18650 batteries are a kind of lithium-ion batteries that can be rechargeable. Its cylindrical measures 18 mm in diameter, and its length is 65 mm.
The 18650 batteries offer high energy density, extended longevity, and low self-discharge rate. They are also available in many stores and work with many different devices, including electric cars, power banks, computers, and torches.
What Is A 21700 Battery?
The 21700 battery features a rechargeable lithium-ion design, measuring 21 mm in diameter and 70 mm in length. The market for these batteries is still new. The rising need for cells with more storage space prompted their creation.
The benefits of using a 21700 cell are higher energy efficiency, longer run times, and better performance when the load is significant. Because of this, they work great in electric cars, power tools, and other high-drain environments.
18650 VS 21700 Battery: A Comprehensive Comparison
You must consider their energy density and capacity. When comparing the 18650 to the 21700, the smaller size usually means a lesser capacity. However, technological progress has resulted in more energy, and 18650 batteries can hold more power.
Improved energy capacity is a major benefit of the 21700 battery over the 18650, resulting in longer battery life. Devices powered by 21700 batteries offer longer use periods and require fewer charges. Users are looking for prolonged power and often choose them for this reason.
· Size
A battery’s physical dimensions are an essential consideration in device design. Because of its larger size, the 21700 has many benefits and drawbacks. Devices designed to fit 21700 batteries could provide better performance.
However, the 18650’s small factor enables great design flexibility in electronic devices. The 18650 battery is compatible with many items and offers reliable performance. Sleek computers and compact flashlights are part of it. The 18650 is a good choice because of this.
· Capacity
The power storage capacity of a 21700 battery is 15% to 52% more than 18650 batteries. With two maximum capacity batteries, the 21700 has 47% more storage space than the 18650. Attention to detail is vital since certain 18650s are better than 21700s and can store more energy.
· Capacity range of 21700: 3300–5100 mAh
· Capacity range of 18650: 2200 mAh to 3600 mAh
· Cost
Although the prices per amp hour for the 18650 and 21700 are comparable, they vary considerably; therefore, it is prudent to shop around.
Depending on the supply chain, demand, supply, sales, and new technologies, the price of either battery will fluctuate.
The cost per mAh for UNPROTECTED 21700 and 18650 batteries is comparable. However, PROTECTED 21700 and 18650 batteries are significantly more expensive. Compared to PROTECTED 18650 batteries, the price per mAh of the PROTECTED 21700 can range from 20% to 40% higher.
· Weight
In comparison to the 18650, the 21700 weighs 40% to 90% more. Although not always the case, heavier generally indicates greater capacity. The ideal weight range for a 21700 battery is 60g (2.1oz) to 75g (2.6oz), while an 18650 battery should weigh between 42g (1.4oz) and 47g (1.6oz).
Due to the materials used in its construction, a battery’s weight can vary greatly. Comparable in capacity, a Li-Po battery is lighter than a Li-Ion battery. At this time, neither Li-Po 18650 nor 21700 is easily accessible. Alternative chemistries, such as Ni-Zn, might gain prevalence.
To Wrap-up:
You may select an 18650 or 21700 battery depending on the intended use. Furthermore, the battery life of the 21700 versus the 18650 is significant. Manufacturers continue to develop batteries with distinct advantages. It advances energy storage technology to unprecedented heights. The emergence of batteries that are even more potent and effective is coming.
