
The 21700 cell is a type of lithium-ion battery cell that has gained popularity in recent years due to its high energy density and long cycle life.
It has a nominal capacity of 3600mAh and a nominal voltage of 3.7V, making it an ideal choice for power-hungry devices.
The 21700 cell is designed to be compact and lightweight, measuring 21mm in diameter and 70mm in length.
This compact size makes it a great option for devices that require a high-capacity battery without adding bulk.
Battery Cell Basics
The 21700 battery cell was introduced in 2017 as a joint effort between Panasonic and Tesla. It has a diameter of 21mm and a length of 70mm.
These cells are slightly larger than the 18650 cells. They have a higher capacity, ranging from 4,000 mAh to 5,000 mAh. The 21700 cells have the same nominal capacity as the 18650 cells, still coming in at 3.6 volts to 3.7 volts.
Broaden your view: 18650 vs 21700 Battery
They may come protected or unprotected, with protected cells having a battery management system (BMS) for protection and to prevent overheating. Unprotected cells do not have these safety protections.
The 21700 batteries are available in cylindrical, flat, and button-top versions. They were designed to replace the 18650 for electric vehicles.
Cell Comparison
The 21700 cell is a popular choice for battery packs, and for good reason. It has a 50% capacity increase compared to the 18650 cell.
One of the key benefits of the 21700 cell is its energy density, which is greater than the 18650 cell. In fact, the 21700 cell has an energy density increase of 2% to 6% depending on the manufacturer's internal construction.
The 21700 cell also has a discharge rate of 3.75c, which is higher than the 18650 cell. This means it can handle more power and is a good choice for applications that require a lot of energy.
The charge and discharge rates for both cells are basically similar, but the 21700 cell has lower resistance and stronger heating. This can be beneficial for some applications, but it's also worth noting that the 18650 cell has higher polarization.
In terms of durability, both cells have similar capacity fade when cycled, but the 21700 cell may have a slightly lower capacity retention.
Advantages
The 21700 cell has several advantages that make it a game-changer in the world of lithium-ion batteries.
One of the biggest advantages is its lower cost, with a price of $155 / kwh compared to the 18650 lithium battery system's $171/kwh.
The 21700 cell has a shorter market expansion history, with only five years of growth compared to the 18650 cell's 20 years.
This new technology is driving innovation in various industries, including the construction industry, where it's used in cordless tools.
The 21700 cell has a higher total cell capacity, reaching a maximum of 5000mAh, which is a 42% increase over the 18650 cell's maximum capacity.
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For heavy users of flashlights or e-cigarettes, this means up to 142% more run time on a single charge.
The 21700 cell is still compact, measuring less than 1″ in diameter, making it suitable for standard 1″ weapon mounts and holsters.
The energy density of the 21700 battery is close to 300wh/kg, which is nearly 20% higher than the 18650's energy density of 250wh/kg.
Market and Application
The 21700 cell is a popular choice for electric vehicles, offering a high energy density of 250-260 Wh/kg. This makes it an ideal option for EV manufacturers looking to increase range and reduce weight.
In terms of market demand, the 21700 cell is widely used in China, accounting for over 50% of the country's total lithium-ion battery production. Its widespread adoption is a testament to its reliability and performance.
The 21700 cell is also used in various applications, including renewable energy systems, where its high energy density and long cycle life make it an attractive option for solar-powered systems.
The Typical Application
The typical application of this technology is in the field of environmental monitoring, where it's used to track water quality and detect pollutants in real-time.
This is particularly useful in areas with high levels of industrial activity, where pollution can have severe consequences for local ecosystems.
In one notable example, the system was deployed in a river basin to monitor water quality and detect signs of contamination.
The results showed a significant reduction in pollution levels, with the system detecting pollutants that would have otherwise gone undetected.
This technology is also being explored for use in agriculture, where it can be used to monitor soil health and detect early signs of crop disease.
By providing farmers with real-time data, this technology can help them make informed decisions about crop management and reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals.
Who Produce?
ELB Energy Group is the leading supplier and manufacturer of lithium ion batteries, specifically 21700 cells, which are widely used in various devices.
These 21700 cells are commonly used in high-power-consuming devices such as scooters and are also used in flashlights and laptops due to their superior capacity and discharge rate.
Tesla Model S uses 18650 cells, which are different from the 21700 cells produced by ELB Energy Group.
Compatibility and Charging
Do 21700 batteries fit 18650 devices? No, they're physically larger, making it impossible to fit them in a 18650 cell holder without an adapter.
You can purchase adapter sleeves to make 18650 cells fit into places expecting 21700 cells, but keep in mind that energy density will drop significantly.
Tesla pioneered the 21700 format and uses 4416 of these cells in the Model 3 and Model Y.
Any charger designed for 18650 cells can charge 21700 cells, as they look the same electrically to a charger.
Just be aware that exceeding safe current limits can cause damage or fire, but 21700s can support equal or greater charging currents compared to 18650 cells.
You can use a 21700 battery in place of 18650 cells as long as you don't have any size constraints.
Size and Usage
21700 cells are not the same size as 18650 cells, with 21700 batteries being 21mm wide and 70mm tall, while 18650 batteries are 18mm wide and 65mm tall.
You can use a 21700 battery instead of a 18650 cell, as long as you don't have any size constraints, and it will work just fine in its place.
Curious to learn more? Check out: D Cell Battery Size
Flashlight

When you're out and about, a reliable flashlight is a must-have. Fenix's PD36R Flashlight is a great option, using 21700 cells that provide a significantly longer battery life compared to 18650 cells.
In fact, Fenix notes that switching from 18650 to 21700 cells greatly improves the duration time per battery. This is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who needs a flashlight that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Same Size
18650 and 21700 cells may seem similar, but they're not the same size. 18650 batteries are 18mm wide and 65mm tall, while 21700 batteries are 21mm wide and 70mm tall.
This difference in size means 21700 cells won't fit in the same space as 18650 cells, but 18650 cells can fit in the same place as 21700 cells. It's a subtle distinction, but an important one to keep in mind.
In some cases, you might be wondering if you can swap 18650 cells with 21700 cells in your device. The answer is yes, as long as you don't have any size constraints.
Why Choose
Our 21700 lithium-ion battery has endured strict quality control, including the Altitude/Low-pressure simulation test, Free drop test, and Vibration test, making it more reliable to use.
We comply with the standards of Panasonic and Samsung, and offer a lower MOQ of 2 for each type of 21700 lithium-ion battery, making it easier to connect with us for wholesale 21700 lithium-ion cells.
We boast 2 large R& D centers in China and America, with more professional engineers to develop new types of battery technology, like low-temperature batteries, pursuing innovation in our 21700 batteries.
Check this out: 21700 Li Ion Battery
Better for Your Application?
For small batch customers, 18650 batteries are often the first choice due to the larger number of manufacturers available.
The cost difference between 18650 and 21700 designs can be significant, especially for high-capacity batteries.
If you need high energy density and a compact design space, 21700 batteries are the way to go.
In general, 21700 batteries have nearly twice the capacity of 18650 batteries, with rated capacities ranging from 4000mAh to 5500mAh.

For example, the Molicel P28A cell has a capacity of 2.8Ah, which is a significant advantage for applications that require high energy density.
However, it's worth noting that 18650 batteries can still be a good option for applications that don't require extremely high capacity.
The Molicel P28A cell can handle up to 35 amps of continuous discharge current, making it a great choice for high-power applications.
In contrast, 18650 batteries typically have lower discharge currents, ranging from 10 to 20 amps.
Why Choose Sunpower Lithium-ion Battery?
Sunpower lithium-ion batteries endure strict quality control, including Altitude/Low-pressure simulation tests, Free drop tests, and Vibration tests, making them more reliable to use.
These rigorous safety tests ensure that the battery is perfect for various applications, such as engine starting batteries, intellectual robots, and solar and wind power systems.
Sunpower New Energy complies with the standards of Panasonic and Samsung, which is a testament to their commitment to quality.

The company boasts a lower MOQ of 2 for each type of 21700 lithium-ion battery, making it easier to purchase in bulk.
With 2 large R&D centers in China and America, Sunpower has a team of professional engineers developing new types of battery technology, like low-temperature batteries.
This pursuit of innovation has resulted in batteries featuring high capacity, longer cycle life, and wider applications.
If this caught your attention, see: 2 Cell Lipo Battery
Li-ion Battery in High Temperature Conditions
Li-ion batteries can be quite sensitive to high temperatures, which can cause their performance to degrade and even lead to safety risks.
At temperatures above 35°C, the capacity of a 21700 cell can decrease by up to 30% compared to its performance at room temperature.
High temperatures can also accelerate the aging process of a Li-ion battery, reducing its overall lifespan.
The internal resistance of a 21700 cell increases by 10% when exposed to temperatures above 40°C.
This can lead to a decrease in the battery's ability to deliver power and charge quickly.
Here's an interesting read: 2 Cell Li Polymer
Capacity and Power
The 21700 cell offers a significant boost in capacity and power compared to the 18650 cell. This is due to its higher energy density, with a 20% increase over the 18650.
You can expect to see a 42% increase in battery capacity with 21700 cells, reaching a maximum of 5000mAh. This translates to up to 142% more runtime on a single charge for heavy users.
For power tool users, this means a 50% to 100% runtime gain over standard 18650 packs. Compact 1P batteries can range from 2.0Ah to 3.0Ah, while general-purpose 2P batteries can range from 4.0Ah to 6.0Ah.
Some batteries, like the Bosch Core18V, have seen an 80% power increase, going from 800 watts to 1440 watts. This is due to improved cooling abilities and better materials that reduce resistance.
Here's a comparison of battery capacities:
- Compact 1P Battery: 2.0Ah–3.0Ah (36 Wh–54 Wh)
- General Purpose 2P Battery: 4.0Ah–6.0Ah (72 Wh to 108 Wh)
- High Capacity 3P Battery: 9.0Ah (162Wh)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are 21700 batteries so expensive?
21700 batteries are more expensive due to their higher energy density and newer technology. This increased cost is a result of the added features and advancements in design.
Featured Images: pexels.com

