Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. From laptops to electric vehicles (EVs), they power our modern lives, and two of the most popular cells for high-energy applications are the 18650 battery and 21700 battery. These cylindrical cells are named after their dimensions, but they differ in capacity, energy density, and use cases. Here’s a deep dive into the strengt... more18650 Battery vs. 21700 Battery: A Comprehensive Comparison https://www.lifepo4-battery.com/News/18650-battery-vs-21700-battery.html
Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. From laptops to electric vehicles (EVs), they power our modern lives, and two of the most popular cells for high-energy applications are the 18650 battery and 21700 battery. These cylindrical cells are named after their dimensions, but they differ in capacity, energy density, and use cases. Here’s a deep dive into the strengths and weaknesses of each type.
18650 battery and 21700 battery
1. Understanding Battery Dimensions and Design
The numbers in the names of these batteries refer to their size:
· 18650 battery: This battery measures 18mm in diameter and 65mm in length.
· 21700 battery: This one has a 21mm diameter and is 70mm long.
Though the 21700 battery is slightly larger, this seemingly small difference in size has a big impact on performance, especially when scaling up to high-capacity systems like EV battery packs.
2. Capacity and Energy Density
18650 Battery:
· Typically, 18650 battery offer capacities between 2500 mAh and 3500 mAh.
· Energy density ranges from about 200-250 Wh/kg, making them suitable for a range of applications, including power tools, laptops, and flashlights.
21700 Battery:
· The larger size allows for higher capacity, generally between 4000 mAh and 5000 mAh, with energy densities around 250-300 Wh/kg.
· This increased capacity makes the 21700 battery ideal for EVs and other applications that need higher power output and longer runtimes.
3. Performance in High-Drain Applications
The 21700 battery is well-suited for high-drain applications, such as electric vehicles, due to its increased energy capacity and better heat dissipation compared to the 18650. However, 18650 cells have been a long-standing favorite in many electronics due to their availability and well-understood performance characteristics.
For example:
· 18650 batteries are used in laptops and power banks, where consistent but lower energy is required.
· 21700 batteries are preferred in EVs and larger battery packs where maximum energy and efficient thermal management are crucial.
4. Thermal Management
As battery cells discharge, they generate heat, which can reduce their lifespan if not managed well. The larger volume and capacity of 21700 battery cells help them dissipate heat more effectively, making them suitable for high-energy applications.
For applications where thermal management is a concern (like EVs), 21700 batteries reduce the strain on cooling systems and improve battery longevity, further enhancing vehicle performance and safety.
5. Cost and Availability
Since the 18650 battery has been the industry standard for a longer period, they are generally more affordable and widely available. The 21700 battery, however, is newer and sometimes harder to source, though it’s gaining popularity as the battery of choice for EV manufacturers like Tesla. As production ramps up, 21700 battery costs are gradually coming down, making them more competitive with 18650 battery cells.
6. Applications and Use Cases
18650 Battery Applications:
· Laptops and Power Banks: The 18650 battery is compact and fits well into these devices, which require smaller battery packs.
· Power Tools and Flashlights: They offer high energy density and are widely available, making replacement easy.
21700 Battery Applications:
· Electric Vehicles: The 21700 battery provides longer battery life, higher energy density, and improved thermal management, critical for EV performance.
· High-Drain Devices: Devices that need consistent, long-term power like electric bikes, drones, and some portable appliances benefit from the larger 21700 battery cells.
7. Environmental and Efficiency Considerations
Both battery types share similar environmental challenges, such as resource-intensive mining and recycling issues. However, because the 21700 has a higher energy capacity, fewer cells are needed for the same power output, reducing the overall material needed. This can lower the environmental footprint for large-scale applications like EVs.
Conclusion
Both 18650 battery and 21700 batteriy have their advantages, and each is suited to different use cases. The 18650 is tried and true, with broad availability and proven performance in portable electronics and power tools. Meanwhile, the 21700 battery offers improved capacity and thermal performance, making it a great choice for EVs and other high-energy applications.
As battery technology continues to evolve, we may see further improvements in energy density and cost efficiency, but for now, both 18650 battery cells and 21700 battery cells play a crucial role in powering a wide range of devices that shape our everyday lives. Whether you’re building a DIY project or selecting batteries for an EV fleet, understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries have gained popularity because of their stability, safety, and long lifespan. But not all LiFePO4 cells are created equal. They're usually classified into three grades: Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. Understanding the differences between these grades is crucial when choosing the right cells for your needs. In this guide, we’ll exp... moreLiFePO4 Battery Grades: Grade A, B, and C Explained https://www.lifepo4-battery.com/News/lifepo4-battery-a-b-c-grades.html
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries have gained popularity because of their stability, safety, and long lifespan. But not all LiFePO4 cells are created equal. They're usually classified into three grades: Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. Understanding the differences between these grades is crucial when choosing the right cells for your needs. In this guide, we’ll explore each grade to help you make a well-informed decision.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries
Part 1: What Are LiFePO4 Cells?
LiFePO4 cells are a type of lithium-ion battery that uses iron phosphate as the cathode material. Known for their high thermal and chemical stability, long cycle life, and consistent performance, these cells are ideal for use in electric vehicles, solar energy storage, and portable electronics.
Why Is Grading Important?
The grading of LiFePO4 cells affects their performance, safety, and lifespan. Choosing the wrong grade can lead to lower efficiency, reduced performance, and potential safety risks. Understanding the differences between the grades is essential when investing in LiFePO4 batteries.
Part 2: Characteristics of Grade A LiFePO4 Cells
Superior Performance: Grade A cells offer the best energy density, discharge rates, and efficiency. They are produced under strict quality control, ensuring minimal internal resistance and maximum capacity.
Longevity: These cells can handle thousands of charge and discharge cycles with minimal degradation, making them perfect for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Consistency: Grade A cells provide consistent performance, with nearly identical specifications across all cells in a batch.
Safety: They meet the highest safety standards and undergo rigorous testing, reducing the risk of overheating or leaking.
Part 3: Characteristics of Grade B LiFePO4 Cells
Good Performance: Grade B cells perform well, though not as efficiently as Grade A. They have higher internal resistance and slightly lower capacity.
Moderate Longevity: They have a shorter lifespan than Grade A cells, with a faster rate of performance degradation.
Slight Variability: There’s more performance variability in Grade B cells, meaning not all cells in a batch will have identical specifications.
Adequate Safety: They still meet safety standards but are not tested as rigorously as Grade A cells.
Part 4: Characteristics of Grade C LiFePO4 Battery Cells
Lower Performance: Grade C cells have the highest internal resistance and the lowest capacity, making them unsuitable for high-performance applications.
Shorter Longevity: These cells degrade faster, with significant performance drops after fewer charge cycles compared to Grade A and B cells.
High Variability: There’s a lot of inconsistency in the performance of Grade C cells, which can be problematic for applications requiring reliability.
Basic Safety: They meet basic safety standards but are more prone to issues like overheating.
Part 5: How to Identify the Grade of LiFePO4 Battery Cells
Manufacturer Reputation: Reputable manufacturers are more likely to produce high-quality Grade A cells. Check reviews and feedback on their products.
Specifications and Testing: Compare the cell’s specs with typical standards for each grade. Request test results from the supplier if available.
Visual Inspection: While not always conclusive, a visual check can sometimes indicate the cell's quality.
Price Point: Grade A cells usually cost more due to their superior quality. A low price could indicate a lower grade.
Supplier Transparency: A trustworthy supplier will openly share information about the cell’s grade and offer supporting documentation.
Part 6: Applications for Different Grades of LiFePO4 Battery Cells
Grade A Applications: Best for critical uses like electric vehicles, solar energy storage, and medical devices, where reliability and long life are essential.
Grade B Applications: Suitable for consumer electronics, backup power systems, and electric bikes, where moderate performance is acceptable.
Grade C Applications: Ideal for low-demand uses like toys, low-end gadgets, and prototyping, where high performance isn’t required.
Part 7: How to Source High-Quality LiFePO4 Battery Cells
Research Manufacturers: Look for companies with a good reputation for producing high-quality cells.
Verify Specifications: Make sure the specs match the grade you're looking for and ask for test results.
Check Certifications: Look for certifications like ISO, CE, and UL to ensure quality standards.
Request Samples: Testing samples yourself can give you a better idea of the cell's performance.
Evaluate Supplier Transparency: Choose a supplier that is open and honest about their product quality.
Part 8: Common Misconceptions About LiFePO4 Battery Cell Grades
"All Cells Are the Same": This is not true; cell grade impacts performance, safety, and lifespan.
"Higher Price Equals Higher Quality": While price can be an indicator, it’s crucial to verify specs and test results.
"Grade B and C Cells Are Useless": They have their place in less critical applications where performance isn’t as vital.
Understanding these differences will help you make the best choice for your specific needs, ensuring you get the most out of your LiFePO4 battery investment.
LiFePO4 batteries (Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery) are becoming increasingly popular due to their high energy density, safety, and long lifespan. However, like any other battery technology, they can sometimes encounter issues. Understanding how to troubleshoot these problems is essential for maintaining their performance and longevity. In this blog, we’ll explore ... moreLithium Basics: Troubleshooting Your LiFePO4 Battery https://www.lifepo4-battery.com/News/troubleshooting-your-lifepo4-battery.html
LiFePO4 batteries (Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery) are becoming increasingly popular due to their high energy density, safety, and long lifespan. However, like any other battery technology, they can sometimes encounter issues. Understanding how to troubleshoot these problems is essential for maintaining their performance and longevity. In this blog, we’ll explore some common problems with LiFePO4 batteries and provide troubleshooting tips to help you get the most out of your battery.
lifepo4 battery
Understanding Common LiFePO4 Battery Issues
1. Battery Not Charging or Discharging Properly
Symptoms:
· The battery doesn't charge to full capacity.
· The battery discharges too quickly or doesn't hold a charge.
Troubleshooting Tips:
· Check the Charger: Ensure that you are using a charger specifically designed for LiFePO4 batteries. Using an incompatible charger can prevent the battery from reaching full capacity.
· Inspect Connections: Loose or corroded connections can affect charging efficiency. Ensure all connections are tight and clean.
· Examine the Battery Management System (BMS): The BMS is responsible for monitoring and protecting the battery. If it's malfunctioning, it may restrict charging or discharging. Consult the manufacturer or a professional if you suspect a BMS issue.
2. Battery Not Balancing
Symptoms:
· Individual cells in the battery pack have varying voltage levels.
· The battery doesn't reach full capacity even after a complete charge cycle.
Troubleshooting Tips:
· Perform a Balancing Charge: A balancing charge equalizes the voltage across all cells. Most LiFePO4 chargers have a balancing feature; use it to ensure even charging.
· Check for Faulty Cells: If balancing doesn’t resolve the issue, there might be a faulty cell. Use a multimeter to measure individual cell voltages and replace any that are significantly different.
3. Battery Overheating
Symptoms:
· The battery becomes excessively hot during charging or discharging.
Troubleshooting Tips:
· Ensure Proper Ventilation: Make sure the battery is in a well-ventilated area to dissipate heat effectively.
· Avoid Overloading: Overloading the battery with too high a current can cause overheating. Ensure the load is within the battery’s specified limits.
· Inspect the BMS: A malfunctioning BMS can fail to regulate temperature effectively, leading to overheating. If the problem persists, consult a professional.
4. Reduced Capacity or Runtime
Symptoms:
· The lifepo4 battery doesn't last as long as it used to on a full charge.
Troubleshooting Tips:
· Calibrate the Battery: Occasionally, running the battery down completely and then charging it fully can recalibrate the battery management system and restore capacity.
· Check for Parasitic Loads: Devices connected to the lifepo4 battery may draw power even when not in active use, reducing runtime. Ensure all unnecessary loads are disconnected.
· Perform Regular Maintenance: Periodically check the lifepo4 battery for signs of wear or damage, and follow recommended maintenance practices to prolong its life.
5. Physical Damage or Swelling
Symptoms:
·· Visible swelling or damage to the lifepo4 battery casing.
Troubleshooting Tips:
· Stop Using the Battery: Physical damage can lead to leaks, short circuits, or even fire hazards. Do not use a damaged battery.
· Consult the Manufacturer: Contact the manufacturer for guidance on handling and replacing a damaged battery.
Best Practices for Maintaining LiFePO4 Batteries
· Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your battery for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.
· Proper Storage: Store LiFePO4 batteries in a cool, dry place and at a partial charge to prolong their lifespan.
· Use the Right Equipment: Always use chargers and equipment designed specifically for LiFePO4 batteries.
· Avoid Deep Discharge: Although LiFePO4 batteries are less prone to damage from deep discharge, regularly discharging them below 20% capacity can shorten their lifespan.
Conclusion
LiFePO4 battery is reliable and durable, but like any technology, they require proper care and maintenance. By understanding common issues and how to troubleshoot them, you can ensure your battery performs optimally and lasts for years to come. If you encounter persistent problems, don't hesitate to consult a professional for assistance. With proper care, LiFePO4 batteries can be an excellent investment for your energy storage needs.
Recently, Geely Automobile released its latest generation Short Blade Lifepo4 Battery - Aegis Short Blade Battery. The battery is self-developed and produced by Geely and will be put into production at Yaoning New Energy Factory. It is worth noting that in the slogan of Aegis Short Blade Battery, there are contents such as "long blade is not the optimal... moreGeely releases new generation lfp short blade lifepo4 battery https://www.lifepo4-battery.com/News/geely-releases-lfp-short-blade-battery.html
Recently, Geely Automobile released its latest generation Short Blade Lifepo4 Battery - Aegis Short Blade Battery. The battery is self-developed and produced by Geely and will be put into production at Yaoning New Energy Factory. It is worth noting that in the slogan of Aegis Short Blade Battery, there are contents such as "long blade is not the optimal solution, short blade is the new generation; Lifepo4 Battery is the best form and optimal solution", which is a "tribute" to the first blade. BYD means battery.
Judging from the content announced at the Aegis Short Blade Battery conference, the technical strength of this battery cannot be underestimated. The new lfp battery has achieved technological breakthroughs in terms of safety, cycle life, fast charging capability and low-temperature discharge performance. It is called a short blade battery, which is relative to a long blade battery. The length of the blade battery released by BYD in 2020 is 960mm. Since then, some battery companies have also released blade batteries with sizes smaller than 960mm, which can be collectively referred to as short blade batteries.
The Aegis Short Blade Battery is 580 mm in length, which is 380 mm shorter than the long blade battery’s length of 960 mm. In terms of battery thickness, the Aegis Short Blade Battery is 18.2 mm, and the long blade battery is 13.5 mm thick. According to Geely's press conference, the short blade battery can be designed in a shorter and more compact size to achieve higher safety and further improve the flexibility of the entire package layout. The energy density of the Aegis Short Blade Battery unit is 192Wh/kg. As lfp battery, this data is quite excellent. The first-generation blade battery currently used by BYD has an energy density of 140-150Wh/kg.
In terms of safety, Geely announced on-site the safety test results of the Aegis Short Blade Battery at the New Energy Inspection Center of the China Automotive Industry Center. The test items include battery core acupuncture, battery pack seawater corrosion immersion, battery pack being dropped and hit hard on three sides, and battery pack external Fire, vehicle negative sill impact test, vehicle forward bottom scraping test, vehicle rear bottom scraping test, vehicle bottom scraping test, etc. All safety test items have passed and are significantly better than national standards.
What is particularly noteworthy is that the Aegis Short Blade Battery also passed the 8-needle simultaneous puncture test of the China Automotive Industry Center: 8 steel needles with a diameter of 5mm were pierced at the same time and left undisturbed for 1 hour. The battery cell did not smoke, fire, or explode. In addition, the Aegis Short Blade Battery battery passed the 5.8mm real bullet penetration test for the first time in the world. A 5.8mm automatic rifle bullet penetrated the battery at a speed of 920m/s, causing explosive damage with a wound diameter of ≥60mm. No fire or explosion.
In terms of battery life, according to calculations, the cycle life of Aegis Short Blade Battery can reach 3,500 cycles, which is equivalent to a safe driving mileage of up to 1 million kilometers. In terms of fast charging capability and low temperature. Test data released by Geely shows that under the same battery capacity, the long blade battery takes 26 minutes to charge 10~80% SOC, with an average charging rate of 1.61C; while the Aegis Short Blade Battery 10~80% SOC charging time is 17 minutes and 4 seconds, with an average charging rate of 1.61C. The charging rate can reach 2.45C.
In extremely cold environments, Aegis Short Blade Battery also has stronger discharge capacity and longer cruising range than long blade batteries. Even when the ambient temperature is -30°C, the capacity retention rate of the long blade battery is 78.96%, and the capacity retention rate of the Aegis Short Blade Battery can still reach 90.54%. The release of Geely's new generation blade battery is undoubtedly a major breakthrough in the electric vehicle industry. It not only improves the performance and safety of electric vehicles, but also sets a new benchmark for the entire industry. We also expect the industry to truly shift from roll prices to roll technology.
On March 5th, Chery officially announced that the Chery EXEED Xingtu Yaoguang C-DM will be officially launched on March 11th.
According to the official website information, Xingtu Yaoguang C-DM will launch four models. Among them, the Long Range Pro and Long Range Max models will be equipped with CATL M3P batteries.
On March 5th, Chery officially announced that the Chery EXEED Xingtu Yaoguang C-DM will be officially launched on March 11th.
According to the official website information, Xingtu Yaoguang C-DM will launch four models. Among them, the Long Range Pro and Long Range Max models will be equipped with CATL M3P batteries.
As of now, CATL M3P battery have been installed in 6 models.
Previously, according to the application data released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, four models of Chery Star Era ES and Smart World S7 all used ternary lithium-ion+lithium iron manganese phosphate batteries, produced by CATL's wholly-owned subsidiary Jiangsu Times New Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
Overall, the CATL M3P is mainly aimed at mid to high-end models with a long range configuration of over 200000 yuan. Combined with an 800V voltage platform, it can achieve a charging speed of 30% -80% SOC in 15 minutes.
In terms of sales, as of January 2024, the Chery Star Era ES, which was launched two months ago, achieved sales of 1244 units. According to relevant sales personnel, the Chery Star Era ES Changhang version Max model is the most popular; The sales of the Zhijie S7, which has been on the market for three months, are 1503 units.
Due to the limited production capacity of the entire vehicle manufacturing line, it has not been fully released, and the Star Era and Smart World S7 are in a period of increasing sales. But it can be confirmed that the launch and delivery of downstream supporting models are driving the mass production and installation of M3P batteries.
According to the official statement from CATL, the M3P battery is not a traditional manganese iron phosphate lithium battery, but a new type of phosphate based ternary lithium battery.
However, the addition of lithium manganese iron phosphate in M3P batteries has also released a demand for upstream materials of lithium manganese iron phosphate, promoting its commercial application process.
At present, positive electrode material enterprises such as Hunan Yuneng, Defang Nano, and Rongbai Technology have all made production capacity layout in the field of lithium manganese iron phosphate, and have made new progress in the beginning of 2024.
On March 5th, Hunan Yuneng stated in a conference call with institutional investors that the company's research and development of lithium manganese iron phosphate products is progressing smoothly and is currently actively promoting certification with clients.
German Nano stated that it has built a production capacity of 110000 tons of lithium manganese iron phosphate and has achieved commercial application. It has started mass supply and loading, and the shipment volume is gradually increasing according to the rhythm of customer demand.
Rongbai Technology stated that its lithium manganese iron phosphate products have been verified by downstream customers, with a production capacity of 110000 tons of lithium manganese iron phosphate built and commercialized, and have started mass supply and loading; We are currently promoting the 20000 ton/year manganese iron phosphate lithium cathode project in South Korea.
In addition, Rongbai Technology has signed a joint research and development agreement with LGES, and the two sides will conduct in-depth cooperation in technology development, production and manufacturing, and product sales around materials such as lithium manganese iron phosphate, precursor free cathode materials, and medium nickel high-voltage.
On March 5th, Chery officially announced that the Chery EXEED Xingtu Yaoguang C-DM will be officially launched on March 11th.
According to the official website information, Xingtu Yaoguang C-DM will launch four models. Among them, the Long Range Pro and Long Range Max models will be equipped with CATL M3P batteries.
On March 5th, Chery officially announced that the Chery EXEED Xingtu Yaoguang C-DM will be officially launched on March 11th.
According to the official website information, Xingtu Yaoguang C-DM will launch four models. Among them, the Long Range Pro and Long Range Max models will be equipped with CATL M3P batteries.
As of now, CATL M3P battery have been installed in 6 models.
Previously, according to the application data released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, four models of Chery Star Era ES and Smart World S7 all used ternary lithium-ion+lithium iron manganese phosphate batteries, produced by CATL's wholly-owned subsidiary Jiangsu Times New Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
Overall, the CATL M3P is mainly aimed at mid to high-end models with a long range configuration of over 200000 yuan. Combined with an 800V voltage platform, it can achieve a charging speed of 30% -80% SOC in 15 minutes.
In terms of sales, as of January 2024, the Chery Star Era ES, which was launched two months ago, achieved sales of 1244 units. According to relevant sales personnel, the Chery Star Era ES Changhang version Max model is the most popular; The sales of the Zhijie S7, which has been on the market for three months, are 1503 units.
Due to the limited production capacity of the entire vehicle manufacturing line, it has not been fully released, and the Star Era and Smart World S7 are in a period of increasing sales. But it can be confirmed that the launch and delivery of downstream supporting models are driving the mass production and installation of M3P batteries.
According to the official statement from CATL, the M3P battery is not a traditional manganese iron phosphate lithium battery, but a new type of phosphate based ternary lithium battery.
However, the addition of lithium manganese iron phosphate in M3P batteries has also released a demand for upstream materials of lithium manganese iron phosphate, promoting its commercial application process.
At present, positive electrode material enterprises such as Hunan Yuneng, Defang Nano, and Rongbai Technology have all made production capacity layout in the field of lithium manganese iron phosphate, and have made new progress in the beginning of 2024.
On March 5th, Hunan Yuneng stated in a conference call with institutional investors that the company's research and development of lithium manganese iron phosphate products is progressing smoothly and is currently actively promoting certification with clients.
German Nano stated that it has built a production capacity of 110000 tons of lithium manganese iron phosphate and has achieved commercial application. It has started mass supply and loading, and the shipment volume is gradually increasing according to the rhythm of customer demand.
Rongbai Technology stated that its lithium manganese iron phosphate products have been verified by downstream customers, with a production capacity of 110000 tons of lithium manganese iron phosphate built and commercialized, and have started mass supply and loading; We are currently promoting the 20000 ton/year manganese iron phosphate lithium cathode project in South Korea.
In addition, Rongbai Technology has signed a joint research and development agreement with LGES, and the two sides will conduct in-depth cooperation in technology development, production and manufacturing, and product sales around materials such as lithium manganese iron phosphate, precursor free cathode materials, and medium nickel high-voltage.
As the world shifts towards more sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions, marine enthusiasts are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to power their boats. One such...