Both 26650 and 18650 lithium batteries are cylindrical lithium batteries. So, what are the differences between 26650 and 18650 lithium batteries? Let's take a look at the comparison between 26650 and 18650 lithium batteries.
26650 lithium battery
26650 lithium batteries are a type of cylindrical lithium battery, specifically referring to batteries with a diameter of 26mm and a length of 65mm, forming a cylindrical shape. This term is generally used to refer to lithium batteries, including primary lithium batteries and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Common types include lithium batteries made with nickel-cobalt-manganese cathode materials and lithium iron phosphate materials—INR26650-3.6V-4500mAh and IFR26650-3.2V-3200mAh. These are used in power tools, lighting, wind and solar energy storage, electric vehicles, toys, instruments, UPS backup power supplies, communication equipment, medical equipment, and special lighting applications.
18650 lithium battery
Common 18650 batteries are divided into lithium-ion batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have a nominal voltage of 3.7V and a charging cut-off voltage of 4.2V, while lithium iron phosphate batteries have a nominal voltage of 3.2V and a charging cut-off voltage of 3.6V. Their capacities typically range from 1200mAh to 3350mAh, with common capacities being 2200mAh to 2600mAh. The theoretical lifespan of an 18650 lithium battery is 1000 charge/recharge cycles.
18650 lithium batteries are mostly used in laptop batteries due to their high capacity per unit density. In addition, because of their excellent stability during operation, 18650 batteries are widely used in various electronic fields: they are commonly used in high-end flashlights, portable power supplies, wireless data transmitters, electrically heated clothing and shoes, portable instruments, portable lighting equipment, portable printers, industrial instruments, medical instruments, etc.
What are the differences between 26650 and 18650 lithium batteries?
1. Different rated capacities: The IFR26650 lithium battery has a rated capacity of 3000mAh, while the IFR18650 lithium battery has a rated capacity of 1100~1400mAh.
2. The two batteries have different diameters: the IFR26650 has a diameter of 26 mm, and the IFR18650 has a diameter of 18 mm.
3. The reference weights are different: the reference weight of the IFR26650 lithium battery is 94 grams, while the reference weight of the IFR18650 lithium battery is 45 grams.
4. Different battery sizes: The 26650 battery is larger than the 18650 battery. Although their cell heights are the same, their cell diameters differ. The 26650 cell diameter is 26mm, while the 18650 cell diameter is 18mm.
5. Different battery capacities: Under the same battery materials, the capacity of a 26650 battery is larger than that of an 18650 battery. Assuming that both use ternary materials, a 26650 battery generally has a capacity of around 5200mAh, while the capacity of an 18650 battery is mostly around 2600mAh.
6. Different application environments: 18650 lithium batteries are widely used in lighting fixtures, industrial supporting lithium battery packs, power tool batteries, electric bicycle batteries, and power lithium battery packs, while 26650 lithium batteries are widely used in integrated solar street light lithium battery packs, energy storage stations, and solar energy storage batteries.
7. Different battery life: 18650 means 18mm in diameter and 65mm in height. Therefore, 26650 is definitely larger in volume than 18650, so there is more space to fill the material and achieve a larger capacity. Currently, 18650 has capacities of 2200, 2600, and 3100mAh, while 26650 generally has capacities of 4000, 4200, and 4500mAh, resulting in a longer battery life.
The above is a detailed comparison of the differences between 26650 and 18650 lithium batteries. 18650 and 26650 lithium batteries are completely different, although they can be modified to fit each other, but there are still differences. A thicker body can hold a thinner battery. There is an adapter tube that can thicken the 18650 battery and put it into a flashlight that uses 26650 batteries.
Combining the excellent capacity characteristics and high consistency of 26650 lithium batteries with the excellent structural design and mature manufacturing practices of cylindrical batteries, 26650 lithium batteries will gradually replace 18650 lithium batteries in the application of power batteries.
