Illustrative render of the LG LGDBHG21865 cell✱ Render
Illustrative render generated from published specifications. Not a photograph of the actual cell.
18.5 × 65.2 mm · 47 g
18650NMC

LG LGDBHG21865

LG · also sold as INR18650HG2 · released 2014
Capacity3000 mAh10.8 Wh · 229.79 Wh/kg
Rated continuous20 A20A
Resistance18DC internal resistance
Voltage window3.6 V2 – 4.2 V
Standard charge1500 mA~2 h to full

At 3000 mAh, this ranks #15 of 169 18650 cells in our database. Near the top for capacity among 18650 cells. Top tier for both capacity and discharge. One of the best all-around 18650 cells.

Full specifications

Electrical
ChemistryNMC
Nominal voltage3.6 V
Max charge voltage4.2 V
Discharge cutoff2 V
Max continuous discharge20A
Standard charge current1500 mA
Standard discharge current600mA
Internal resistance18 mΩ
Physical
Form factor18650
Dimensions18.5mm × 65.2mm
Weight47 g
Top typeFlat Top
ProtectedNo
Wrap colorBrown
Insulator ringWhite
Performance
Capacity3000 mAh
Energy10.8 Wh
Specific energy229.79 Wh/kg
Energy density616.23 Wh/L
Power density (gravimetric)1,532 W/kg
Power density (volumetric)4,108 W/L
Cycle life300 cycles
Year released2014
Operating Limits
Charge temp0°C to 50°C
Discharge temp-20°C to 75°C

At the standard 1500 mA charge rate, a full charge takes about 2 hours. The last bit is a slow taper to top it off.

Voltage operating window

Cutoff
2V
Nominal
3.6V
Max charge
4.2V

Usable range: 2.2V

C-rate conversion: LG LGDBHG21865 (3000mAh)

C-RateCurrent (A)Theoretical runtime
0.2C0.6 A5h 00m
0.5C1.5 A2h 00m
1C3 A1h 00m
2C6 A30m
3C9 A20m
5C15 A12m

Highlighted row is closest to the rated 20A continuous discharge.

Charging

RateCurrentEstimated time
0.5C1,500 mA~2h 00m
1C3,000 mA~1h 00m

These are estimates for the constant-current phase. Real charge time is a bit longer because of the slow taper at the end.

Datasheet

Pack scaling

Series voltage configurations

ConfigNominal VMax VMin VCommon use
1S3.6V4.2V2VFlashlights, single-cell devices
2S7.2V8.4V4VRC vehicles, 7.2V packs
3S10.8V12.6V6VPower tools (10.8V nominal)
4S14.4V16.8V8VEbike (small), some power tools
7S25.2V29.4V14VEbike (24V system)
10S36V42V20VEbike (36V system)
13S46.8V54.6V26VEbike (48V standard)
14S50.4V58.8V28VEbike (52V high-power)
16S57.6V67.2V32VDIY powerwall

Parallel capacity scaling

ConfigCapacityEnergyMax discharge
1P3,000 mAh10.8 Wh20 A
2P6,000 mAh21.6 Wh40 A
3P9,000 mAh32.4 Wh60 A
4P12,000 mAh43.2 Wh80 A
5P15,000 mAh54 Wh100 A
6P18,000 mAh64.8 Wh120 A

Example pack configurations

7S2P
24V ebike / small pack
14 cells25.2V nominal6,000mAh151Wh40A maxCell weight: 0.66 kg (add ~15% for wiring and BMS)
13S4P
48V ebike standard
52 cells46.8V nominal12,000mAh562Wh80A maxCell weight: 2.44 kg (add ~15% for wiring and BMS)
16S4P
DIY powerwall
64 cells57.6V nominal12,000mAh691Wh80A maxCell weight: 3.01 kg (add ~15% for wiring and BMS)
4S6P
Power tool replacement
24 cells14.4V nominal18,000mAh259Wh120A maxCell weight: 1.13 kg (add ~15% for wiring and BMS)

Design a custom pack with this cell:

Application suitability

PowerwallsHigh capacity means more stored energy per cell. Fewer cells needed for a given kWh target.
Ebike PacksGood balance of capacity for range and discharge for hills. Works well in most ebike packs.
Car AudioEnough discharge to handle amplifier bursts without voltage sag.
High-Drain VapingBelow the 25A Mooch CDR threshold that high-drain vaping needs. Use a higher-drain cell.
FlashlightsHigh capacity means long runtime. Great for everyday carry and extended use.
Power ToolsSufficient discharge and capacity for most power tool packs.

Physical dimensions

Dimensions18.5mm × 65.2mm
TopFlat Top
Format18650

Similar cells

Same format and chemistry, within ±500mAh capacity:

CellmAhCDRWhWeightWh/kg
LG LGDBHG21865 (this cell)300020A10.847g229.79
LG LGEBMJ11865350010A12.7
LG LGDBMJ11865350010A12.749g259
LG LGABF1L186533504.9A12.249g248
LG LGGBF1L186533504.9A12.2
Panasonic NCR18650B33504A12.147.5g254

Frequently asked questions

Handling and safety

Lithium cells can be dangerous if mishandled. A few things to keep in mind:

  • Never charge above 4.2V or discharge below 2V.
  • Store cells at around 3.6-3.8V (roughly 40-60% charge) for long-term storage.
  • Don't mix cells with different capacities, chemistries, or states of charge in a pack.
  • Inspect wraps before use. A torn wrap can cause a short circuit.
  • Always use a BMS or balance charger appropriate for your pack configuration.
  • Keep cells away from metal objects, keys, and coins. A short across the terminals can cause fire.

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Specs come from manufacturer datasheets and independent testing; Mooch-tested discharge ratings are shown when available because they reflect real continuous performance better than headline datasheet numbers. Browse the full 18650 & 21700 cell database to compare every cell.

Disclaimer: We do our best to keep the information on this page accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all specifications are correct or up to date. Cell characteristics can vary between production batches and may change over time. Do not rely solely on this data for safety-critical applications. Always verify against the manufacturer's official datasheet before use.