Illustrative render of the Panasonic NCR18650A cell✱ Render
Illustrative render generated from published specifications. Not a photograph of the actual cell.
18.6 × 65.2 mm · 46.3 g
18650NMC

Panasonic NCR18650A

Panasonic · released 2010
Capacity3000 mAh10.8 Wh · 233.26 Wh/kg
Rated continuous6.2 A6.2A
Voltage window3.6 V2.5 – 4.2 V
Standard charge1475 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. More capacity than 92% of 18650 cells in our database. One of the higher-capacity options.

Full specifications

Electrical
ChemistryNMC
Nominal voltage3.6 V
Max charge voltage4.2 V
Discharge cutoff2.5 V
Max continuous discharge6.2A
Standard charge current1475 mA
Standard discharge current600mA
Physical
Form factor18650
Dimensions18.6mm × 65.2mm
Weight46.3 g
Top typeFlat Top
ProtectedNo
Wrap colorGreen
Insulator ringWhite
Performance
Capacity3000 mAh
Energy10.8 Wh
Specific energy233.26 Wh/kg
Energy density609.62 Wh/L
Power density (gravimetric)482 W/kg
Power density (volumetric)1,260 W/L
Year released2010
Operating Limits
Charge temp10°C to 45°C
Discharge temp-20°C to 60°C

At the standard 1475 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
2.5V
Nominal
3.6V
Max charge
4.2V

Usable range: 1.7V

C-rate conversion: Panasonic NCR18650A (3000mAh)

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

Highlighted row is closest to the rated 6.2A 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
1S3.6V4.2V2.5VFlashlights, single-cell devices
2S7.2V8.4V5VRC vehicles, 7.2V packs
3S10.8V12.6V7.5VPower tools (10.8V nominal)
4S14.4V16.8V10VEbike (small), some power tools
7S25.2V29.4V17.5VEbike (24V system)
10S36V42V25VEbike (36V system)
13S46.8V54.6V32.5VEbike (48V standard)
14S50.4V58.8V35VEbike (52V high-power)
16S57.6V67.2V40VDIY powerwall

Parallel capacity scaling

ConfigCapacityEnergyMax discharge
1P3,000 mAh10.8 Wh6.2 A
2P6,000 mAh21.6 Wh12.4 A
3P9,000 mAh32.4 Wh18.6 A
4P12,000 mAh43.2 Wh24.8 A
5P15,000 mAh54 Wh31 A
6P18,000 mAh64.8 Wh37.2 A

Example pack configurations

7S2P
24V ebike / small pack
14 cells25.2V nominal6,000mAh151Wh12A maxCell weight: 0.65 kg (add ~15% for wiring and BMS)
13S4P
48V ebike standard
52 cells46.8V nominal12,000mAh562Wh25A maxCell weight: 2.41 kg (add ~15% for wiring and BMS)
16S4P
DIY powerwall
64 cells57.6V nominal12,000mAh691Wh25A maxCell weight: 2.96 kg (add ~15% for wiring and BMS)
4S6P
Power tool replacement
24 cells14.4V nominal18,000mAh259Wh37A maxCell weight: 1.11 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 PacksMarginal. Check your motor's peak draw first. You might get voltage sag under load.
Car AudioNot enough discharge for car audio amplifiers. You need at least 15-20A continuous for most setups.
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 ToolsNot enough discharge or capacity for power tool use.

Physical dimensions

Dimensions18.6mm × 65.2mm
TopFlat Top
Format18650

Similar cells

Same format and chemistry, within ±500mAh capacity:

CellmAhCDRWhWeightWh/kg
Panasonic NCR18650A (this cell)30006.2A10.846.3g233.26
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 2.5V.
  • 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.