Battery Building ToolsCell Database US18650VT3

Render coming soon

18.35 × 65.1 mm · 45.1 g

18650NCA

Sony US18650VT3

Name: Sony US18650VT3 Lithium Battery Cell
Brand: Sony

Sony · released 2011

Capacity1500 mAh5.4 Wh · 119.73 Wh/kg

Rated continuous20 A20A

Resistance20 mΩDC internal resistance

Voltage window3.6 V2.5 – 4.2 V

Standard charge1500 mA~1 h to full

Build a pack with this cell →Download spec sheet (PDF)Open the datasheet

At 1500 mAh, this ranks #251 of 279 18650 cells in our database. On the lower end for capacity among 18650 cells. Higher discharge than 77% of 18650 cells in our database. Great for high-drain builds.

Photos from the community

See the wrap, markings, and terminals up close.

Have this cell in hand?

Community photo submissions are opening soon.

Full specifications

Electrical
Chemistry	NCA
Nominal voltage	3.6 V
Max charge voltage	4.2 V
Discharge cutoff	2.5 V
Max continuous discharge	20A
Standard charge current	1500 mA
Standard discharge current	1500mA
Internal resistance	20 mΩ
Physical
Form factor	18650
Dimensions	18.35mm × 65.1mm
Weight	45.1 g
Top type	Flat Top
Protected	No
Wrap color	Green
Insulator ring	Black
Performance
Capacity	1500 mAh
Energy	5.4 Wh
Specific energy	119.73 Wh/kg
Energy density	313.65 Wh/L
Power density (gravimetric)	1,596 W/kg
Power density (volumetric)	4,182 W/L
Year released	2011

At the standard 1500 mA charge rate, a full charge takes about 1 hours. The last bit is a slow taper to top it off.

Voltage operating window

Cutoff
2.5VNominal
3.6VMax charge
4.2V

Usable range: 1.7V

C-rate conversion: Sony US18650VT3 (1500mAh)

C-Rate	Current (A)	Theoretical runtime
0.2C	0.3 A	5h 00m
0.5C	0.75 A	2h 00m
1C	1.5 A	1h 00m
2C	3 A	30m
3C	4.5 A	20m
5C	7.5 A	12m
8C	12 A	7m 30s
10C	15 A	6m

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

Charging

Rate	Current	Estimated time
0.5C	750 mA	~2h 00m
1C	1,500 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

Download official Sony US18650VT3 datasheet (PDF) ↗

Pack scaling

Series voltage configurations

Config	Nominal V	Max V	Min V	Common use
1S	3.6V	4.2V	2.5V	Flashlights, single-cell devices
2S	7.2V	8.4V	5V	RC vehicles, 7.2V packs
3S	10.8V	12.6V	7.5V	Power tools (10.8V nominal)
4S	14.4V	16.8V	10V	Ebike (small), some power tools
7S	25.2V	29.4V	17.5V	Ebike (24V system)
10S	36V	42V	25V	Ebike (36V system)
13S	46.8V	54.6V	32.5V	Ebike (48V standard)
14S	50.4V	58.8V	35V	Ebike (52V high-power)
16S	57.6V	67.2V	40V	DIY powerwall

Parallel capacity scaling

Config	Capacity	Energy	Max discharge
1P	1,500 mAh	5.4 Wh	20 A
2P	3,000 mAh	10.8 Wh	40 A
3P	4,500 mAh	16.2 Wh	60 A
4P	6,000 mAh	21.6 Wh	80 A
5P	7,500 mAh	27 Wh	100 A
6P	9,000 mAh	32.4 Wh	120 A

Example pack configurations

7S2P

24V ebike / small pack

14 cells25.2V nominal3,000mAh76Wh40A maxCell weight: 0.63 kg (add ~15% for wiring and BMS)

13S4P

48V ebike standard

52 cells46.8V nominal6,000mAh281Wh80A maxCell weight: 2.35 kg (add ~15% for wiring and BMS)

16S4P

DIY powerwall

64 cells57.6V nominal6,000mAh346Wh80A maxCell weight: 2.89 kg (add ~15% for wiring and BMS)

4S6P

Power tool replacement

24 cells14.4V nominal9,000mAh130Wh120A maxCell weight: 1.08 kg (add ~15% for wiring and BMS)

Design a custom pack with this cell:

Pack Planner →Pack Designer →

Application suitability

PowerwallsUsable for powerwalls but lower capacity means you'll need more cells to hit your target kWh.

Ebike PacksNot enough discharge for ebike use. Voltage sag would be a problem under load.

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.

FlashlightsLower capacity means shorter runtime. Better cells are available for flashlight use.

Power ToolsSufficient discharge and capacity for most power tool packs.

Physical dimensions

Dimensions18.35mm × 65.1mm

TopFlat Top

Format18650

Similar cells

Same format and chemistry, within ±500mAh capacity:

Cell	mAh	CDR	Wh	Weight	Wh/kg
Sony US18650VT3 (this cell)	1500	20A	5.4	45.1g	119.73
Toshiba LGR18650S	1350	—	4.9	45g	108
Sony US18650S	1300	3.5A	4.7	43g	109

Build with this cell

Pack PlannerSize your pack. Voltage, capacity, runtime, BMS.Pack Designer2D & 3D layout for your exact cell arrangement Pack BuilderBalance cells by capacity and internal resistance

Frequently asked questions

What is the capacity of the Sony US18650VT3?

What is the maximum discharge rate of the Sony US18650VT3?

How many US18650VT3 cells do I need for a 48V ebike battery?

What does the Sony US18650VT3 weigh?

Can I use the US18650VT3 for vaping?

What size is the Sony US18650VT3?

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.

Get new tools and build tips

We are always adding tools, cell data, and guides. Drop your email for new tool releases and battery-building tips. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

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.