Battery Building ToolsCell Database VTC4A

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18650NMC Mooch-tested · 25 A

Sony VTC4A

Name: Sony VTC4A Lithium Battery Cell
Brand: Sony

Sony · released 2018

Capacity2000 mAh7.2 Wh

Mooch continuous25 ASize to this figure

Voltage window3.6 V2.5 – 4.2 V

Standard charge2000 mA~1 h to full

Build a pack with this cell →Download spec sheet (PDF)Mooch's test ↗

At 2000 mAh, this ranks #221 of 279 18650 cells in our database. On the lower end for capacity among 18650 cells. Higher discharge than 84% of 18650 cells in our database. Great for high-drain builds.

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Full specifications

Electrical
Chemistry	NMC
Nominal voltage	3.6 V
Max charge voltage	4.2 V
Discharge cutoff	2.5 V
Max continuous discharge	25A (Mooch-tested)
Mooch CDR (trusted)	25 A
Standard charge current	2000 mA
Physical
Form factor	18650
Top type	Flat Top
Protected	No
Performance
Capacity	2000 mAh
Energy	7.2 Wh
Year released	2018
Operating Limits
Charge temp	0°C to 45°C
Discharge temp	-20°C to 75°C

Independent test data: Mooch's test of the VTC4A ↗

At the standard 2000 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 VTC4A (2000mAh)

C-Rate	Current (A)	Theoretical runtime
0.2C	0.4 A	5h 00m
0.5C	1 A	2h 00m
1C	2 A	1h 00m
2C	4 A	30m
3C	6 A	20m
5C	10 A	12m
8C	16 A	7m 30s
10C	20 A	6m

Highlighted row is closest to the rated 25A continuous discharge.

Charging

Rate	Current	Estimated time
0.5C	1,000 mA	~2h 00m
1C	2,000 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.

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	2,000 mAh	7.2 Wh	25 A
2P	4,000 mAh	14.4 Wh	50 A
3P	6,000 mAh	21.6 Wh	75 A
4P	8,000 mAh	28.8 Wh	100 A
5P	10,000 mAh	36 Wh	125 A
6P	12,000 mAh	43.2 Wh	150 A

Example pack configurations

7S2P

24V ebike / small pack

14 cells25.2V nominal4,000mAh101Wh50A max

13S4P

48V ebike standard

52 cells46.8V nominal8,000mAh374Wh100A max

16S4P

DIY powerwall

64 cells57.6V nominal8,000mAh461Wh100A max

4S6P

Power tool replacement

24 cells14.4V nominal12,000mAh173Wh150A max

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 PacksMarginal. Check your motor's peak draw first. You might get voltage sag under load.

Car AudioEnough discharge to handle amplifier bursts without voltage sag.

High-Drain VapingAbove the 25A Mooch CDR threshold. Suitable for regulated and mechanical mods.

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

Power ToolsSufficient discharge and capacity for most power tool packs.

Similar cells

Same format and chemistry, within ±500mAh capacity:

Cell	mAh	CDR	Wh	Weight	Wh/kg
Sony VTC4A (this cell)	2000	25A	7.2	—	—
LG LGDBHE21865	2500	20A	9.3	48g	193
Sanyo UR18650F	2500	5A	9.3	47g	197
Sanyo UR18650FM	2500	5A	9.3	47g	197
BAK N18650COP	2500	30A	9	47g	191
BAK N18650NCP	2500	30A	9	47g	191

Build with this cell

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Frequently asked questions

What is the capacity of the Sony VTC4A?

What is the maximum discharge rate of the Sony VTC4A?

How many VTC4A cells do I need for a 48V ebike battery?

Can I use the VTC4A for vaping?

What temperature range can the VTC4A operate in?

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.