21700 vs 18650 Batteries: What is the Difference? - PCBasic

When you think about rechargeable gadgets like a flashlight, a laptop battery pack, and even an electric car, they generally depend on special batteries inside. These are often lithium-ion batteries. They come in different shapes and sizes. For a long time, one size was really common: the . Lately, however, another size has become very popular, especially in newer devices and vehicles: the . 

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You see, the size and type of battery cell used inside a device are really important design choices. It affects:

1. How much power does the device have?

2. How long does it run?

3. And how big or heavy is it?

In simple words, picking the right battery cell matters a lot. This point is important for anyone building and using electronics.

Let's start somewhere and compare the and battery cells to see what's different and why both are used.

What are and Batteries?

First off, what do these numbers mean? They are not just random codes. Engineers know it's actually a simple way to tell you the size of the battery cell.

 This name breaks down into dimensions. 

•  18 means the battery is 18 millimeters (mm) in diameter. 

•  65 means the battery is 65 millimeters (mm) long. 

•  0 at the end usually means it's a cylindrical battery shape. 

So, an battery is a cylinder, 18mm across and 65mm tall. For many years, this was the standard for high-energy rechargeable cells. You know, it's been used in everything from laptops to many early electric bikes. 

 This follows the same pattern.

•  21 means the battery is 21 millimeters (mm) in diameter. 

•  70 means the battery is 70 millimeters (mm) long.

•  0 again means it's cylindrical. 

So, a battery is a cylinder, 21mm across and 70mm tall. It's basically a bit fatter and a bit longer than an . 

Definitely, the is physically larger than the . This difference in size, even though it seems small, has a big effect on performance.

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Key Differences: Size, Capacity, Power, and More

Comparing these two sizes reveals why manufacturers choose one over the other. This point is noticeable once you look at the specs.

1.    Size and Dimensions

As we covered, the is 3mm wider and 5mm longer than the . While these differences are small, they mean a device designed for one cannot fit the other without changing the battery holder and internal layout. They are not interchangeable just because they look similar. You can say it is the most common "mistake" beginners might assume they can just swap them, but do not panic, it's a simple physical size problem.

2.    Capacity (How much energy they store)

 This is a major difference. Because the is bigger, it has more internal volume. This extra space allows manufacturers to put more of the active materials inside the cell that store energy. You will see that typical cells have capacities ranging from around mAh to mAh (mAh stands for milliampere-hour, a unit of charge capacity). In contrast, cells often range from mAh up to mAh or even higher. This point is important: a single cell can usually store significantly more energy than a single cell. 

3.    Power Output (How much current they can deliver)

 The larger size of the also helps with power output. The internal parts that carry current are larger, and the cell's design can often handle higher discharge rates. This means a cell can often provide more power to a device when it needs it, like when a power tool is working hard or an electric car is accelerating quickly. Simultaneously, it can often maintain a higher voltage under load compared to a similar . Benchmark test shows this power advantage in demanding applications.

4.    Energy Density

 This relates to how much energy is stored per unit of volume or weight. Because the is larger, it has a better ratio of active material to packaging material (the metal casing, safety features, etc.). This means that, generally, cells can achieve higher energy density (energy per volume or per weight) than cells. You get more energy for roughly the same amount of material and packaging overhead per cell. Everything counts when designing lightweight, long-lasting portable devices or EVs. 

5.    Cost

Per cell, a is often slightly more expensive than an . However, because one can replace maybe 1.5 or 2 smaller cells in terms of total energy, the cost per watt-hour (Wh) of energy stored might actually be lower for cells in some cases. 

Why Did the Emerge?

The development and widespread adoption of the size didn't happen just because someone wanted a new size. It was largely driven by the needs of new technologies, especially electric vehicles (EVs). Companies building EVs needed more energy and power from their battery packs to give cars longer range and better performance.

Using cells meant building very large battery packs with thousands of cells. By switching to a slightly larger cell like the , which holds more energy per cell and offers higher power, they could build battery packs with fewer cells to get the same or more total energy and power.

Fewer cells means simpler wiring, fewer connections, and potentially easier manufacturing and thermal management for the whole pack. It allowed designers to think outside the box of the standard and unlock new possibilities for battery pack design and performance. The quest for more range and faster charging in EVs was a significant root cause for the move to larger formats like the .

Applications: Where Are They Used?

You will see both and batteries powering a wide range of devices.

Still widely used in things like laptop battery packs (though less common in newer, sleeker models), power banks, many LED flashlights, portable fans, vape devices, and older electric vehicle models. It's a mature technology with a wide variety of suppliers. PCB and PCBA companies are designing products that need moderate power and energy, and have long used s. 

 Increasingly found in newer electric vehicles (Tesla was an early, large-scale adopter), high-power cordless power tools, newer and more powerful LED flashlights, some e-bikes, and home energy storage systems. They are being designed into new prototypes for devices needing that extra boost in energy or power without a huge jump in size. 

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Customers are so right in their opinion that battery life and performance are key features. The move to in many products directly addresses customer demand for longer runtime and more power. 

Compatibility and System Design

It's very important to remember that a battery will not fit in a device designed for an battery, and vice versa. Their physical dimensions are different. Battery holders, charging cradles, and the internal layout of devices are made specifically for one size or the other.

When designers are creating a new product, they look at the power and energy requirements. They also consider the available space and the cost target. Based on these factors, they choose which cell size makes the most sense. For example, a small, thin device might stick with smaller, less powerful cells or even flat pouch-type batteries.

A large power tool or an EV will look at or (or even larger cells) to pack in the most energy and power. Choosing the right cell size and type is a critical part of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) for battery-powered products. You need to find a balance between performance, size, cost, and ease of assembly.

Which is Better?

Neither battery size is universally "better." It entirely depends on what you need it for.

If you need the smallest possible device and moderate power/energy, an might still be the right choice, or even smaller cells. Just because the is newer and holds more energy doesn't mean it's always the best fit.

If you need the maximum amount of energy and power in a relatively compact cylindrical format, the often wins. It offers a step up in performance.

When choosing or comparing, stay focused on the requirements of the application. Look within the specifications of the individual battery cells (capacity, max discharge current, voltage, lifespan) and compare them against what your device needs. Be patient when researching different cell options; specs can vary even within the same size.

Conclusion

So the basic point is that and are two common sizes of lithium-ion battery cells. The is slightly larger than the . This larger size means the generally offers higher capacity and can deliver more power. You will see s in many older and smaller gadgets, while s are increasingly found in high-demand applications like EVs and power tools. Choosing between them involves balancing needs for energy, power, size, and cost.  

NEW YORK, July 4, /PRNewswire/ -- The global  lithium-ion battery market size is estimated to grow by USD 6.54 billion from -, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 21.22% during the forecast period. Improved capacity and performance of lithium-ion battery is driving market growth, with a trend towards rise in battery recycling initiatives. However, restrictions on transporting lithium-ion batteries by air poses a challenge. Key market players include AA Portable Power Corp., EVE Energy Co. Ltd., Far East Holding Group Co. Ltd., GODI India Pvt. Ltd., Guangdong CVATOP New Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Guangzhou Great Power Energy and Technology Co. Ltd., Jiangsu Tianpeng Power Supply Co. Ltd., LG Chem Ltd., Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Panasonic Holdings Corp., Samsung SDI Co. Ltd., Shenzen ACE Battery Co. Ltd., Shenzen Fest Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen A and S Power Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen BAK Power Battery Co. Ltd., Shenzhen XTAR Electronics Co. Ltd., Sony Group Corp., Taiwan Cement Corp, Tesla Inc., and TianJin Lishen Battery Joint Stock Co. Ltd..

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Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The global lithium-ion battery market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing use of batteries in various applications, including electronic devices, electric vehicles, and material-handling equipment. As the number of batteries reaching their end-of-life increases, the need for effective recycling solutions becomes crucial. Recycling initiatives have gained momentum, leading to the development of new cost-effective processes to recover critical battery materials. The US Department of Energy (DOE) has established the ReCell Lithium Battery Recycling R&D Center, focusing on economically viable and environmentally friendly recycling methods. Direct recycling, a promising approach, involves recovering cathode materials as reusable mixtures, minimizing waste and reducing recycling costs. However, this technique requires specialized processes for different cathodes and depends on battery health. Additionally, second-use applications can extend the life of spent batteries, further boosting market growth. In summary, recycling initiatives and innovative recycling processes are key drivers for the growth of the lithium-ion battery market. 

The -sized lithium-ion battery market is booming, with applications ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles and energy storage systems. These batteries come in cylindrical format and offer higher energy density, making them ideal for various industries. Manufacturers are exploring novel electrode materials and manufacturing techniques to enhance battery technology's performance. Quality standards and safety laws are crucial for electric cars, solar energy, wind turbines, data centers, networks, and other applications. The market is expected to reach 750 GWh by , with 100 GWh from electric vehicles, 295 GWh from energy storage, and 957GWh from portable devices. High-performance batteries power electric cars, backup power systems, and grid-scale energy storage. Traditional lithium-ion batteries like LiCoO2 and LiFePO4 are being replaced by these advanced batteries. Safety issues are a concern, but manufacturers prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability. The market caters to various sectors, including New energy vehicles, power tools, medical devices, and portable devices, with capacities ranging from mAh to mAh. 

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Market Challenges

• Lithium-ion batteries, which use lithium as the anode due to its high electrochemical potential, are commonly used in devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. However, the same property that makes lithium suitable for producing high-capacity batteries also makes it highly reactive, increasing the risk of thermal runaway and potential explosions. The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) has enforced regulations restricting the shipment of lithium-ion batteries by air due to safety concerns. These regulations limit package weight to 2.5 kg and require batteries to be labeled as Class 9 hazardous materials. Manufacturers must also comply with transportation regulations for international and domestic shipments by air, sea, and land. Strict testing requirements and packaging regulations further complicate the shipping process. These regulations pose a significant challenge to the lithium-ion battery market, increasing costs and complexities for manufacturers and suppliers.
• The Lithium-Ion Battery market faces challenges in various sectors such as backup power systems and grid-scale energy storage, requiring extended cycle life and high-performance batteries. Solar energy and wind turbines rely on these batteries for efficient energy management. Data centers, networks, and security systems also depend on energy storage solutions for uninterrupted power supply. In the transportation sector, New energy vehicles and vehicle power batteries are driving demand for Lithium-Ion Batteries. The market size is projected to reach 750 GWh by , with sub-segments like Energy storage battery, Vehicle power battery, and Power tools. Safety issues are a concern, with energy density being a critical factor. Traditional Lithium-ion batteries like LiCoO2 and LiFePO4 are being replaced by smart technologies like IoT and AI in manufacturing processes. Portable devices like power banks, laptop battery packs, flashlights, and cordless power tools also utilize these batteries. The market includes mAh to mAh batteries for various applications. Automotive companies are investing heavily in this sector to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.

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Segment Overview 

This lithium-ion battery market report extensively covers market segmentation by

1. Application 
• 1.1 Automotive
• 1.2 Consumer electronics
• 1.3 Others
2. Type 
• 2.1 Lithium nickel manganese cobalt
• 2.2 Lithium titanate
• 2.3 Lithium iron phosphate
• 2.4 Lithium cobalt oxide
3. Geography 
• 3.1 APAC
• 3.2 Europe
• 3.3 North America
• 3.4 South America
• 3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Automotive- The lithium-ion battery market, particularly in the automotive segment, is poised for significant growth due to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and e-bikes. The advantages of lithium-ion batteries over other chemistries, such as higher energy density, superior performance, and longer cycle life, make them a preferred choice for these applications. In the automotive sector, the shift towards EVs is driven by government initiatives to reduce environmental pollution and promote clean energy. Countries like the UK, France, Belgium, Norway, and the Netherlands offer subsidies and incentives to boost EV adoption, with some even planning to ban the sale of diesel vehicles by . Furthermore, advancements in lithium-ion battery technology and the decline in prices have led to their increased use in the e-bike segment, which demands longer running times and faster charging rates. As a result, the lithium-ion battery market will experience substantial growth during the forecast period due to the expanding EV and e-bike industries.

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Research Analysis

The -sized lithium-ion batteries, with their cell counterparts, have gained significant attention due to their cylindrical format and energy storage capabilities. These batteries are essential for various applications, including energy storage systems, portable electronics, electric vehicles, and novel electrode materials. The global market for -sized lithium-ion batteries is projected to grow exponentially, with estimates suggesting a potential capacity of 750 GWh by . This growth is driven by the increasing demand for high-performance batteries in New Energy Vehicles and Energy storage solutions. The battery technology continues to evolve, with manufacturing techniques improving efficiency and reducing costs. Applications span from Vehicle power batteries and Energy storage batteries to power tools, portable devices such as laptops and tablets, and LiCoO2 Battery. Energy density remains a key focus area for innovation, with traditional lithium-ion batteries making way for advanced technologies to meet the growing demand for longer runtimes and higher power output.

Market Research Overview

The -sized lithium-ion batteries, also known as cells in cylindrical format, have gained significant attention in various industries due to their energy storage capabilities. These batteries are used in a wide range of applications, from portable electronics to electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The battery technology continues to evolve with the exploration of novel electrode materials and manufacturing techniques. Energy efficiency and sustainability are key drivers of the market, with higher energy density being a major focus. The market for -sized lithium-ion batteries is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting a potential capacity of 750 GWh by , up from 100 GWh in . Applications include electric cars, backup power systems, grid-scale energy storage, and renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind turbines. The batteries are also used in data centers, networks, and security systems. Safety laws and quality standards are crucial considerations in the market, with a focus on extended cycle life, energy density, and safety issues. The market for high-performance batteries is expected to grow, with applications in New Energy Vehicles, power tools, medical devices, and portable devices such as laptops, tablets, and power banks. Manufacturing processes are being optimized through smart technologies, IoT, and AI to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Traditional lithium-ion batteries, such as LiCoO2 and LiFePO4, continue to dominate the market, but new advancements in battery technology are expected to disrupt the market in the coming years. The market for -sized lithium-ion batteries is expected to reach 295 GWh by and 957GWh by . The batteries have a capacity of mAh to mAh, making them ideal for various applications where high energy density and long-lasting power are required.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation

• Application
• Automotive
• Consumer Electronics
• Others
• Type
• Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt
• Lithium Titanate
• Lithium Iron Phosphate
• Lithium Cobalt Oxide
• Geography
• APAC
• Europe
• North America
• South America
• Middle East And Africa

7 Customer Landscape
8 Geographic Landscape
9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
10 Company Landscape
11 Company Analysis
12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio

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