An 18650 cell rated 3,450 mAh typical and 3,350 mAh minimum, discharged at 0.68 A to 2.5 V at 23 °C [1], with a 10 A maximum discharging current (remark: “Cycle life is reduced at high rates.”) and a 1.7 A maximum charging current from 0 to 60 °C cell surface temperature [1]. Below: every rating with its condition, Molicel’s own curves digitized, and what we calculated from them, so you can check each number.
A bare cell: a component for protected packs and devices built for it. Not for vaping. Charge on a lithium-ion (Li-ion) charger that stops at 4.2 V, at 1.7 A or less, from 0 to 60 °C [1].
01SPEC PLATE
Every rating, with its condition.
Two Molicel technical documents describe this cell. The 15-page specification [1], an approval sheet titled “Cell Specifications of INR-18650-M35A”, Rev. 0.1, dated 2019-10-21 (printed “10/21/2019”), sets every rating it prints, and the page follows it wherever the two documents overlap. Our copy was issued to a Molicel customer, and every page is marked confidential, so we quote it but don’t post it. The one-page product data sheet [2] adds the charts, the energy figures and the can; it prints no version or date, and we haven’t posted it. Where the two differ, the row shows both (section 08 below). Then come figures we read from the data sheet’s charts, our arithmetic, and facts from the safety data sheet (SDS) [3] and the UN38.3 transport test report [4]. Each row names its source or shows its formula.
| SPECIFICATION | VALUE | CONDITION · SOURCE |
|---|---|---|
| RATED · MANUFACTURER copied from specification [1] and data sheet [2] | ||
| MODEL CODE | INR-18650-M35A | as printed [1][2][4]; “INR18650-M35A” [3]; designation INR19/66 [1] §2.3 |
| CAPACITY, TYPICAL | 3,450 mAh | “3.45Ah (Typical)”, “Rated discharge capacity after rated charge.”; rated discharge “Constant 0.68A discharge until 2.5V at 23 oC.” [1] §4 items 2–3; “3450 mAh”, no condition printed [2] |
| CAPACITY, MINIMUM | 3,350 mAh | “3.35Ah (Minimum)”, same rated discharge [1] §4 item 3; “3350 mAh” [2] |
| ENERGY, TYPICAL · MINIMUM | 12.4 · 11.9 Wh | [2]; no condition or basis printed; [1] prints no Wh; the SDS’s figures are in the second plate |
| NOMINAL VOLTAGE | 3.6 V | “Mean voltage during rated discharge after rated charge.” [1] §4 item 4; [2] |
| CHARGE VOLTAGE | 4.20 V | “4.20 ± 0.05V”, end of charge voltage [1] §4 item 7; 4.2 V [2] |
| DISCHARGE CUT-OFF | 2.5 V | “Discharge voltage for determination of rated capacity.” [1] §4 item 8; [2] |
| RATED CHARGE | 1.7 A | “Limiting 1.7A and constant 4.2V charge for 2.5h or 100mA at 23 oC.” [1] §4 item 1; “Continuous Charge Current / Standard” 1.7 A [2] |
| CHARGING TIME | 150 min | “Rated charge.” [1] §4 item 9; “2.5 hr” standard [2] |
| MAXIMUM CHARGE | 1.7 A | “Maximum charging current”, “See Section 4.14”: 1.7 A from 0 to 60 °C cell surface temperature (fig 5.5) [1] §4 item 10; [2] prints 3.4 A (section 08 below) |
| MAXIMUM DISCHARGE | 10 A | “Maximum discharging current”, remark “Cycle life is reduced at high rates.”, no cut-off on the row [1] §4 item 10; [1] never says continuous; [2] lists the same 10 A under “Continuous Discharge Current / Maximum”, no condition |
| CELL SURFACE, LIMIT | 80 °C | “The cell surface temperature must not exceed 80°C.” [1] §7.2.3 2) |
| THERMAL CUT-OFF, RECOMMENDED | 70 °C | “Recommended thermal cut-off of 70°C at high rates.” [1] §7.2.3 2) |
| CHARGE TEMPERATURE | 0 to 60 °C | “0 ~ 60 oC”, “See Section 4.14”, a chart against cell surface temperature [1] §4 item 11; “Ambient Temperature” [2] |
| DISCHARGE TEMPERATURE | −40 to 60 °C | “-40 ~ 60 oC”, basis not printed [1] §4 item 11; “Ambient Temperature” [2]; “At a temperature of –30oC or less, the cell will show a significant decrease in discharge capacity.” [1] §7.2.3 2); “Consult E-One Moli Energy if you plan to discharge the cells at temperature less than –30oC.” [1] §7.3.3 2) |
| AC IMPEDANCE | ≤ 35 mΩ | “Internal resistance”, “Fresh cell measured by AC impedance at 1kHz” [1] §4 item 6; state of charge and temperature not printed; no DC resistance printed |
| ENERGY DENSITY, VOLUMETRIC | 700 Wh/l | “Volumetric” [2]; basis not printed |
| ENERGY DENSITY, GRAVIMETRIC | 250 Wh/kg | “Gravimetric” [2]; basis not printed |
| SHIPPING VOLTAGE | ≥ 3.45 V | “Nominal approximate state of charge ≤ 30%.” [1] §4 item 5 |
| STORAGE, SHIPPED CELL | < 35 °C | “Storage temperature for shipping cell”; “Recommended temperature less than 23 oC for long term storage.” [1] §4 item 12 |
| SHELF LIFE | 1 year | “See Section 5.4.” [1] §4 item 13 |
| DIAMETER | 18.30 mm | ± 0.30 mm [1] §2.4.2; “18.6 mm (Max)” [2] |
| HEIGHT | 65.05 mm | ± 0.15 mm [1] §2.4.2; “65.2 mm (Max)” [2] |
| MASS | 48.0 g | “48.0 (Max)” [1] §2.4.2; “48 g (Max)” [2] |
| SHAPE · CAN | Cylindrical · steel | shape [1][2]; can [2] |
| POSITIVE END | Flat | as drawn in [1] §2.4.3 and [2]; no top style is named |
| MINIMUMS · SPECIFICATION electrical performance, cycle life and storage, as printed [1] | ||
| MINIMUM AT 0.68 A | 3,350 mAh | to 2.5 V after rated charge, 23 °C; printed “≥3.35Ah” [1] §5.2 |
| MINIMUM AT 1.7 A | 3,300 mAh | to 2.5 V after rated charge, 23 °C; printed “≥3.30Ah” [1] §5.2 |
| MINIMUM AT 3.4 A | 3,200 mAh | to 2.5 V after rated charge, 23 °C; printed “≥3.20Ah” [1] §5.2 |
| MINIMUM AT 6 A | 3,100 mAh | to 2.5 V after rated charge, 23 °C; printed “≥3.10Ah” [1] §5.2 |
| MINIMUM AT 10 A | 3,000 mAh | to 2.5 V after rated charge, 23 °C; printed “≥3.00Ah” [1] §5.2 |
| MINIMUM AT 45 °C | 3,350 mAh | 0.68 A to 2.5 V, after rated charge at 23 °C; printed “≥3.35Ah” [1] §5.2 |
| MINIMUM AT 0 °C | 3,100 mAh | 0.68 A to 2.5 V, after rated charge at 23 °C; printed “≥3.10Ah” [1] §5.2 |
| MINIMUM AT −20 °C | 2,700 mAh | 0.68 A to 2.5 V, after rated charge at 23 °C; printed “≥2.70Ah” [1] §5.2 |
| MINIMUM AT −30 °C | 2,000 mAh | 0.68 A to 2.0 V, not 2.5 V, after rated charge at 23 °C; printed “≥2.00Ah” [1] §5.2 |
| CYCLE LIFE, 1.7 A | ≥ 70 % | after 500 cycles (“C500”): 1.7 A charge, 1.7 A discharge to 2.5 V (§5.1.4), 23 °C; “The % = (Ah / 3.30) x 100%” [1] §5.3 |
| CYCLE LIFE, 3.4 A | ≥ 70 % | after 500 cycles (“C500”): 1.7 A charge, 3.4 A discharge to 2.5 V (§5.1.5), 23 °C; “The % = (Ah / 3.30) x 100%” [1] §5.3 |
| CYCLE LIFE, 6.0 A | ≥ 60 % | after 500 cycles (“C500”): 1.7 A charge, 6.0 A discharge to 2.5 V (§5.1.6), 23 °C; “The % = (Ah / 3.10) x 100%” [1] §5.3 |
| STORAGE, 1 · 3 · 6 MONTHS | ≥ 25 · 20 · 15 % | 23 °C from 30 % charge; “The % = (Ah / 3.35) x 100%” [1] §5.4 |
| + Source: [1] E-One Moli Energy Corp., Approval Sheet, “Cell Specifications of INR-18650-M35A”, Doc # INR18650M35A-02, “Rev.: 0.1”, 10/21/2019 (as printed); on file; not posted: every page is marked “-- CONFIDENTIAL --” and “Proprietary of E-One Moli Energy Corp.”, so we quote it but don’t post it. Questions about its figures: call or text us + Source: [2] Molicel, Product Data Sheet, Model INR-18650-M35A (no version, date or document number printed; file name INR18650M35A-V1-80096); on file; not posted: we haven’t put it on our store. It carries no confidential marking and says “The information contained herein is for reference only and does not imply a performance guarantee or a product warranty.” Questions about its figures: call or text us + Source: [3] Molicel, Safety Data Sheet FSSF00058BJ, Molicel Rechargeable Lithium-ion cells and multi-cell battery packs; its version field prints BI; “Issue Date: January 10, 2025”; Table 6 lists INR18650-M35A; retrieved 2026-10-31 · SDS PDF + Source: [4] AnTek Certification Inc., Lithium Ion Battery Safety Testing Report TW1912005-003, INR-18650-M35A, to UN Manual of Tests and Criteria ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.6/Amend.1; issued 2022-02-11; “Test Performed Date: N/A”; retrieved 2026-10-31 · UN38.3 report PDF | ||
| SPECIFICATION | VALUE | CONDITION · SOURCE |
|---|---|---|
| READ FROM DATA-SHEET CHARTS digitized from the vector charts in [2], about ±0.5 % of each axis | ||
| CAPACITY AT 0.68 A | 3,488 mAh | where the drawn curve stops, at 2.51 V; 23 °C [2] |
| CAPACITY AT 10 A | 3,320 mAh | to 2.5 V, 23 °C [2] |
| CAPACITY AT −20 °C | 2,995 mAh | to 2.5 V; the chart prints a “-0.68A” discharge [2] |
| CAPACITY AT −40 °C | 375 mAh | to 2.5 V; the curve first dips to about 2.52 V near 95 mAh, then recovers; it runs on to 1,554 mAh at 1.55 V [2] |
| 1.7 A CHARGE, TRACE END | 146 min | CC-CV to 4.2 V, 23 °C; about 130 mA still flowing there, above the printed 100 mA cut-off [2] |
| CYCLE 450 · 4 A | 81 % | 1.7 A charge, 4 A discharge; % basis not printed [2] |
| CYCLE 450 · 8 A | 74 % | 1.7 A charge, 8 A discharge; % basis not printed [2] |
| CALCULATED arithmetic on [1] and [2], shown so you can check it | ||
| 1C, OUR BASIS | 3.45 A | 3.45 Ah typical [1] ÷ 1 h; no M35A document prints a C-rate |
| MAXIMUM DISCHARGE AS C-RATE | 2.9C | 10 A maximum [1] ÷ 3.45 A; [2] lists the same 10 A as continuous |
| MAXIMUM CHARGE AS C-RATE | 0.49C | 1.7 A maximum, 0 to 60 °C cell surface [1] §4.14, ÷ 3.45 A |
| ENERGY, NOMINAL × CAPACITY | 12.42 · 12.06 Wh | 3.6 V × 3.45 Ah · 3.6 V × 3.35 Ah [1]; [2] prints 12.4 and 11.9 Wh |
| ENERGY AT 10 A | 10.83 Wh | ∫V dQ along the 10 A curve to 2.5 V [2] |
| AVERAGE POWER AT 10 A | 32.6 W | 10 A × 3.26 V average of that curve [2] |
| CYCLE LIFE IN mAh | 2,310 · 1,860 mAh | minimum after 500 cycles (“C500”): 70 % × 3.30 Ah (1.7 and 3.4 A) · 60 % × 3.10 Ah (6.0 A) [1] §5.3 |
| STORAGE IN mAh | 838 · 670 · 503 mAh | minimum after 1, 3, 6 months: 25, 20, 15 % × 3.35 Ah, rounded half up [1] §5.4 |
| FROM THE SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS) AND UN38.3 TRANSPORT TEST REPORT copied as printed from [3] and [4] | ||
| CHEMISTRY | Li-ion | [1][2] say lithium-ion only. The SDS’s ingredient table, written for all Molicel cells, lists a cathode that “Includes one or more of the following:” Lithium Cobaltite, Manganese, Nickel, Aluminum; “*Quantities may vary depending on cell or battery model.” [3] Table 3 |
| CAPACITY · SDS | 3.45 Ah | “3.45 Ah (3.35Ah Min)” [3] Table 6 |
| ENERGY · SDS | 12.42 Wh | “12.42 Wh (12.06Wh Min)”, “Watt Hour Rating (Wh) (Volts x Ah)” [3] Table 6 |
| LITHIUM CONTENT | 1.05 g | “Equivalent Lithium Content (g) (cell Ah x 0.3 x #cells)” [3] Table 6; that formula gives 1.035 g from 3.45 Ah (our arithmetic) |
| MASS · SDS | 48.0 g | as printed, basis not stated [3] Table 6 |
| TRANSPORT | UN3480 · Class 9 | “UN3480 or UN3481”: UN3481 when contained in or packed with equipment [3] §14; packing instructions: air “PI910, PI965, PI966 and PI967”, sea “P903, P908 or P910” [3] §14.8.5–14.8.6 |
| UN38.3 | TW1912005-003 | T1–T5, T6 impact and T8 “Passed”; T6 crush and T7 “N/A”; AnTek Certification Inc., issued 2022-02-11 [4] |
| SAFETY DATA SHEET | FSSF00058BJ | its version field prints BI; “Issue Date: January 10, 2025”; Table 6 lists INR18650-M35A [3] |
| + Source: [1] E-One Moli Energy Corp., Approval Sheet, “Cell Specifications of INR-18650-M35A”, Doc # INR18650M35A-02, “Rev.: 0.1”, 10/21/2019 (as printed); on file; not posted: every page is marked “-- CONFIDENTIAL --” and “Proprietary of E-One Moli Energy Corp.”, so we quote it but don’t post it. Questions about its figures: call or text us + Source: [2] Molicel, Product Data Sheet, Model INR-18650-M35A (no version, date or document number printed; file name INR18650M35A-V1-80096); on file; not posted: we haven’t put it on our store. It carries no confidential marking and says “The information contained herein is for reference only and does not imply a performance guarantee or a product warranty.” Questions about its figures: call or text us + Source: [3] Molicel, Safety Data Sheet FSSF00058BJ, Molicel Rechargeable Lithium-ion cells and multi-cell battery packs; its version field prints BI; “Issue Date: January 10, 2025”; Table 6 lists INR18650-M35A; retrieved 2026-10-31 · SDS PDF + Source: [4] AnTek Certification Inc., Lithium Ion Battery Safety Testing Report TW1912005-003, INR-18650-M35A, to UN Manual of Tests and Criteria ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.6/Amend.1; issued 2022-02-11; “Test Performed Date: N/A”; retrieved 2026-10-31 · UN38.3 report PDF | ||
Voltage window
Black marks: rated voltages [1][2]. Orange band: where the middle 80 % of capacity is delivered at 0.68 A, the rated discharge, 3.08–4.02 V, read from the 0.68 A curve digitized from [2].
Current limits
Currents as rated in [1], each with its condition. C-rates on our basis, 1C = 3.45 A (3.45 Ah typical [1] ÷ 1 h); no M35A document prints one. The 10 A maximum has no cut-off beside it; [1] §7.2.3 2) adds an 80 °C cell-surface limit and recommends a 70 °C thermal cut-off at high rates. No pulse rating is printed. The data sheet’s older 3.4 A maximum charge: section 08 below.
Temperature envelope
Operating ranges as rated in [1] §4 item 11, in °C, with the limits its precautions add. [1] prints no basis for its discharge range and plots its charge limit against cell surface temperature; [2] calls both ranges ambient. Below −30 °C, [1] §7.3.3 2) says “Consult E-One Moli Energy if you plan to discharge the cells at temperature less than –30oC.” Last row: the test temperatures of the data sheet’s discharge-temperature chart, shown in section 04 below.
Capacity, as each document prints it
Each document’s capacity figure, as printed, on a 3,300–3,500 mAh scale; the axis doesn’t start at zero. Only [1] prints the condition: its rated charge, then a 0.68 A discharge to 2.5 V at 23 °C. Last row: where the data sheet’s 0.68 A curve stops, a chart reading, not a rating.
Energy, by document
Energy figures in Wh on a 10.5–13.0 Wh scale; the axis doesn’t start at zero. [3]’s minimum is nominal voltage × minimum capacity, 3.6 V × 3.35 Ah = 12.06 Wh; [2]’s 11.9 Wh minimum is lower, and [2] doesn’t print its basis. Our integrations of the 0.68 and 10 A curves are the last two rows.
Discharge at 0.68 A and 10 A.
The data sheet’s lowest and highest discharge currents, digitized: 0.68 A is the specification’s rated discharge, 10 A its maximum discharging current. At 0.68 A the drawn curve stops at 2.51 V after about 3,488 mAh. At 10 A the cell delivers about 3,320 mAh to 2.5 V; after 1,500 mAh delivered it sits 0.39 V below the 0.68 A curve.
Data: digitized from [2] “Discharge Rate Characteristics at 23 °C” · 0.68 A and 10 A · “Charge: CC-CV, 1.7A (100mA) to 4.2V at 23°C” · “Discharge: 4.2V to 2.5V” · the 0.68 A curve stops at 2.51 V, as drawn · C-rates on our basis, 1C = 3.45 A (3.45 Ah typical [1] ÷ 1 h) · data tables under figs 3.1 and 3.2
03BY CURRENT
Capacity, energy and runtime, by current.
Four discharge currents from the data sheet, from 0.68 A to 10 A, beside the minimums the specification sets at five currents. The first two figures are the curves; the rest are arithmetic on them, with the formula under each. The data sheet charts no cell temperature.
Discharge at 0.68, 1.7 and 3.4 A
Data: digitized from [2] “Discharge Rate Characteristics at 23 °C” · 0.68 A, 1.7 A, 3.4 A · “Charge: CC-CV, 1.7A (100mA) to 4.2V at 23°C” · “Discharge: 4.2V to 2.5V” · the 0.68 A curve stops at 2.51 V, as drawn · C-rates on our basis, 1C = 3.45 A (3.45 Ah typical [1] ÷ 1 h) · orange: 0.68 A, the rated discharge
DATA TABLE · FIG 3.1
| SERIES | V AT 0 mAh | 500 | 1,000 | 1,500 | 2,000 | 2,500 | 3,000 | END mAh | END V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.68 A · 0.2C | 4.16 | 4.00 | 3.85 | 3.73 | 3.58 | 3.43 | 3.17 | 3,488 | 2.51 |
| 1.7 A · 0.49C | 4.13 | 3.93 | 3.78 | 3.66 | 3.50 | 3.35 | 3.08 | 3,416 | 2.50 |
| 3.4 A · 0.99C | 4.06 | 3.84 | 3.70 | 3.57 | 3.41 | 3.26 | 3.00 | 3,376 | 2.50 |
Discharge at 1.7, 3.4 and 10 A
Data: digitized from [2] “Discharge Rate Characteristics at 23 °C” · 1.7 A, 3.4 A, 10 A · “Charge: CC-CV, 1.7A (100mA) to 4.2V at 23°C” · “Discharge: 4.2V to 2.5V” · C-rates on our basis, 1C = 3.45 A (3.45 Ah typical [1] ÷ 1 h) · orange: 10 A, the maximum discharging current [1]
DATA TABLE · FIG 3.2
| SERIES | V AT 0 mAh | 500 | 1,000 | 1,500 | 2,000 | 2,500 | 3,000 | END mAh | END V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.7 A · 0.49C | 4.13 | 3.93 | 3.78 | 3.66 | 3.50 | 3.35 | 3.08 | 3,416 | 2.50 |
| 3.4 A · 0.99C | 4.06 | 3.84 | 3.70 | 3.57 | 3.41 | 3.26 | 3.00 | 3,376 | 2.50 |
| 10 A · 2.9C | 3.86 | 3.57 | 3.47 | 3.34 | 3.21 | 3.07 | 2.83 | 3,320 | 2.50 |
Capacity delivered, by current
Black: capacity at the end of each curve in [2] “Discharge Rate Characteristics at 23 °C”: at 2.5 V, except the 0.68 A curve, whose drawn line stops at 2.51 V. Gray: the minimum [1] §5.2 sets at that current, “Discharge capacity to 2.5V after rated charge (4.1).”, at 23 °C. [2] draws no 6 A curve. C-rates on our basis, 1C = 3.45 A (3.45 Ah typical [1] ÷ 1 h).
DATA TABLE · FIG 3.3
| CURRENT | C-RATE, OUR BASIS | CURVE END mAh [2] | MINIMUM mAh [1] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.68 A | 0.2C | 3,488 | 3,350 |
| 1.7 A | 0.49C | 3,416 | 3,300 |
| 3.4 A | 0.99C | 3,376 | 3,200 |
| 6 A | 1.74C | no curve | 3,100 |
| 10 A | 2.9C | 3,320 | 3,000 |
Energy delivered, by current
Energy = the area under each voltage–capacity curve (∫V dQ), digitized from [2] “Discharge Rate Characteristics at 23 °C”, to its drawn end. Orange: 10 A, the maximum discharging current [1]. Data-sheet rating for comparison: 12.4 Wh typical, 11.9 Wh minimum [2].
Voltage sag, by current
Cell voltage after the same capacity delivered, read from each curve in [2]. At 1,500 mAh the 10 A curve sits 0.39 V below the 0.68 A curve: 0.39 V ÷ 9.32 A ≈ 42 mΩ (38–46 mΩ across the three depths). Effective resistance = (V at 0.68 A − V at 10 A) ÷ (10 − 0.68) A at the same capacity delivered, from the unrounded readings; arithmetic, not a rating. [1] prints an AC impedance of ≤ 35 mΩ at 1 kHz on a fresh cell and no DC resistance. They aren’t the same quantity: a 1 kHz reading leaves out the slower voltage losses a long discharge includes.
DATA TABLE · FIG 3.5
| DEPTH | 0.68 A | 1.7 A | 3.4 A | 10 A | mΩ, 0.68 → 10 A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mAh | 4.00 | 3.93 | 3.84 | 3.57 | 46 |
| 1,500 mAh | 3.73 | 3.66 | 3.57 | 3.34 | 42 |
| 2,500 mAh | 3.43 | 3.35 | 3.26 | 3.07 | 38 |
Average power output, by current
Power = current × average voltage of each digitized curve in [2], over the whole discharge to its drawn end; the start of a discharge runs higher, the end lower. Orange: 10 A, the maximum discharging current [1]. No document prints a power rating.
Runtime at a constant current
Runtime = capacity delivered ÷ current, from the curves in [2]: from a full CC-CV charge, at 23 °C. A device whose average draw is below its peak current runs longer than the figure at that peak. Orange: 10 A, the maximum discharging current [1]. C-rates on our basis, 1C = 3.45 A (3.45 Ah typical [1] ÷ 1 h).
Estimated heat in the cell, by current
An estimate of heat generated inside one cell, averaged over the discharge: current × the average voltage gap to the 0.68 A curve, read from [2]. [1] prints only an AC impedance (≤ 35 mΩ at 1 kHz, fresh cell) and no DC resistance, so no I²R estimate is shown. The data sheet charts no cell temperature. In a pack, neighboring cells add their heat: plan cooling, and derate. Orange: 10 A, the maximum discharging current [1].
Energy against power
Each point is one digitized curve from [2] “Discharge Rate Characteristics at 23 °C”: energy delivered against average power, power on a log scale. Orange: 10 A, the maximum discharging current [1].
DATA TABLE · FIG 3.9
| CURRENT | AVERAGE W | ENERGY Wh | RUNTIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.68 A · 0.2C | 2.4 | 12.56 | 5 h 08 min |
| 1.7 A · 0.49C | 6.0 | 12.10 | 2 h 01 min |
| 3.4 A · 0.99C | 11.8 | 11.69 | 60 min |
| 10 A · 2.9C | 32.6 | 10.83 | 20 min |
04BY TEMPERATURE
Discharge, by temperature.
Six test temperatures from −40 to 45 °C, digitized from the data sheet, all charged at 23 °C. Below 23 °C the chart runs each curve on to 1.5 V, below the 2.5 V rated cut-off; the dotted line marks 2.5 V. The chart doesn’t say whether these are ambient or cell temperatures. The specification sets minimums at 45, 0, −20 and −30 °C.
Discharge at 45, 23 and 0 °C
Data: digitized from [2] “Discharge Temperature Characteristics” · “Charge: CC-CV, 1.7A (100mA) to 4.2V at 23°C” · “Discharge: -0.68A to 2.5V (23°C and above), to 1.5V (below 23°C)” · orange: the 23 °C curve, the same drawn path as the rate chart’s 1.7 A curve (fig 3.1), so the printed “-0.68A” does not hold for it; for the other curves the chart gives only the printed “-0.68A” · the chart doesn’t say whether these are ambient or cell temperatures · dotted line: 2.5 V, the rated cut-off [1]
DATA TABLE · FIG 4.1
| SERIES | V AT 0 mAh | 500 | 1,000 | 1,500 | 2,000 | 2,500 | 3,000 | END mAh | END V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 °C | 4.14 | 4.02 | 3.87 | 3.75 | 3.59 | 3.42 | 3.16 | 3,472 | 2.50 |
| 23 °C | 4.13 | 3.93 | 3.78 | 3.66 | 3.50 | 3.35 | 3.08 | 3,416 | 2.50 |
| 0 °C | 4.10 | 3.87 | 3.74 | 3.60 | 3.45 | 3.30 | 2.96 | 3,333 | 1.50 |
Discharge at −20, −30 and −40 °C
Data: digitized from [2] “Discharge Temperature Characteristics” · “Charge: CC-CV, 1.7A (100mA) to 4.2V at 23°C” · “Discharge: -0.68A to 2.5V (23°C and above), to 1.5V (below 23°C)” · the −30 and −40 °C curves start at their first visible point: their first drawn points lie under the warmer curves’ drops in [2] · the −40 °C curve stops at 1,554 mAh and 1.55 V, above the printed 1.5 V end, as drawn · [1] §7.2.3 2): “At a temperature of –30oC or less, the cell will show a significant decrease in discharge capacity.” · the chart doesn’t say whether these are ambient or cell temperatures · dotted line: 2.5 V, the rated cut-off [1]
DATA TABLE · FIG 4.2
| SERIES | V AT 0 mAh | 500 | 1,000 | 1,500 | 2,000 | 2,500 | 3,000 | END mAh | END V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| −20 °C | 4.02 | 3.56 | 3.45 | 3.31 | 3.14 | 2.94 | 2.49 | 3,172 | 1.50 |
| −30 °C | start hidden in [2] | 3.17 | 3.02 | 2.86 | 2.60 | 2.29 | 1.58 | 3,020 | 1.50 |
| −40 °C | start hidden in [2] | 2.46 | 2.19 | 1.60 | curve ended | curve ended | curve ended | 1,554 | 1.55 |
Capacity to the cut-off, by test temperature
Black: capacity where each temperature curve in [2] reaches the cut-off its minimum uses: 2.5 V, or 2.0 V at −30 °C. Gray: the minimum [1] §5.2 sets at that temperature, at 0.68 A after a rated charge at 23 °C. The 23 °C curve is drawn with the 1.7 A rate curve’s path, so its gray bar is [1]’s 1.7 A minimum at 23 °C. [1] prints no minimum at −40 °C; below 23 °C the chart runs each curve on to 1.5 V (data table). At −40 °C the curve comes within about 0.02 V of 2.5 V near 95 mAh, inside the reading error, so a 2.5 V cut-off may stop there.
DATA TABLE · FIG 4.3
| TEMPERATURE | TO 2.5 V mAh [2] | TO 2.0 V mAh [2] | CURVE END mAh [2] | MINIMUM mAh [1] §5.2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 °C | 3,472 | ends at 2.5 V | 3,472 at 2.50 V | ≥ 3,350, 0.68 A to 2.5 V |
| 23 °C | 3,416 | ends at 2.5 V | 3,416 at 2.50 V | ≥ 3,300, 1.7 A row, the curve’s own path |
| 0 °C | 3,238 | 3,300 | 3,333 at 1.50 V | ≥ 3,100, 0.68 A to 2.5 V |
| −20 °C | 2,995 | 3,126 | 3,172 at 1.50 V | ≥ 2,700, 0.68 A to 2.5 V |
| −30 °C | 2,183 | 2,791 | 3,020 at 1.50 V | ≥ 2,000, 0.68 A to 2.0 V |
| −40 °C | 375 | 1,180 | 1,554 at 1.55 V | not printed |
Average voltage, by test temperature
Average voltage = energy ÷ capacity for each digitized temperature curve in [2], from full to 2.5 V, so every curve is cut at the same voltage. Orange: 23 °C, the curve drawn on the 1.7 A rate curve’s path; the chart prints “-0.68A” for all six. Lower voltage at the same current means less power and more heat in the cell.
DATA TABLE · FIG 4.4
| TEMPERATURE | TO 2.5 V mAh | ENERGY TO 2.5 V Wh | AVERAGE V |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 °C | 3,472 | 12.54 | 3.61 |
| 23 °C | 3,416 | 12.10 | 3.54 |
| 0 °C | 3,238 | 11.39 | 3.52 |
| −20 °C | 2,995 | 9.74 | 3.25 |
| −30 °C | 2,183 | 6.47 | 2.96 |
| −40 °C | 375 | 0.96 | 2.56 |
05CHARGING
Charging: 1.7 A rated and maximum, 0 to 60 °C cell surface.
The data sheet charts one charge, 1.7 A CC-CV to 4.2 V at 23 °C [2]. Figs 5.1 to 5.3 are its traces; fig 5.4 adds up the charge it put in; fig 5.5 is the specification’s limit on charge current by cell surface temperature, [1] §4.14.
Cell voltage while charging
Data: digitized from [2] “Charge Characteristics” · “Charge: CC-CV, 1.7A (100 mA cut-off) to 4.2V” · “Temperature: 23 °C” · the traces stop at 146 min with about 130 mA still flowing, above the printed 100 mA cut-off, and [2] prints no time limit
DATA TABLE · FIG 5.1
| CHARGE | 0 min | 15 min | 30 min | 60 min | 90 min | 105 min | 120 min | 146 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.7 A · 0.49C | 2.82 V | 3.50 V | 3.62 V | 3.85 V | 4.09 V | 4.20 V | 4.20 V | 4.20 V |
Charge current
Data: digitized from [2] “Charge Characteristics” · “Charge: CC-CV, 1.7A (100 mA cut-off) to 4.2V” · “Temperature: 23 °C” · the traces stop at 146 min with about 130 mA still flowing, above the printed 100 mA cut-off, and [2] prints no time limit · the constant-current plateau reads 1.70 A
DATA TABLE · FIG 5.2
| CHARGE | 0 min | 15 min | 30 min | 60 min | 90 min | 105 min | 120 min | 146 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.7 A · 0.49C | 1.70 A | 1.70 A | 1.70 A | 1.70 A | 1.70 A | 1.65 A | 0.90 A | 0.13 A |
Charge returned, percent as printed
Data: digitized from [2] “Charge Characteristics” · “Charge: CC-CV, 1.7A (100 mA cut-off) to 4.2V” · “Temperature: 23 °C” · the traces stop at 146 min with about 130 mA still flowing, above the printed 100 mA cut-off, and [2] prints no time limit · [2] doesn’t print what 100 % is; it reaches 100.00 % only at the last point
DATA TABLE · FIG 5.3
| CHARGE | 0 min | 15 min | 30 min | 60 min | 90 min | 105 min | 120 min | 146 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.7 A · 0.49C | 0 % | 12 % | 25 % | 50 % | 75 % | 87 % | 96 % | 100 % |
Charge put in, mAh
Charge put in = current × time, summed along the current trace digitized from [2] (fig 5.2). The constant-current stage ends between the trace points at 101 and 106 min, with 2,870 mAh put in by 101 min; the trace’s end at 146 min brings the total to about 3,483 mAh. The % curve in fig 5.3 prints no basis, so no mAh is read from it. Dotted line: 3,450 mAh typical [1][2].
DATA TABLE · FIG 5.4
| CHARGE | 1,000 mAh | 2,000 mAh | 2,870 mAh | 3,000 mAh | 3,300 mAh | LAST 1.7 A POINT | PUT IN BY THAT POINT | TOTAL TO TRACE END |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.7 A · 0.49C | 35 min | 70 min | 101 min | 106 min | 120 min | 101 min | 2,870 mAh | 3,483 mAh at 146 min |
Maximum charge current, by cell surface temperature
Drawn from the printed figures, not digitized: [1] §4.14, “Maximum charge current versus cell surface temperature.”, chart “Charge Rate vs. Temperature”, “Charge Voltage = 4.2 ± 0.05V”. The chart prints no number on its line; [1] §4 item 10 prints “1.7 A”, “See Section 4.14”, and item 11 “0 ~ 60 oC”. Its two regions trace one boundary, drawn here as one line. [2]’s older 3.4 A maximum is in section 08 below.
DATA TABLE · FIG 5.5
| REGION, AS PRINTED | MAXIMUM CHARGE CURRENT BY CELL SURFACE TEMPERATURE |
|---|---|
| Specific Operating region | 1.7 A from 0 to 60 °C |
| Safe Operating Region | 1.7 A from 0 to 60 °C, the same boundary |
Before you charge
- 1.7 A is both the rated charge and the maximum charging current, from 0 to 60 °C cell surface temperature [1] §4, §4.14. The rated charge takes 150 min, “Limiting 1.7A and constant 4.2V charge for 2.5h or 100mA at 23 oC.”
- The data sheet’s 3.4 A, under “Continuous Charge Current” “Maximum”, is the older document’s wording; the specification, dated 2019-10-21, sets 1.7 A (section 08 below).
- Use a charger or BMS (battery management system) that ends charge at 4.2 V and stops charging outside 0 to 60 °C cell temperature. Set it to 1.7 A or less; a charger fixed above 1.7 A charges faster than the specification allows.
- Charge only between 0 and 60 °C: cell surface in [1] §4.14, ambient in [2]. Put cells in the right way round: “The cell must be prevented from reverse-polarity charging.” [1] §7.2.2
06CYCLE LIFE AND STORAGE
Capacity over 450 cycles, and in storage.
The data sheet’s cycle chart: 1.7 A charge, then 4, 6 or 8 A discharge, to 450 cycles [2]. The specification’s cycle-life minimums use 1.7, 3.4 and 6.0 A discharge and 500 cycles [1] §5.3; only the 6 A current appears in both documents, and the chart prints no 100 % basis. Then how much charge a stored cell keeps [1] §5.4.
Capacity over 450 cycles
Data: digitized from [2] “Cycle Characteristics”, markers only, one per cycle, as printed · “Charge: CC-CV, 1.7A (100mA) to 4.2V at 23°C” · “Discharge: 4.2V to 2.5V” · legend “-4 A”, “-6 A”, “-8 A”; discharge temperature and rest times not printed · [2] doesn’t print what 100 % is; all three series read 100.00 % at cycle 3, not cycle 2 · the first 4 A marker (59.98 % at cycle 2, on the axis) is left out · [2] draws a one-cycle spike every 50 cycles and a 4 A dip at cycle 113, with no cause given · axis starts at 70 %
DATA TABLE · FIG 6.1
| TEST | 100 | 200 | 300 | 400 | 450 CYCLES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 A discharge | 92.41 % | 89.12 % | 85.95 % | 82.62 % | 81.31 % |
| 6 A discharge | 90.90 % | 86.91 % | 83.46 % | 80.24 % | 78.69 % |
| 8 A discharge | 88.39 % | 84.00 % | 80.05 % | 75.91 % | 73.78 % |
Capacity left: chart readings and printed minimums
Capacity at the last charted cycle, read from [2] (about ±0.5 points), beside the cycle-life minimums in [1] §5.3: 1.7 and 3.4 A, currents the chart doesn’t use, and 6.0 A, the chart’s 6 A current, each to 500 cycles with a printed 100 %: “The % = (Ah / 3.30) x 100%” or “(Ah / 3.10)”. The chart stops at 450 cycles and prints no 100 % basis, so read each group on its own: the bars are not comparable across groups. mAh: percent × the printed Ah index, calculated. A chart reading and a specification minimum, not a warranty.
Charge kept in storage
Capacity still in the cell after storage at 23 °C from 30 % charge, as printed in [1] §5.4: the first discharge after storage, “The % = (Ah / 3.35) x 100%”; mAh calculated as percent × 3.35 Ah, rounded half up. A cell stored at 30 % starts at about 30 %, so these show how much charge it keeps, not lasting loss. Orange: the longest storage rated, 6 months. [1] §7.2.4 asks for long-term storage below 23 °C and a charge to 30 % at least once a year.
07TRANSPORT TESTS
What the UN38.3 report records.
AnTek Certification’s UN38.3 report [4], issued 2022-02-11, records “Passed” for T1–T5, T6 impact and T8 on the INR-18650-M35A; T6 crush and T7 (overcharge) are printed “N/A”. AnTek is a test lab, a separate company from Molicel. The report re-issues earlier data: it prints “Test Performed Date: N/A” and “2. For T1 ~T8 test data, please refer to original report no TW1912005-002.”; that original report is not on file. Its tables print what each cell did: a lab sample, not our lot.
Highest temperature, by abuse test
Highest external temperature each cell reached, as printed in [4]: one tick per cell, the bar spans the lowest to the highest; cell counts are our tally of the printed rows. T5: case heated to 57 ± 4 °C, then shorted through 70–88 mΩ. T6: a 9.1 kg mass dropped from 61 ± 2.5 cm onto a 15.8 mm bar across the cell. T8 forced discharge ran 20 cells at 10 A for 0.345 h, “at an initial current equal to the maximum discharge current specified by the manufacturer”; [4] prints no temperatures for it. Each test shown here is “Passed” in [4] (T6 crush and T7 are printed “N/A”): a lab sample, not our lot.
DATA TABLE · FIG 7.1
| TEST | CELLS | MAX °C, EACH CELL | RANGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| T5 external short | 10 | 90.0, 92.9, 96.8, 98.6, 103.0, 95.6, 98.5, 97.6, 93.9, 99.4 | 90.0–103.0 |
| T6 impact | 10 | 23.4, 23.6, 23.2, 23.4, 23.2, 32.9, 23.2, 23.2, 23.6, 23.5 | 23.2–32.9 |
Voltage kept through T1–T4
Open-circuit voltage after each test, as a percent of the voltage just before it, printed for each of the 10 cells in [4]: one tick per cell. The cells started at 4.197–4.216 V, fully charged; five at first cycle and five after 25 cycles. The scale starts at 85 %.
Mass of the cells in the report
The lab weighed 10 samples before T1, as printed in [4]: 45.484–46.404 g (mean 45.97 g, our arithmetic), against the 48.0 g maximum [1][2]. Mass loss after each of T1–T4: 0.00–0.05 % [4]. The axis starts at 45 g.
DATA TABLE · FIG 7.3
| CELL | STATE | BEFORE T1 g |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | first cycle | 46.404 |
| 02 | first cycle | 46.056 |
| 03 | first cycle | 45.938 |
| 04 | first cycle | 45.928 |
| 05 | first cycle | 46.058 |
| 06 | after 25 cycles | 46.167 |
| 07 | after 25 cycles | 45.692 |
| 08 | after 25 cycles | 45.966 |
| 09 | after 25 cycles | 45.994 |
| 10 | after 25 cycles | 45.484 |
Safety tests in [1] §5.5 and §5.6
| TEST | CONDITIONS, AS PRINTED IN [1] | CRITERIA, AS PRINTED | SECTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Shock | “Storage: -45 oC for 1h and 85 oC for 1h, transfer time within 10 seconds. Repeat cycle 10 times.” | “No fire or explosion” | [1] §5.5.1 |
| Heating | “At 100% SOC heat cell up in gravity convection and/or circulating air oven. Oven temperature is to be raised at a rate of 5ºC (± 2ºC) per minute to a temperature of 130ºC (± 2ºC). Hold oven at 130°C for 10 minutes.” | “No fire or explosion” | [1] §5.5.1 |
| Thermal test | “6 Hours @ 75 ± 2°C followed by 6 Hours @ -40 ± 2°C x 10 Cycles (interval time of no more than 30 minutes between temperatures). Measurements taken after 10 cycles and 24 hours storage at 20± 5°C. (UN method)” | “Mass loss <0.1%, No leakage, venting, explosion, fire, disassembly, or rupture.” | [1] §5.5.1 |
| Short Circuit | “While in preheated oven and cell temperature reaches 57 ± 4°C, short circuit cell using a total external resistance < 0.1 ohm until cell temperature has returned to 57 ± 4°C. (UN method)” | “No disassembly, rupture or fire within 6 hours of test. Max temp: < 150°C.” | [1] §5.5.2 |
| Overcharge | “Charging at a current of 10.2A to 15V from the fully charged state for 2.5hrs.” | “No fire or explosion” | [1] §5.5.2 |
| Forced Discharge | “Connect cell in series with a 12V DC power supply at a current equal to maximum discharge specified. (UN method)” | “No disassembly and no fire within 7 days of test” | [1] §5.5.2 |
| Crush | “Crush between two flat plates. Applied force is about 13KN.” | “No fire or explosion” | [1] §5.5.3 |
| Impact | “Impact by 15.8mmφ bar with 9.1kg weight dropped from 61cm height on the flat surface.” | “No fire or explosion” | [1] §5.5.3 |
| Shock | “Subject to 6 shocks/axis, 18 total, of peak acceleration of150g and pulse duration of 6 ms. (UN method)” | “No leakage, mass loss, no venting, disassembly, no rupture and no fire. 90% voltage recovery” | [1] §5.6 |
| Drop | “Drop from a height of 4ft onto a concrete floor 3 times each for bottom, side and header orientations (total=9 drops).” | “No visible electrolyte leakage, no temperature rising.” | [1] §5.6 |
| Vibration | “Subject to 7↔200Hz / 15 min vibration, 12x15 min /3 axes at amplitude of 0.8mm (1.6 mm total excursion). (UN method)” | “No leakage, mass loss, no venting, disassembly, no rupture and no fire. 90% voltage recovery” | [1] §5.6 |
| High Altitude Exposure | “Stored at a pressure of 11.6 kPa for 6 hrs at 20°C. (UN method)” | “No leakage, weight loss, no vent, fire or explosion, 90% voltage recovery” | [1] §5.6 |
The maker’s test method and pass criterion, copied as printed from [1] §5.5 and §5.6. [1] lists these as tests the cell is specified to meet and prints no results. The 10.2 A overcharge current and the forced-discharge current are abuse-test conditions, not charge or discharge ratings. The UN38.3 results above are a different set of tests, from [4], with their own conditions.
Also on file: an earlier UN38.3 report on the INR-18650-M35A, Bureau Veritas UNT190308C31 [5], issued 2019-04-10, which describes its samples as “pre-production samples without serial number”. We don’t post it: it prints individuals’ contact details and restricts copying.
08DOCUMENTS
Where the documents differ.
The data sheet [2] prints no date; its PDF file was created 2019-08-08. The specification [1] is dated 2019-10-21. They print the same figures for capacity, voltages, discharge current, operating temperatures and weight, but not the same labels: [2] files the 10 A under “Continuous Discharge Current” and calls both temperature ranges “Ambient”; [1] calls 10 A the “Maximum discharging current” and plots its charge limit against cell surface temperature. The one figure that differs is the maximum charge current: 3.4 A in [2], 1.7 A from 0 to 60 °C cell surface temperature in [1]. Every rating on this page follows [1], the later-dated document; [2]’s figures appear where [1] prints none.
| ITEM | DATA SHEET [2], NO DATE PRINTED | SPECIFICATION [1], 2019-10-21 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum charge current | “Continuous Charge Current” “Maximum” “3.4 A”; no condition printed | “Maximum charging current” “1.7 A”, “See Section 4.14”: 1.7 A from 0 to 60 °C cell surface temperature (fig 5.5) |
| Standard and rated charge | “Continuous Charge Current” “Standard” “1.7 A”; “Charge Time” “Standard” “2.5 hr” | “Limiting 1.7A and constant 4.2V charge for 2.5h or 100mA at 23 oC.”; “150 min” |
| Discharge current | “Continuous Discharge Current” “Maximum” “10 A”; no condition printed | “Maximum discharging current” “10 A”; remark “Cycle life is reduced at high rates.” |
| Charge temperature | “Ambient Temperature” “Charge” “0°C to 60°C” | “Operating temperature / Charging” “0 ~ 60 oC”, “See Section 4.14”: a chart against cell surface temperature |
| Discharge temperature | “Ambient Temperature” “Discharge” “-40°C to 60°C” | “-40 ~ 60 oC”; no basis printed |
| Capacity | “3450 mAh” typical, “3350 mAh” minimum; no condition printed | “3.45Ah (Typical)”, “3.35Ah (Minimum)”, “Rated discharge capacity after rated charge.” |
| Energy | 12.4 Wh typical, 11.9 Wh minimum | not printed |
| Energy density | 700 Wh/l, 250 Wh/kg | not printed |
| Dimensions | “18.6 mm (Max)”, “65.2 mm (Max)” | “18.30 ± 0.30 mm”, “65.05 ± 0.15 mm”: upper limits 18.60 and 65.20 mm (our arithmetic) |
| Weight | “48 g (Max)” | “48.0 (Max)” |
| Internal resistance | not printed | “≤ 35mΩ”, “Fresh cell measured by AC impedance at 1kHz” |
| Can | “Steel” | not printed |
| Charts | charge; discharge rate at 23 °C; discharge temperature; cycle | §4.14 charge current against cell surface temperature only |
| Date | none printed; the PDF file was created 2019-08-08 | cover date 2019-10-21 (printed “10/21/2019”); “Rev.: 0.1” |
Text in quotation marks is copied as printed in [1] and [2]; other cells condense the printed rows, keeping their numbers and symbols; “not printed” is our note.
The SDS row for this cell, by revision
| TABLE 6, INR18650-M35A | [7] FSSF00058AP “Issue Date: 01-April-2019” |
[6] FSSF00058AR “Issue Date: 19-Dec-2019” |
[3] FSSF00058BJ “Issue Date: January 10, 2025” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical capacity | 3.45 Ah | 3.45 Ah | 3.45 Ah (3.35Ah Min) |
| Watt hour rating | 12.42 Wh | 12.42 Wh | 12.42 Wh (12.06Wh Min) |
| Equivalent lithium content | 1.04 g | 1.04 g | 1.05 g |
| Weight | 50.0 g | 50.0 g | 48.0 g |
| Version field | “Version number: AB” | “Version number: AR” | “Version number: BI” |
Each SDS’s Table 6 row for INR18650-M35A, as printed; all three print 3.60 V. The minimum capacity and minimum Wh are in [3] but not in [6] or [7]; the revisions between them are not on file. [3]’s revision list names the M35A once: “AY: (February 2022)”, “Section 16 Table 6 Update cell information IBR18650B/BB/BC, IHR18650C, INR18650-M35A”. [6] and [7] are superseded and not posted; the ratings on this page don’t use them.
09COMPARE
Where the M35A sits.
Eleven other 18650 cells, each from its own manufacturer document. A higher discharge rating usually costs capacity. The conditions behind each rating differ, so the table quotes each document’s wording.
Minimum capacity and rated discharge, side by side
- Molicel P28B INR-18650-P28B2,650 mAh minimum · 2,800 typical40 A continuous · 80 °C cut-off
- Molicel P28A INR-18650-P28A2,700 mAh minimum · 2,800 typical35 A maximum · 80 °C temp. cut
- Molicel P26A INR-18650-P26A2,500 mAh minimum · 2,600 typical35 A maximum · no condition printed
- Sony/Murata VTC6 US18650VTC63,000 mAh minimum · 3,120 nominal30 A continuous maximum · 80 °C temperature cut
- Samsung 30Q INR18650-30Q62,950 mAh minimum · 3,000 nominal30 A continuous · 80 °C cut-off; 15 A without one
- Molicel P30B INR-18650-P30B2,900 mAh minimum · 3,000 typical30 A continuous · 80 °C cut-off
- Samsung 25R INR18650-25R2,500 mAh minimum · no typical printed20 A max. continuous · at room temperature
- LG HG2 18650HG2Minimum not stated by manufacturer · 3,000 nominal20 A for continuous discharge · no temperature condition printed
- Molicel M35A INR-18650-M35A3,350 mAh minimum · 3,450 typical10 A maximum · no condition on [1]’s row
- Panasonic GA NCR18650GA3,350 mAh minimum · 3,450 typical10 A continuous max. · 0 to +40 °C; 8 A considering cycle
- Samsung 35E INR18650-35E3,350 mAh minimum · no typical printed8 A for continuous discharge · no condition printed
- Panasonic NCR18650B NCR18650B3,250 mAh minimum · 3,350 typicalNo discharge rating printed · no document gives one
Bars show each printed figure, not like-for-like ratings. Orange: the M35A, from its specification [1]: 10 A printed as a maximum discharging current with no condition on its row (the data sheet lists it as continuous [2]). The P28A and P26A documents also print maximums; the others print continuous ratings [8], and the conditions differ. The NCR18650B documents print no discharge rating, so it has no discharge bar. Bars start at zero: minimum capacity on a 0–3,500 mAh scale, discharge on 0–40 A. Pulse and other non-continuous figures are left out.
| CELL | TYPICAL OR NOMINAL mAh | MINIMUM mAh | DISCHARGE RATING AS PRINTED | CHARGE RATING AS PRINTED | MASS g |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molicel P28B INR-18650-P28B |
2,800 typical | 2,650 | “Discharge Current, Continuous: 40 A (80°C cut-off)” | “8.4 A (70°C cut-off)” | 48 max |
|
Molicel P28A INR-18650-P28A |
2,800 typical | 2,700 | “Maximum discharging current” “35A” “with 80 oC temp. cut” (cell specification) | “8.4A”, “See Section 4.14” (cell specification) | 48 max |
|
Molicel P26A INR-18650-P26A |
2,600 typical | 2,500 | “Maximum discharging current: 35A” (no condition printed) | “6A” | 48 max |
|
Sony/Murata VTC6 US18650VTC6 |
3,120 nominal | 3,000 | “Continuous Maximum Discharge Current: 30A (With 80 deg temperature cut)” | “Continuous Maximum Charge Current: 5.0A” | 46.6 typical |
|
Samsung 30Q INR18650-30Q6 |
3,000 nominal | 2,950 | “Max. continuous discharge: 15A (Without temperature cut) / 30A (With 80℃ temperature cut)” | “Rated charge: CCCV, 4A, 4.20V, 100mA cut-off” | 48 max |
|
Molicel P30B INR-18650-P30B |
3,000 typical | 2,900 | “Discharge Current, Continuous: 30 A (80°C cut-off)” | “9 A (60°C cut-off)” | 47 max |
|
Samsung 25R INR18650-25R |
not printed | 2,500 | “Max. continuous discharge: 20A (@ RT)” | “Rated charge: CCCV, 4A, 4.20V, 100mA cut-off” | 45 max |
| LG HG2 18650HG2 |
3,000 nominal | Not stated by manufacturer | “Max. Discharge Current, For continuous discharge: 20000mA” | “Max. Charge Current: 4000mA” | 48 max |
| Molicel M35A INR-18650-M35A |
3,450 typical | 3,350 | “Maximum discharging current” “10 A”, remark “Cycle life is reduced at high rates.”, no cut-off on the row [1]; [2] lists it under “Continuous Discharge Current / Maximum” | “Maximum charging current” “1.7 A”, “See Section 4.14” [1]: 1.7 A from 0 to 60 °C cell surface temperature | 48 max |
|
Panasonic GA NCR18650GA |
3,450 typical | 3,350 | “Continuous Discharge Current (Max.)” 10 A, “0 ~ +40°C” (SANYO specification §5.9); the Panasonic data sheet prints 8 A with “* Cycle characteristics expect more than 60% at 300 cycle.” | “1.675 A or less”, “+10 ~ +45°C” (SANYO specification §5.6) | 49.5 max (“less than 49.5 g”) |
|
Samsung 35E INR18650-35E |
not printed | 3,350 | “Max. Discharge Current: 8,000mA (for continuous discharge)” (non-continuous figure not shown) | “2,000mA (not for cycle life)” | 50 max |
|
Panasonic NCR18650B NCR18650B |
3,350 typical | 3,250 | No discharge rating printed: no NCR18650B document gives one | “Charging: CC-CV, Std. 1625mA, 4.20V, 4.0 hrs (Charge*: 0 to +45°C; * At temperatures below 10°C, charge at a 0.25C rate.)” | 48.5 max |
Text in quotation marks is copied as printed from each manufacturer document, the specification [1] for the M35A and the documents in [8] for the others, newest version on file, checked by a second reading; notes in parentheses are ours. Links go to the bare-cell listing in our store.
10PACK MATH
From one cell to a pack.
How the single-cell ratings scale in series (S) and parallel (P). Illustrative arithmetic, not a pack rating.
“4.2 x N” V for N cells in series [1] §7.2.1
nominal voltage [1][2]
Ah minimum; 3.45 × P typical [1]
A: the 10 A single-cell maximum discharging current [1], times P*
| CONFIG | CELLS | V MAX | V NOMINAL | Ah MINIMUM | Wh MINIMUM, 11.9 × S × P | MAXIMUM A, 10 × P* | CELL MASS g, MAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1S1P | 1 | 4.2 | 3.6 | 3.35 | 11.9 | 10 | 48 |
| 2S1P | 2 | 8.4 | 7.2 | 3.35 | 23.8 | 10 | 96 |
| 3S1P | 3 | 12.6 | 10.8 | 3.35 | 35.7 | 10 | 144 |
| 4S1P | 4 | 16.8 | 14.4 | 3.35 | 47.6 | 10 | 192 |
| 2S2P | 4 | 8.4 | 7.2 | 6.70 | 47.6 | 20 | 192 |
| 3S2P | 6 | 12.6 | 10.8 | 6.70 | 71.4 | 20 | 288 |
| 4S2P | 8 | 16.8 | 14.4 | 6.70 | 95.2 | 20 | 384 |
| 7S3P | 21 | 29.4 | 25.2 | 10.05 | 249.9 | 30 | 1,008 |
| 10S3P | 30 | 42.0 | 36.0 | 10.05 | 357.0 | 30 | 1,440 |
| 10S4P | 40 | 42.0 | 36.0 | 13.40 | 476.0 | 40 | 1,920 |
| 13S4P | 52 | 54.6 | 46.8 | 13.40 | 618.8 | 40 | 2,496 |
| 14S5P | 70 | 58.8 | 50.4 | 16.75 | 833.0 | 50 | 3,360 |
Maximum discharge ceiling, by parallel count
10 A × P: the single-cell maximum discharging current [1] §4 item 10, times the parallel count. [1] adds “Cycle life is reduced at high rates.” and a cell surface limit of 80 °C. A ceiling before derating, not a pack rating.
* 10 A × P multiplies the single-cell maximum (10 A [1] §4 item 10; [1] doesn’t call it continuous) by the number of cells in parallel. Wh = 11.9 Wh minimum [2] × S × P; [3] prints 12.06 Wh minimum (3.6 V × 3.35 Ah), about 1 % more. “E-One Moli Energy recommends that cells be assembled in a pack with protection circuit.” [1] §8: overcharge protection “under 4.3V/cell”, over-discharge protection at “2.5V/cell”, and an over-temperature warning that stops charge and discharge. The cell surface must not exceed 80 °C, with a 70 °C thermal cut-off recommended at high rates [1] §7.2.3. Derate, size the BMS, fusing and interconnects for the derated current, and use matched cells of one model and lot. Mass counts cells only. The UN38.3 report [4] covers the bare cell; a pack you build needs its own UN38.3 testing before it ships as UN3480.
11SIZE AND FIT
Ø18.6 × 65.2 mm, flat positive end.
Drawn at the data sheet’s maximum beside nominal outlines of three common formats. The specification prints 18.30 ± 0.30 by 65.05 ± 0.15 mm; its upper limits match the data sheet’s maximums. Its drawing shows a flat positive end and names no top style [1] §2.4.3.
Drawn to scale
All outlines drawn to the same scale. The M35A at its maximum dimensions [2]; the other outlines are nominal format sizes, for scale only.
| DIMENSION | VALUE | CONDITION |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 18.6 mm | maximum [2]; 18.30 ± 0.30 mm [1] |
| Height | 65.2 mm | maximum [2]; 65.05 ± 0.15 mm [1] |
| Mass | 48.0 g | maximum [1]; “48 g (Max)” [2] |
| Positive end | Flat | as drawn in [1] §2.4.3 and [2]; no top style named |
| Can | Steel | [2] |
| Volume | 17.7 cm³ | π × (18.6 mm ÷ 2)² × 65.2 mm = 17,716 mm³, the maximum envelope |
Check that your holder or device takes a flat-top cell 65.2 mm long (maximum) [2]. Spot-weld nickel strip for packs; don’t solder to the cell.
12USE IT RIGHT
Keep it inside its ratings.
What this cell is, and how to use it within its ratings.
- This is a bare cell: a component for protected packs and devices built for it. It is not a standalone consumer battery and not for vaping.
- Molicel lists its intended use as “E-bike, E-scooter, EV, Medium power application” [1] §7.1.
- Flat positive end, as drawn in [1] §2.4.3. Check that your device takes a flat-top cell 65.2 mm long (maximum) [2].
- Charge on a lithium-ion (Li-ion) charger that stops at 4.2 V, at 1.7 A or less, between 0 and 60 °C [1]. Stop discharging no lower than 2.5 V [1][2].
- Stay inside the ratings and their conditions: 10 A maximum discharge (“Cycle life is reduced at high rates.”) [1] §4; the cell surface must not exceed 80 °C, with a 70 °C thermal cut-off recommended at high rates [1] §7.2.3. Below −30 °C, Molicel asks you to consult it first [1] §7.3.3.
- Replace a torn wrap before use. Carry cells in a case, never loose.
- For packs: matched cells of one model and lot, a BMS with the overcharge, over-discharge and over-temperature protection [1] §8 recommends, fusing, and a way for heat to leave.
Questions? Call 1-800-547-3050 or text 1-833-419-2192 to ask a person.
Documents
Linked, as published by their authors: the SDS [3], written for all Molicel cells (its Table 6 lists the M35A), and the UN38.3 report [4], which re-issues test data from report TW1912005-002 (not on file). Quoted, not posted: the specification [1], which Molicel marks confidential, and the product data sheet [2], which we haven’t posted. Versions are listed as printed. Where [1] and [2] differ (maximum charge 1.7 or 3.4 A; whether 10 A is called continuous), this page follows [1]: section 08.
Ships from Stockbridge, GA. Most in-stock orders ship within 1 business day.
13QUESTIONS
Questions, answered.
Short answers. Where an answer comes from a document, it carries its source; the rest is standard handling practice. Anything else: call 1-800-547-3050 or text 1-833-419-2192.
Does the M35A have a protection circuit?
We sell it as a bare cell: a component for protected packs and devices built for it. No M35A document calls the cell protected or unprotected. The specification’s handling warning, “Do not disassemble or modify the cell. The cell contains safety and protection devices, that if damaged, may cause the cell to generate heat, explode or ignite.” [1] §7.3.1 2), is about devices inside the cell, which it doesn’t name; for packs it still says “E-One Moli Energy recommends that cells be assembled in a pack with protection circuit.” [1] §8. Use it in a pack with a battery management system (BMS) or in a device built for bare cells.
Is 10 A a continuous rating?
Molicel’s specification doesn’t call it one. It gives 10 A as the “Maximum discharging current”, with the remark “Cycle life is reduced at high rates.” and no cut-off on that row [1] §4 item 10, and asks you to discharge “at the specified discharge current listed in section 4.10 or less” [1] §7.2.3 1) (its “section 4.10” is §4 item 10). Its precautions add “The cell surface temperature must not exceed 80°C. Recommended thermal cut-off of 70°C at high rates.” [1] §7.2.3 2). The data sheet lists the same 10 A under “Continuous Discharge Current / Maximum”, with no condition [2]. No document prints a pulse rating; [1] §7.2.3 1) warns that a peak current above the maximum “may reduce the cell capacity”, without a figure. Treat 10 A as the ceiling: the specification’s cycle-life minimums stop at 6.0 A [1] §5.3, and the data sheet charts no cell temperature for its 10 A curve (fig 3.2) [2]. Near 10 A, use a BMS with a temperature sensor on the hottest cell.
The data sheet says 3.4 A maximum charge. Which applies?
The specification’s: charge at 1.7 A or less. Neither document explains the difference. The data sheet [2] prints “Continuous Charge Current” “Standard” 1.7 A and “Maximum” 3.4 A, with no condition, and no date. The specification, dated 2019-10-21, prints “Maximum charging current” 1.7 A, “See Section 4.14”: its chart allows 1.7 A from 0 to 60 °C cell surface temperature [1] (fig 5.5). We follow the specification, the later-dated document (section 08 above).
What charger should I use?
A lithium-ion charger with a CC-CV profile (constant current, then constant voltage) that stops at 4.2 V, set to 1.7 A or less. Charge only from 0 to 60 °C [1]. Not a NiMH, LiFePO4 or lead-acid charger. The rated charge takes 150 min at 1.7 A [1] §4 item 9.
How long will it run at my current?
Runtime ≈ capacity ÷ current. From the data-sheet curves, from full at 23 °C: about 5 h 08 min at 0.68 A, 2 h 01 min at 1.7 A, 60 min at 3.4 A and 20 min at 10 A (fig 3.7) [2]. For your own draw at 23 °C, divide 3,000 mAh, the lowest of the specification’s 23 °C minimums (at 10 A) [1] §5.2, by your current in mA to get hours: at 5 A, 3,000 ÷ 5,000 = 0.6 h, about 36 min. In the cold, start from the lower minimums in fig 4.3.
How much does cold reduce capacity?
In the data sheet’s temperature chart, read to 2.5 V: about 3,238 mAh at 0 °C, 2,995 mAh at −20 °C, 2,183 mAh at −30 °C and 375 mAh at −40 °C (that curve first dips to about 2.52 V near 95 mAh), against 3,472 mAh at 45 °C (fig 4.3) [2]. The chart’s own 23 °C curve was drawn on the 1.7 A rate curve’s path (fig 4.1), so 45 °C is the warm baseline; for scale, the rated typical at 23 °C is 3,450 mAh [1]. The chart prints a “-0.68A” discharge after a charge at 23 °C and doesn’t say whether these are air or cell temperatures. Below 23 °C its curves run on to 1.5 V; a device that stops at 2.5 V gets the figures above. The specification’s minimums at 0.68 A are 3,100 mAh at 0 °C and 2,700 mAh at −20 °C to 2.5 V, and 2,000 mAh at −30 °C to 2.0 V, where the chart reads about 2,791 mAh [1] §5.2, [2]. It adds: “At a temperature of –30oC or less, the cell will show a significant decrease in discharge capacity.” [1] §7.2.3 2). Voltage also drops in the cold (fig 4.4), so a device may cut off early. Don’t charge below 0 °C.
How many cycles will it last?
The specification rates at least 70 % after 500 cycles at 1.7 A or 3.4 A discharge, where 100 % is 3.30 Ah (at least 2,310 mAh, calculated), and at least 60 % at 6.0 A, where 100 % is 3.10 Ah (at least 1,860 mAh), all at 23 °C [1] §5.3. The data sheet’s chart reads about 81 % at cycle 450 with 4 A discharge, 79 % with 6 A and 74 % with 8 A, against a 100 % it doesn’t define (fig 6.1) [2]. Neither document gives an end-of-life cycle count. Heat, current, depth of discharge and storage all change the result.
What is the “3.5 Ah” in the specification?
The scope sentence of [1] describes “a lithium ion rechargeable cell, INR-18650-M35A, 3.5 Ah”. That figure isn’t a rating: the rated capacity, in §4 item 3, is “3.45Ah (Typical)” and “3.35Ah (Minimum)”, after the rated charge and a 0.68 A discharge to 2.5 V at 23 °C. The data sheet [2], the SDS [3] and the UN38.3 report [4] print the same 3.45 Ah. This page uses the rated figures.
What chemistry is it?
Lithium-ion. Molicel’s specification and data sheet for the M35A don’t name a cathode chemistry, and we don’t infer one from the model code. The SDS’s ingredient table, written for every Molicel cell it covers, lists a cathode that “Includes one or more of the following:” Lithium Cobaltite, Manganese, Nickel, Aluminum, and notes “*Quantities may vary depending on cell or battery model.” [3] Table 3.
Can I use it in a vape or e-cigarette?
No. We sell bare cells as components for protected packs and devices built for them, not for vaping. No Molicel document for the M35A mentions e-cigarettes or vaping; this is our rule.
Can I solder to it?
Don’t solder directly to the cell: the heat can damage the seal and internal parts. Spot-weld nickel strip, or use a holder; [1] §7.4.1 asks you to “prevent sparking during welding”.
Can I mix M35A cells with other cells?
No, not in the same pack: “Do NOT mix different cell types or manufacturers within a battery pack.” [1] §7.4.2. Use cells of the same model and lot, at the same state of charge. In series, the weakest cell reaches 2.5 V first and limits the whole pack, and mismatched cells drift further apart with every cycle.
How should I store spare cells?
In a case, away from metal objects (“Do not carry or store the cells together with necklaces, hairpins or other metal objects.” [1] §7.3.1 1)(4)), somewhere dry. The specification asks: “In case of long-term storage, store the cell at <23 oC, low humidity, noncorrosive gas atmosphere.” and, for storage longer than a year, “charge it at least once 1 year. And in this case, the cell is recommended to be charged to 30% capacity.” [1] §7.2.4. It also says “Do not store cell in humid environment.” Shipped cells: below 35 °C [1] §4 item 12. Check the voltage every few months.
How does it ship?
As UN3480, lithium-ion batteries, Class 9, under the SDS [3] §14; UN3481 when packed with or contained in equipment. Molicel ships cells “at a state of charge not to exceed 30% of rated capacity” [1] §10. The UN38.3 report [4] covers the bare cell; a pack built from these cells needs its own UN38.3 testing.
14SOURCES
Sources and method.
Where every number on this page comes from.
- + Source: [1] E-One Moli Energy Corp., Approval Sheet, “Cell Specifications of INR-18650-M35A”, Doc # INR18650M35A-02, “Rev.: 0.1”, 10/21/2019 (as printed); on file; not posted: every page is marked “-- CONFIDENTIAL --” and “Proprietary of E-One Moli Energy Corp.”, so we quote it but don’t post it. Questions about its figures: call or text us
- + Source: [2] Molicel, Product Data Sheet, Model INR-18650-M35A (no version, date or document number printed; file name INR18650M35A-V1-80096); on file; not posted: we haven’t put it on our store. It carries no confidential marking and says “The information contained herein is for reference only and does not imply a performance guarantee or a product warranty.” Questions about its figures: call or text us
- + Source: [3] Molicel, Safety Data Sheet FSSF00058BJ, Molicel Rechargeable Lithium-ion cells and multi-cell battery packs; its version field prints BI; “Issue Date: January 10, 2025”; Table 6 lists INR18650-M35A; retrieved 2026-10-31 · SDS PDF
- + Source: [4] AnTek Certification Inc., Lithium Ion Battery Safety Testing Report TW1912005-003, INR-18650-M35A, to UN Manual of Tests and Criteria ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.6/Amend.1; issued 2022-02-11; “Test Performed Date: N/A”; retrieved 2026-10-31 · UN38.3 report PDF
- + Source: [5] Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services (H.K.) Ltd., Taoyuan Branch, UN38.3 test report UNT190308C31, INR-18650-M35A, issued 2019-04-10; on file; not posted: it prints individuals’ contact details and restricts copying to the client
- + Source: [6] Molicel SDS FSSF00058AR, “Issue Date: 19-Dec-2019”, and [7] Molicel SDS FSSF00058AP, “Issue Date: 01-April-2019” (its version field prints AB): superseded by [3]; on file for the document comparison only, not posted
- + Source: [8] Molicel INR-18650-P30B, Version 1.0 (as printed); on file
- + Source: [8] Molicel INR-18650-P28B, no version printed; on file
- + Source: [8] Molicel INR-18650-P28A, Doc # INR18650P28A-01, Rev. 1.2, 2024/05/21 (as printed); on file
- + Source: [8] Molicel INR-18650-P26A, Doc # INR18650P26A-01, Rev. 1.2, 8/17/2018 (as printed); on file
- + Source: [8] Samsung INR18650-30Q6, Spec. No. INR18650-30Q6, Version 1.0, 2020/06/04 (as printed); on file
- + Source: [8] Sony/Murata US18650VTC6, Murata Version 001; ratings from Sony Ver. 0.1, 2015.06.30 (as printed); on file
- + Source: [8] LG 18650HG2, BCY-PS-HG2-Rev0, 2014-04-24 (as printed); on file
- + Source: [8] Samsung INR18650-25R, Version 1.0, 2016/04/15 (as printed); on file
- + Source: [8] Samsung INR18650-35E, Ver. 1.1, July 9, 2015 (as printed); on file
- + Source: [8] Panasonic NCR18650GA, SANYO File No. NCR18650-1041, revision (a), 2020/11/30 (as printed); on file
- + Source: [8] Panasonic NCR18650B, VERSION 13.11 R1 (as printed); on file
- + Note on [8]: documents a maker marks confidential, or that aren’t on our store, are quoted, not posted; the data sheets we post are in our data-sheet library.
- + Method: curves read from the vector drawings in the data sheet [2] (axis mapping from the charts’ own grid lines and ticks, one stroke color per series), each checked against the original by a second reading; reading error about ±0.5 % of each axis. Where a curve’s start lies under another curve in [2], the redraw starts at its first visible point. Charge put in is current × time summed along the digitized current trace. Fig 5.5 is drawn from figures printed in [1], not digitized. Calculated figures use the formula printed under each; C-rates use our basis, 1C = 3.45 A, since no M35A document prints one. Illustrative; check figures against the documents.
- + Not shown from [1]: its warranty clause (§9), which applies to Molicel’s direct customer.
- + Not shown from [3]: its hazard statements, and its storage advice written for all Molicel cells; the storage clauses on this page are [1]’s.
- + Not shown: our own lot data. We will add rows for our lot only once our incoming-inspection procedure is published, with sample size, instrument and date.