Lithium-ion batteries have been the most favorable and adored battery technology for decades now supporting and powering the growth and development of technology all over the world. These batteries come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types that are designed to be applied in almost every area that requires a sustainable and reliable energy source. From the standard lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer cells to the famous 18650 lithium batteries, and many others, lithium-ion based cells have proven to be man's best companion when it comes to energy solutions towards achieving a clean and rechargeable future that everyone would be proud of.
What type of battery is a 18650?
The 18650 battery is a type or version of the famous lithium-ion battery technology and is a cylindrically shaped cell without any liquid inside. The battery was specifically designed to supply high current and thus, explains their application in the manufacture in computer notebooks as well as electric vehicles. Supercomputers may be the only exception among the general notebooks that don't include 18650 batteries in their operations because of their designed energy saving functionality and hence, use lithium-polymer cells.
18650 batteries offer a variety of features that make them favorable lithium-ion cells among many consumers. Their small sizes, large capacities, and long lifespans are just some of the reasons these batteries are adored in use for both conventional and commercial applications. The designs depend on the manufacturers and purpose. Some have a liquid electrolyte within their cells just like any other lithium-ion battery while others are dry or colloidal. Being cylindrically shaped, they thus require the large capacity maintained within a small volume of space to save on device space while providing sufficient energy despite their small sizes.
What are 18650 batteries used for?
18650 batteries are used in a broad range of applications that include conventional electronic devices in our daily lives, such as flashlights, digital cameras, electric toothbrushes, and laptops. Electric smoking devices like vapes, commonly used for vaping, also make use of these 18650 batteries to burn the liquid within them and produce the targeted desired flavored smoke. Electric vehicles also use these batteries in the manufacture of high-end vehicles powered by battery technology rather than the previous gasoline-powered ones.
18650 are classified under types of lithium-ion batteries that provide sustainable power supply for various devices designed to accommodate them.
Is 18650 battery the best lithium-ion battery?
There are many types of lithium-ion batteries in the market today. Some are even designed to serve the same purposes but be a better version of the other. That said, the 18650 battery is a pleasant cell that provides a multitude of benefits; however, there are many other lithium-ion types in stores that are purposed to perform better than the 18650 batteries. For this matter, 18650 cells cannot be said to be the best lithium-ion battery around but can, however, be considered as one of the best around. It offers the following benefits that put it among the greats:
1. Lack of memory effect
The memory effect is a reduction in the longevity of charge in a rechargeable battery which is usually caused by incomplete discharge in the previous uses. When only partially discharged before recharging, these batteries develop this well known 'infection.' However, when it comes to rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion batteries, it is unnecessary to fully discharge the battery before recharging because it does not experience this effect.
2. Large capacity
A typical rechargeable battery capacity is generally between 800mAh and 1000mAh, which is technically quite low in today's generation that demands large volumes of power. The 18650 lithium-ion battery however, has a capacity between 1200mAh and 3600mAh, and when the cells are successfully combined in parallel into a battery pack, they can amount to a total capacity of 5000mAh.
3. Long lifespan
The 18650 lithium-ion battery has a long life of service with the cycle life capable of achieving more than 500 times when in normal usage. This is surprisingly more than twice the number of standard batteries.
4. It is safe
The 18650 batteries have shown high safety performance. While being capable of providing large amounts of power with high voltage, the batteries do not explode nor are they toxic or unfriendly to the environment. The batteries came installed with safety features that prevent any risks of hazards from occurring. The electrodes are separated to prevent short circuits and a protective plate included to prevent cases of overcharging as well as over-discharging.
5. A wide range of applications
Many devices make use of 18650 batteries and most especially consumer electronics such as laptops, walkie-talkies, video cameras, toys, digital cameras, audio equipment, model planes and drone, etc. They are also used in the manufacture of electric vehicles, which has grown in popularity over the past couple of years.
Final thoughts
18650 batteries have been around for quite some time and their reliable qualities in powering our lives show that these batteries aren't ready to leave any time soon. There are ideas and theories followed by the invention of new battery technologies that scientists claim will outdo or replace the current 18650 types. However, much effort is instead put I improving these 18650 lithium-ion cells to improve on their flaws and get closer to perfection; thus, keeping them in the market for a while longer.
