Panasonic NCR18650A - Maximum discharge current

[czAtlantis]

Hi, what current do you think is maximum safe for batteries based on this Panasonic 3100mAh cell? Do you think 2C (6A) is safe? Does the battery suffer from such current? Do you think it will have lower lifespan compared to ~2A discharge? Thanks

[45/70]

Hi cz. I don't know that I've ever actually seen a "maximum discharge rate" listed for the NCR18650A cell. I would assume though that it would follow the general guideline of 2C, as for most LiCo cells. The NCR18650A pdf (from Panasonic) seems to suggest this, but as I said, there is no actual max discharge rate listed there, either.

I've seen mentioned, concerning most of these high cap cells, that since they are designed for laptop use, that they are really meant for discharging at lower rates and extending runtime, as opposed to supplying more power. This seems to be the opinion on Samsung's 28A and 30A cells, as well. While somewhat different, these cells are a modified LiCo cell with a nickel layer added, also.

Dave

[jasonck08]

Definitely the cell will not provide as many cycles when discharged at 6A as opposed to a lower current like 2A.

[czAtlantis]

OK, thanks guys :-)