The difference between 26650 battery and 18650

The 26650 and 18650 batteries are distinguished by their size, capacity, voltage, and typical applications. Below is a comparison of these two battery types:

26650 Battery:

1. Size: The 26650 is a large cylindrical battery with a diameter of 26 mm and a height of 65.0 mm.
2. Voltage: It provides a nominal voltage of 3.6 to 3.7 volts for lithium-ion variants and similar voltages for other chemistries like lithium iron phosphate.
3. Capacity: Capacities typically range from 4000 to 6000 milliampere-hours (mAh) for lithium-ion variants.
4. Chemistry: Commonly comprises lithium-ion or other variants such as lithium iron phosphate.
5. Typical Use: Frequently utilized in high-power devices such as electric vehicles, large flashlights, power banks, and other devices requiring high-energy storage and high continuous current output.

18650 Battery:

1. Size: The 18650 is a standard cylindrical battery with a diameter of 18 mm and a height of 65.0 mm.
2. Voltage: It provides a nominal voltage of 3.6 to 3.7 volts for lithium-ion variants and 3.2 to 3.3 volts for lithium iron phosphate variants.
3. Capacity: Capacities generally range from 1800 to 3500 milliampere-hours (mAh) for lithium-ion variants.
4. Chemistry: Commonly comprises lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate chemistry.
5. Typical Use: Often used in a wide range of devices such as laptops, flashlights, power tools, and other electronics requiring moderate to high energy and power output.

Comparison:

1. Size and Form Factor: The 26650 is larger in both diameter and length compared to the 18650. This larger physical size directly impacts the battery's capacity and power output, making it suitable for applications requiring higher capacity and current output.

2. Capacity and Power: The 26650 battery generally has a higher capacity compared to the 18650, typically providing greater energy storage and sustained current output. This makes the 26650 battery suitable for high-drain applications that require extended runtimes and high power.

3. Voltage: Both batteries operate at a nominal voltage of around 3.6-3.7 volts for lithium-ion variants and slightly lower for some other chemistries.

4. Applications: The 26650 is commonly found in devices that require high-energy storage and high continuous current output, such as electric vehicles, power tools, and other high-power electronics. On the other hand, the 18650 is used in a wide variety of applications, ranging from consumer electronics to power tools, where moderate to high energy and power output is needed.

In summary, the 26650 and 18650 batteries have different physical sizes and capacities, making them suitable for different applications based on their energy storage and power delivery capabilities. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the device, considering factors such as size limitations, power demands, and energy storage needs.