Cylindrical 18650 Cell
Panasonic NCR18650BD
High-energy cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 3.18 Ah capacity with 231 Wh/kg energy density.
Overview
The Panasonic NCR18650BD is a lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand high energy density and consistent capacity delivery. Released in 2012 and with the manufacturer based in Japan, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 3.18 Ah capacity and 11.45 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, making it well suited to energy-focused applications requiring extended runtime.
Key Features
Energy density: 231 Wh/kg
Cathode: Ni-based
Applications: aviation, e-mobility, energy storage
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
Panasonic
Model
NCR18650BD
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
Japan
Release year
2012
Nominal voltage
3.6
Energy capacity [Wh]
11.448
Capacity [Ah]
3.18
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
231
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
Max continuous discharge [A]
Volume [cm³]
17.03
Mass [g]
49.5
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The Panasonic NCR18650BD is well suited to the following applications due to its cylindrical 18650 form factor and high energy density performance.
Aviation: Requires high specific energy for extended flight duration, high power-to-weight ratio for climb performance, and reliable operation across wide temperature ranges at altitude.
E-Mobility: Requires balanced energy and power density for range and acceleration, high cycle life for daily use, and robust calendar life to ensure long-term reliability.
Energy Storage: Requires stable cycle life across deep discharge profiles, reliable calendar life under float conditions, and consistent capacity retention over extended deployment periods.
General Applications: Suitable for applications requiring reliable lithium-ion performance with proven cycle life, consistent capacity delivery, and operational safety across diverse use cases.
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Performance & Model Data
Below are modelled performance metrics for the Panasonic NCR18650BD across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
Access Panasonic NCR18650BD constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not NCR18650BD data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access Panasonic NCR18650BD thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not NCR18650BD data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access Panasonic NCR18650BD pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not NCR18650BD data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access Panasonic NCR18650BD mission profile simulations in Voltt to prove the pack holds up over a real duty cycle before you build it. (Chart shown is illustrative, not NCR18650BD data.)
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Case Studies
See how we helped McMurtry reduce cell evaluation time by 70% through data driven testing and modelling.
Motorsports
McMurtry Automotive: Faster cell evaluation
McMurtry Automotive used The Voltt and validated cell models to evaluate the transition from the Molicel P45B to P50B during early pack concept development.
Side by side modelling enabled rapid comparison of electrical and thermal behaviour, avoiding lengthy physical test campaigns. This approach reduced cell evaluation time by seven months, allowing the team to lock in cell selection and pack assumptions earlier while lowering technical risk and accelerating vehicle development.
Comparison with Related Cells
Compare the Panasonic NCR18650BD with similar Cylindrical 18650 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.
Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
Manufacturer Background
Panasonic
Panasonic Energy is a Japanese manufacturer and one of the largest producers of cylindrical lithium-ion cells
Panasonic Energy is part of the Panasonic group, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, and is one of the world's largest manufacturers of cylindrical lithium-ion cells. Its NCR and UR series 18650 cells set long-standing benchmarks for energy density and reliability in laptops, power tools and electric bicycles, and its 2170 cells supply automotive customers from plants in Japan, Nevada and Kansas. The company favours high-nickel NCA cathodes and has pursued steady capacity gains within the established cylindrical formats rather than changes of architecture. Its catalogue runs from small 14500 and 18500 cells through 18650, 20700 and 21700. Panasonic's cells are among the most widely characterised in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity and voltage of the Panasonic NCR18650BD?
The Panasonic NCR18650BD has a nominal capacity of 3.18 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, providing 11.45 Wh of energy per cell.
What chemistry does the Panasonic NCR18650BD use?
The Panasonic NCR18650BD is a lithium-ion cell with a Ni-based cathode and a graphite anode. The manufacturer does not publish a continuous discharge rating for this cell.
How much does the Panasonic NCR18650BD weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 49.5 g and a volume of 17.03 cm³.
In which industries is the Panasonic NCR18650BD commonly used?
The Panasonic NCR18650BD is used across aviation, e-mobility and energy storage, applications that demand high energy density and consistent performance over extended cycles.
What is The Voltt and how does it accelerate cell evaluation?
The Voltt holds 500+ verified commercial cell datasheets alongside validated simulation models built from cells characterised in About:Energy's own lab. Engineers screen candidates against their real duty cycle before buying hardware, which cut cell evaluation time by seven months for McMurtry Automotive and reduces evaluation cycles by up to 70%.
What data can be extracted using The Voltt?
Constant-current discharge curves at multiple C-rates, DC internal resistance against state of charge and temperature, pulse power maps, thermal response, and full mission-profile simulation with user-defined pack configurations. Models are available as equivalent circuit, thermal, physics-based and degradation formats, exportable for use in MATLAB, Simulink and Python workflows.
