top of page

Cylindrical 18650 Cell

Samsung 32E

Cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 3.2 Ah capacity with 234 Wh/kg energy density and 6.4 A maximum discharge rate.

Overview

The Samsung 32E is a high-energy lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand high energy density and extended runtime. Released in 2014 and with the manufacturer based in South Korea, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 3.2 Ah capacity and 11.68 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.65 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 6.4 A, making it well suited to energy-focused applications requiring extended runtime. At 234 Wh/kg, the 32E ranks among the highest gravimetric energy densities in the 18650 format within the Voltt library.

Key Features

  • Discharge rate: 6.4 A continuous (2.0 C)

  • Charging rate: 1.0 C charging rate

  • Energy density: 234 Wh/kg

  • Power density: 467 W/kg

  • Applications: aviation, e-mobility, energy storage

The Samsung 32E is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion battery cell designed for applications requiring high energy density and extended runtime.

Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer

Parameter
Manufacturer
Samsung
Model
INR18650-32E
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
South Korea
Release year
2014
Nominal voltage
3.65
Energy capacity [Wh]
11.68
Capacity [Ah]
3.2
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
234
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
467
Max continuous discharge [A]
6.4
Volume [cm³]
17.53
Mass [g]
50
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value

Applications & Use‑Cases

The Samsung 32E 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.

Performance & Model Data

Below are modelled performance metrics for the Samsung 32E across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.

Constant Current Voltage

The Samsung 32E constant-current plots reveal voltage behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing efficiency.

The Samsung 32E constant-current plots reveal voltage behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing efficiency.

Constant Current Temperature

The Samsung 32E constant-current plots reveal temperature behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing thermal response.

The Samsung 32E constant-current plots reveal temperature behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing thermal response.

Pulse Power Behaviour

The Samsung 32E pulse power map evaluates short-duration load responses, allowing engineers to determine the maximum available power as a function of state of charge and temperature.

The Samsung 32E pulse power map evaluates short-duration load responses, allowing engineers to determine the maximum available power as a function of state of charge and temperature.

Dynamic Profile Response

The Samsung 32E mission-profile plots simulate real-world duty cycles, showing how the cell manages dynamic power demands and temperature changes.

The Samsung 32E mission-profile plots simulate real-world duty cycles, showing how the cell manages dynamic power demands and temperature changes.

Gavin 2025 (25).png

Run your own battery protocol virtually to cut evaluation time and cost by 70%

Drive Cycle
Track Nurburgring
Load Type
Power Profile
Initial SOC [%]
80
Initial Cell Temperature [°C]
40
Heat Transfer Coefficient [W/m²K]
50

Case Studies

See how we helped McMurtry reduce cell evaluation time by 70% through data driven testing and modelling.

Forbes.jpg
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 Samsung 32E with similar Cylindrical 18650 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.

Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
Molicel M35A
3.4 Ah
10.0 A
E-Mobility
Molicel P30B
3.0 Ah
30.0 A
E-Mobility
LG Chem MJ1
3.5 Ah
10.0 A
E-Mobility

Manufacturer Background

Samsung SDI

Samsung SDI is a leading South Korean battery manufacturer

Samsung SDI is a global leader in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, producing advanced 21700 cylindrical cells for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage systems. With decades of battery technology expertise, Samsung delivers high-energy-density cells featuring exceptional safety characteristics and long cycle life. Their 21700 format cells power major automotive platforms worldwide, incorporating proprietary cathode materials and manufacturing processes. Samsung SDI's extensive R&D investments drive continuous improvements in energy density, charging speed, and thermal management. As part of the Samsung Group, SDI leverages world-class manufacturing facilities and quality control systems, making them a trusted battery supplier for premium electric vehicle manufacturers and industrial applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capacity and voltage of the Samsung 32E?

The Samsung 32E has a nominal capacity of 3.2 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.65 V, providing 11.68 Wh of energy per cell.

What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the Samsung 32E?

The Samsung 32E supports continuous discharge rates up to 6.4 A, delivering a power density of 467 W/kg.

How much does the Samsung 32E weigh and what is its volume?

The cell has a mass of 50 g and a volume of 17.53 cm³.

In which industries is the Samsung 32E commonly used?

The Samsung 32E is used across aviation, e-mobility, 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 is About Energy's digital cell simulation platform that models electrochemical and thermal performance, reducing evaluation time by up to 70% compared to laboratory testing.

What data can be extracted using The Voltt?

Engineers can simulate and visualise voltage, temperature, and power responses under constant-current or mission-profile conditions, generating detailed discharge plots to support accurate cell comparison and validation.

Gavin 2025 (24).png

Explore Detailed Battery Models & Simulations

Access comprehensive performance data, compare cells side by-side, and run custom simulations in The Voltt platform

bottom of page