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Cylindrical 21700 High-Power Cell

BAK CG-50E

Cylindrical 21700 cell delivering 5 Ah capacity with 269 Wh/kg energy density and 15 A maximum discharge rate.

Overview

The BAK CG-50E is a lithium-ion Li-ion cylindrical 21700 cell designed for applications that demand sustained high power delivery. Released in 2023 and manufactured with the manufacturer based in China, this cylindrical 21700 cell delivers 5 Ah capacity and 18.0 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 15 A (3.0 C), making it well suited to high-power systems requiring sustained or peak discharge performance. With a gravimetric energy density of 269 Wh/kg, the BAK CG-50E is suited for performance-critical platforms where weight and energy per kilogram are decisive factors.

Key Features

  • High discharge rate: 15 A continuous (3.0 C)

  • Charging rate: 1.0 C charging rate

  • Energy density: 269 Wh/kg

  • Power density: 806 W/kg

  • Applications: aviation, motorsports, e-mobility

The BAK CG-50E is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion battery cell designed for applications demanding high power and reliable performance.

Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer

Parameter
Manufacturer
BAK
Model
N21700CG-50E
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 21700
Country of origin
China
Release year
2023
Nominal voltage
3.6
Energy capacity [Wh]
18
Capacity [Ah]
5
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
269
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
806
Max continuous discharge [A]
15
Volume [cm³]
25.45
Mass [g]
67
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based
Negative electrode (anode)
Value
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Applications & Use‑Cases

The BAK CG-50E is well suited to the following applications due to its cylindrical 21700 form factor and high power 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.

  • Motorsports: Demands sustained high discharge under competitive load profiles, rapid transient response for acceleration, and thermal stability to maintain performance during race conditions.

  • 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.

  • 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 BAK CG-50E across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.

Constant Current Voltage

The BAK CG-50E constant-current plots reveal voltage behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing efficiency.

The BAK CG-50E constant-current plots reveal voltage behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing efficiency.

Constant Current Temperature

The BAK CG-50E constant-current plots reveal temperature behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing thermal response.

The BAK CG-50E constant-current plots reveal temperature behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing thermal response.

Pulse Power Behaviour

The BAK CG-50E 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 BAK CG-50E 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 BAK CG-50E mission-profile plots simulate real-world duty cycles, showing how the cell manages dynamic power demands and temperature changes.

The BAK CG-50E mission-profile plots simulate real-world duty cycles, showing how the cell manages dynamic power demands and temperature changes.

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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.

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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 BAK CG-50E with similar Cylindrical 21700 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.

Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
Samsung 50U
5.0 Ah
60.0 A
Aviation
Tenpower 50ME
5.0 Ah
15.0 A
Aviation
Samsung 50S
5.0 Ah
45.0 A
Aviation

Manufacturer Background

BAK

BAK Battery is a Chinese lithium-ion battery manufacturer

BAK Battery is a prominent Chinese lithium-ion battery manufacturer specializing in cylindrical cells for electric vehicles, power tools, and consumer electronics. Founded in 2001, BAK produces high-quality 21700 cells with competitive energy density and cost-performance ratios. Their advanced manufacturing facilities in China supply domestic and international markets, serving major EV manufacturers and battery pack assemblers. BAK's cylindrical cell technology emphasizes safety, reliability, and scalability for mass-market applications. The company's vertical integration strategy encompasses cathode material development, cell production, and battery management systems, positioning BAK as a cost-effective solution provider in the rapidly expanding global battery market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capacity and voltage of the BAK CG-50E?

The BAK CG-50E has a nominal capacity of 5 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, providing 18.0 Wh of energy per cell.

What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the BAK CG-50E?

The BAK CG-50E supports continuous discharge rates up to 15 A, delivering a power density of 806 W/kg.

How much does the BAK CG-50E weigh and what is its volume?

The cell has a mass of 67 g and a volume of 25.45 cm³.

In which industries is the BAK CG-50E commonly used?

The BAK CG-50E is used across aviation, motorsports, e-mobility, applications that demand high power delivery and reliable performance across demanding duty 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.

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