Cylindrical 18650 High-Power Cell
BAK N18650CNP
Cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 2.5 Ah capacity with 191 Wh/kg energy density and 30 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The BAK N18650CNP is a high-power lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand reliable performance and consistent capacity delivery. Released in 2018 and with the manufacturer based in China, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 2.5 Ah capacity and 9.0 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 30 A, making it well suited to high-power systems requiring sustained current delivery.
Key Features
Extremely high discharge rate: 30 A continuous (12.0 C)
Charging rate: 3.0 C charging rate
Energy density: 191 Wh/kg
Power density: 2298 W/kg
Applications: aviation, motorsports, drones
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
BAK
Model
N18650CNP
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
China
Release year
2018
Nominal voltage
3.6
Energy capacity [Wh]
9
Capacity [Ah]
2.5
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
191
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
2298
Max continuous discharge [A]
30
Volume [cm³]
17.15
Mass [g]
47
Positive electrode (cathode)
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The BAK N18650CNP is well suited to the following applications due to its cylindrical 18650 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.
Drones: Demands high gravimetric power density for thrust and payload capacity, rapid current response for flight control, and stable voltage delivery across dynamic flight profiles.
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 BAK N18650CNP across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
The BAK N18650CNP constant-current plots reveal voltage behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing efficiency.
Constant Current Temperature
The BAK N18650CNP constant-current plots reveal temperature behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing thermal response.
Pulse Power Behaviour
The BAK N18650CNP 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 N18650CNP mission-profile plots simulate real-world duty cycles, showing how the cell manages dynamic power demands and temperature changes.
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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 BAK N18650CNP with similar Cylindrical 18650 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.
Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
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 N18650CNP?
The BAK N18650CNP has a nominal capacity of 2.5 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, providing 9.0 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the BAK N18650CNP?
The BAK N18650CNP supports continuous discharge rates up to 30 A, delivering a power density of 2298 W/kg.
How much does the BAK N18650CNP weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 47 g and a volume of 17.15 cm³.
In which industries is the BAK N18650CNP commonly used?
The BAK N18650CNP is used across aviation, motorsports, drones, applications that demand very high power output and thermal management under extreme discharge.
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.
