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.
.jpg)
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
Access BAK N18650CNP constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not N18650CNP data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access BAK N18650CNP thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not N18650CNP data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access BAK N18650CNP pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not N18650CNP data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access BAK N18650CNP 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 N18650CNP data.)
.png)
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 cell manufacturer producing cylindrical and prismatic formats
BAK Battery was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Shenzhen, with its principal cell plants in Zhengzhou and Fuzhou. The company produces cylindrical 18650 and 21700 cells alongside prismatic and polymer formats, using both nickel-based and lithium iron phosphate chemistries. Its cells supply electric vehicles, light electric mobility, power tools, consumer electronics and backup energy storage, giving it volume across several high-turnover segments. BAK is vertically integrated across materials, cell production and pack assembly, and also operates a battery recycling business. Its relevance rests on long-running mass production in the established cylindrical formats and a cost position built on scale rather than novel chemistry.
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 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.
