Cylindrical 18650 High-Power Cell
LG Chem HD2C
Cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 2.1 Ah capacity with 160 Wh/kg energy density and 20 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The LG Chem HD2C is a high-power lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand reliable performance and consistent capacity delivery. Released in 2013 and with the manufacturer based in South Korea, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 2.1 Ah capacity and 7.665 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.65 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 20 A, making it well suited to high-power systems requiring sustained current delivery.
Key Features
High discharge rate: 20 A continuous (9.5 C)
Charging rate: 2.0 C charging rate
Energy density: 160 Wh/kg
Power density: 1521 W/kg
Applications: aviation, motorsports, drones
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
LG Chem
Model
ICR18650-HD2C
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
South Korea
Release year
2013
Nominal voltage
3.65
Energy capacity [Wh]
7.665
Capacity [Ah]
2.1
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
160
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
1521
Max continuous discharge [A]
20
Volume [cm³]
17.53
Mass [g]
48
Positive electrode (cathode)
LCO
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The LG Chem HD2C 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 LG Chem HD2C across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
Access LG Chem HD2C constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not HD2C data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access LG Chem HD2C thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not HD2C data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access LG Chem HD2C pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not HD2C data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access LG Chem HD2C 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 HD2C 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 LG Chem HD2C with similar Cylindrical 18650 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.
Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
Manufacturer Background
LG Chem
LG Energy Solution is a South Korean manufacturer producing cylindrical, pouch and prismatic lithium-ion cells
LG Energy Solution, formerly the battery division of LG Chem, is headquartered in Seoul and is one of the world's largest lithium-ion cell manufacturers. It produces cylindrical 18650 and 21700 cells alongside pouch and prismatic formats, supplying passenger vehicles, energy storage systems, power tools and consumer electronics. Its cylindrical range uses high-nickel NCM and NCMA cathode chemistry, with capacity and rate variants distinguished by model suffix. Manufacturing spans South Korea, China, Poland and the United States, including joint ventures with automotive partners. Its position rests on supplying most major vehicle manufacturers at scale while holding the quality systems that automotive qualification demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity and voltage of the LG Chem HD2C?
The LG Chem HD2C has a nominal capacity of 2.1 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.65 V, providing 7.665 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the LG Chem HD2C?
The LG Chem HD2C supports continuous discharge rates up to 20 A, delivering a power density of 1521 W/kg.
How much does the LG Chem HD2C weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 48 g and a volume of 17.53 cm³.
In which industries is the LG Chem HD2C commonly used?
The LG Chem HD2C 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.
