Cylindrical 18650 High-Power Cell
LG Chem HG2
Cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 3 Ah capacity with 225 Wh/kg energy density and 20 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The LG Chem HG2 is a high-power lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand sustained high power delivery. Released in 2014 and with the manufacturer based in South Korea, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 3 Ah capacity and 10.8 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.6 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 (6.7 C)
Charging rate: 2.0 C charging rate
Energy density: 225 Wh/kg
Power density: 1500 W/kg
Applications: aviation, motorsports, e-mobility
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
LG Chem
Model
INR18650-HG2
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
South Korea
Release year
2014
Nominal voltage
3.6
Energy capacity [Wh]
10.8
Capacity [Ah]
3
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
225
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
1500
Max continuous discharge [A]
20
Volume [cm³]
17.53
Mass [g]
48
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The LG Chem HG2 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.
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.
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Performance & Model Data
Below are modelled performance metrics for the LG Chem HG2 across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
The LG Chem HG2 constant-current plots reveal voltage behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing efficiency.
Constant Current Temperature
The LG Chem HG2 constant-current plots reveal temperature behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing thermal response.
Pulse Power Behaviour
The LG Chem HG2 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 LG Chem HG2 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 LG Chem HG2 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 Chem is South Korea's largest chemical and battery materials company
LG Energy Solution (formerly LG Chem Battery Division) is one of the world's largest lithium-ion battery manufacturers, producing premium 21700 cells for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Their advanced cell technology delivers industry-leading energy density, safety, and cycle life performance. LG supplies major global automakers including General Motors, Tesla, and Hyundai with cylindrical, pouch, and prismatic battery formats. With manufacturing facilities spanning South Korea, China, Poland, and the United States, LG Energy Solution maintains strict quality standards and continuous innovation in battery chemistry. Their 21700 cells incorporate proprietary NCMA cathode materials and safety features, making them a preferred choice for premium electric vehicle applications worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity and voltage of the LG Chem HG2?
The LG Chem HG2 has a nominal capacity of 3 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, providing 10.8 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the LG Chem HG2?
The LG Chem HG2 supports continuous discharge rates up to 20 A, delivering a power density of 1500 W/kg.
How much does the LG Chem HG2 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 HG2 commonly used?
The LG Chem HG2 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.
