Cylindrical 18650 Cell
LG Chem M36T
Cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 3.444 Ah capacity with 254 Wh/kg energy density and 5 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The LG Chem M36T is a high-energy lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand high energy density and extended runtime. Released in 2017 and with the manufacturer based in South Korea, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 3.444 Ah capacity and 12.5 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.63 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 5 A, making it well suited to energy-focused applications requiring extended runtime.
Key Features
Discharge rate: 5 A continuous (1.5 C)
Charging rate: 1.0 C charging rate
Energy density: 254 Wh/kg
Power density: 369 W/kg
Applications: aviation, e-mobility, energy storage
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
LG Chem
Model
NR18650-M36T
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
South Korea
Release year
2017
Nominal voltage
3.63
Energy capacity [Wh]
12.5
Capacity [Ah]
3.44353
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
254
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
369
Max continuous discharge [A]
5
Volume [cm³]
17.65
Mass [g]
49.2
Positive electrode (cathode)
Negative electrode (anode)
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The LG Chem M36T is well suited to the following applications due to its cylindrical 18650 form factor and high energy density 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.
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.
Energy Storage: Requires stable cycle life across deep discharge profiles, reliable calendar life under float conditions, and consistent capacity retention over extended deployment periods.
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 M36T 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 M36T constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not M36T data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access LG Chem M36T thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not M36T data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access LG Chem M36T pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not M36T data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access LG Chem M36T 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 M36T 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 M36T 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 M36T?
The LG Chem M36T has a nominal capacity of 3.444 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.63 V, providing 12.5 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the LG Chem M36T?
The LG Chem M36T supports continuous discharge rates up to 5 A, delivering a power density of 369 W/kg.
How much does the LG Chem M36T weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 49.2 g and a volume of 17.65 cm³.
In which industries is the LG Chem M36T commonly used?
The LG Chem M36T is used across aviation, e-mobility, energy storage, applications that demand high energy density and consistent performance over extended cycles.
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.
