Cylindrical 21700 Cell
LG Chem M50
Cylindrical 21700 cell delivering 4.85 Ah capacity with 259 Wh/kg energy density and 7.275 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The LG Chem M50 is a lithium-ion cylindrical 21700 cell designed for applications that demand reliable performance and competitive energy storage. Released in 2016 and with the manufacturer based in South Korea, this cylindrical 21700 cell delivers 4.85 Ah capacity and 17.6 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.63 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 7.275 A, making it well suited to energy-focused applications requiring extended runtime. Its silicon-additive graphite anode contributes to a gravimetric energy density of 259 Wh/kg.
Key Features
Discharge rate: 7.275 A continuous (1.5 C)
Charging rate: 1.0 C charging rate
Energy density: 259 Wh/kg
Power density: 388 W/kg
Applications: aviation, e-mobility, energy storage
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
LG Chem
Model
INR21700-M50
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 21700
Country of origin
South Korea
Release year
2016
Nominal voltage
3.63
Energy capacity [Wh]
17.6
Capacity [Ah]
4.85
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
259
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
388
Max continuous discharge [A]
7.275
Volume [cm³]
24.53
Mass [g]
68
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based (high Ni)
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite/Si additive
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The LG Chem M50 is well suited to the following applications due to its cylindrical 21700 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 M50 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 M50 constant-current plots reveal voltage behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing efficiency.
Constant Current Temperature
The LG Chem M50 constant-current plots reveal temperature behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing thermal response.
Pulse Power Behaviour
The LG Chem M50 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 M50 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 M50 with similar Cylindrical 21700 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 M50?
The LG Chem M50 has a nominal capacity of 4.85 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.63 V, providing 17.6 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the LG Chem M50?
The LG Chem M50 supports continuous discharge rates up to 7.275 A, delivering a power density of 388 W/kg.
How much does the LG Chem M50 weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 68 g and a volume of 24.53 cm³.
In which industries is the LG Chem M50 commonly used?
The LG Chem M50 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 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.
