Cylindrical 21700 Cell
LG Chem M50
Cylindrical 21700 cell delivering 4.85 Ah capacity with 259 Wh/kg energy density and 7.28 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 7.28 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. Its 259 Wh/kg gravimetric energy density is above the 21700 cylindrical median of 257 Wh/kg in the About:Energy battery library.
Key Features
Discharge rate: 7.28 A continuous (1.5 C)
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]
17.61
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
Access LG Chem M50 constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not M50 data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access LG Chem M50 thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not M50 data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access LG Chem M50 pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not M50 data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access LG Chem M50 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 M50 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 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 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 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 7.28 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 24.5 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.
How does the LG Chem M50 compare with the LG Chem M50LT?
Comparing the LG Chem M50 with the LG Chem M50LT: capacity 4.85 Ah against 4.8 Ah; maximum continuous discharge 7.28 A against 14.4 A; energy density 259 Wh/kg against 270 Wh/kg; mass 68 g against 67.5 g. Both datasheets can be compared side by side in The Voltt.
What chemistry and format is the LG Chem M50?
The LG Chem M50 is a cylindrical 21700 cell with a Ni-based (high Ni) cathode and a Graphite/Si additive anode. It has a nominal voltage of 3.63 V and a volume of 24.5 cm³. Its full datasheet is free to view in The Voltt.
