Cylindrical 21700 Cell
LG Chem M50LT
Cylindrical 21700 cell delivering 4.8 Ah capacity with 262 Wh/kg energy density and 14.4 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The LG Chem INR21700-M50LT is a lithium-ion Li-ion cylindrical 21700 cell designed for applications that demand reliable performance. Released in 2020 and manufactured in South Korea, this cylindrical 21700 cell delivers 4.8 Ah capacity and 17.71 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.69 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 14.4 A, making it suitable for general-purpose applications with moderate power requirements.
Key Features
Discharge rate: 14.4 A continuous (3.0 C)
Energy density: 262 Wh/kg
Power density: 787 W/kg
Applications: aviation, motorsports, e-mobility
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
LG Chem
Model
INR21700-M50LT
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 21700
Country of origin
South Korea
Release year
2020
Nominal voltage
3.69
Energy capacity [Wh]
18.2
Capacity [Ah]
4.8
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
270
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
787
Max continuous discharge [A]
14.4
Volume [cm³]
25.51
Mass [g]
67.5
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based (high Ni)
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The LG Chem M50LT is well suited to the following applications due to its cylindrical 21700 and balanced 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 M50LT 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 M50LT constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not M50LT data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access LG Chem M50LT thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not M50LT data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access LG Chem M50LT pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not M50LT data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access LG Chem M50LT 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 M50LT 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 M50LT 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 M50LT?
The LG Chem M50LT has a nominal capacity of 4.8 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.69 V, providing 17.71 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the LG Chem M50LT?
The LG Chem M50LT supports continuous discharge rates up to 14.4 A, delivering exceptional power density of 787 W/kg.
How much does the LG Chem M50LT weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 67 g and a volume of 25.51 cm³.
In which industries is the LG Chem M50LT commonly used?
The LG Chem M50LT is used across e-mobility, energy storage, and consumer electronics, applications that demand reliable performance and balanced specifications.
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.
