Cylindrical 21700 High-Power Cell
Lishen 2170LA
Cylindrical 21700 cell delivering 4 Ah capacity with 215 Wh/kg energy density and 45 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The Lishen 2170LA is a high-power lithium-ion cylindrical 21700 cell designed for applications that demand reliable performance and consistent capacity delivery. Released in 2020 and with the manufacturer based in China, this cylindrical 21700 cell delivers 4 Ah capacity and 14.4 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 45 A, making it well suited to high-power systems requiring sustained current delivery.
Key Features
Extremely high discharge rate: 45 A continuous (11.2 C)
Charging rate: 3.0 C charging rate
Energy density: 215 Wh/kg
Power density: 2418 W/kg
Applications: aviation, motorsports, drones
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
Lishen
Model
LR2170LA
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 21700
Country of origin
China
Release year
2020
Nominal voltage
3.6
Energy capacity [Wh]
14.4
Capacity [Ah]
4
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
215
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
2418
Max continuous discharge [A]
45
Volume [cm³]
25.43
Mass [g]
67
Positive electrode (cathode)
Negative electrode (anode)
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The Lishen 2170LA is well suited to the following applications due to its cylindrical 21700 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.
Drones: Demands high gravimetric power density for thrust and payload capacity, rapid current response for flight control, and stable voltage delivery across dynamic flight profiles.
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 Lishen 2170LA across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
Access Lishen 2170LA constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not 2170LA data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access Lishen 2170LA thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not 2170LA data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access Lishen 2170LA pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not 2170LA data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access Lishen 2170LA 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 2170LA 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 Lishen 2170LA with similar Cylindrical 21700 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.
Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
Manufacturer Background
Lishen
Lishen is a Chinese state-backed lithium-ion cell manufacturer
Tianjin Lishen Battery was incorporated in 1997 and was China's first dedicated lithium-ion cell research and manufacturing company, now operating as a state-holding enterprise. It produces cylindrical, prismatic and pouch cells across lithium iron phosphate and nickel-based chemistries, supplying electric vehicles, stationary energy storage, consumer electronics and industrial equipment. Its large-format prismatic cells are aimed at grid-scale storage and commercial vehicle programmes, where cycle life and cost per kilowatt hour govern selection. State backing and long-established capacity give it stable supply for domestic manufacturers and export customers. Lishen's relevance lies in its production record, which is among the longest of any Chinese cell manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity and voltage of the Lishen 2170LA?
The Lishen 2170LA has a nominal capacity of 4 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, providing 14.4 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the Lishen 2170LA?
The Lishen 2170LA supports continuous discharge rates up to 45 A, delivering a power density of 2418 W/kg.
How much does the Lishen 2170LA weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 67 g and a volume of 25.43 cm³.
In which industries is the Lishen 2170LA commonly used?
The Lishen 2170LA is used across aviation, motorsports, drones, applications that demand very high power output and thermal management under extreme discharge.
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.
