Cylindrical 18650 High-Power Cell
Molicel P28A
Cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 2.8 Ah capacity with 210 Wh/kg energy density and 35 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The Molicel P28A is a high-power lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand sustained high power delivery. Released in 2018 and with the manufacturer based in Taiwan, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 2.8 Ah capacity and 10.1 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 35 A, making it well suited to high-power systems requiring sustained current delivery. Among the 18650 cylindrical cells in the About:Energy battery library, the Molicel P28A ranks 9th of 94 for maximum continuous discharge. Its 35 A compares with a 18650 cylindrical median of 12.2 A.
Key Features
Extremely high discharge rate: 35 A continuous (12.5 C)
Energy density: 210 Wh/kg
Power density: 2,625 W/kg
Applications: aviation, motorsports, drones
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
Molicel
Model
INR-18650-P28A
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
Taiwan
Release year
2018
Nominal voltage
3.6
Energy capacity [Wh]
10.08
Capacity [Ah]
2.8
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
210
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
2625
Max continuous discharge [A]
35
Volume [cm³]
17.11
Mass [g]
48
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The Molicel P28A is well suited to the following applications due to its cylindrical 18650 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 Molicel P28A across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
Access Molicel P28A constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not P28A data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access Molicel P28A thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not P28A data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access Molicel P28A pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not P28A data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access Molicel P28A 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 P28A 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 Molicel P28A with similar Cylindrical 18650 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.
Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
Manufacturer Background
Molicel
Molicel is a Taiwanese manufacturer of high-power cylindrical lithium-ion cells
Molicel is the cell brand of E-One Moli Energy, a Taiwanese manufacturer whose technology traces back to lithium battery research begun in Canada in the 1970s. The company produces cylindrical 18650 and 21700 cells engineered for high continuous discharge, fast charge acceptance and thermal stability under sustained load. Its P series power cells and higher-capacity energy variants are used in eVTOL aircraft, motorsport and performance vehicles, power tools and aerospace systems, where discharge rate rather than energy density sets the design limit. Manufacturing is based in Taiwan with a long-standing Canadian research presence. Molicel is the reference supplier for many programmes that cycle hard and frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity and voltage of the Molicel P28A?
The Molicel P28A has a nominal capacity of 2.8 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, providing 10.1 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the Molicel P28A?
The Molicel P28A supports continuous discharge rates up to 35 A, delivering a power density of 2,625 W/kg.
How much does the Molicel P28A weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 48 g and a volume of 17.1 cm³.
In which industries is the Molicel P28A commonly used?
The Molicel P28A is used across aviation, motorsports, drones, applications that demand very high power output and thermal management under extreme discharge.
How does the Molicel P28A compare with the Molicel P30B?
Comparing the Molicel P28A with the Molicel P30B: capacity 2.8 Ah against 3 Ah; maximum continuous discharge 35 A against 30 A; energy density 210 Wh/kg against 230 Wh/kg; mass 48 g against 47 g. Both datasheets can be compared side by side in The Voltt.
What chemistry and format is the Molicel P28A?
The Molicel P28A is a cylindrical 18650 cell with a Ni-based cathode and a Graphite anode. It has a nominal voltage of 3.6 V and a volume of 17.1 cm³. Its full datasheet is free to view in The Voltt.
