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Cylindrical 18650 Cell

Murata NC1

High-energy cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 2.9 Ah capacity with 223 Wh/kg energy density and 8 A maximum discharge rate.

Overview

The Murata US18650NC1 is a lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand high energy density and consistent capacity delivery. Released in 2012 and with the manufacturer based in Japan, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 2.9 Ah capacity and 10.4 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 8 A, making it well suited to energy-focused applications requiring extended runtime. Its 223 Wh/kg gravimetric energy density is above the 18650 cylindrical median of 216 Wh/kg in the About:Energy battery library.

Key Features

  • Discharge rate: 8 A continuous (2.8 C)

  • Energy density: 223 Wh/kg

  • Power density: 615 W/kg

  • Cathode: Ni-based

  • Applications: aviation, e-mobility, energy storage

Murata NC1 18650 cylindrical lithium-ion battery cell, 2.9 Ah, 8 A continuous

Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer

Parameter
Manufacturer
Murata
Model
US18650NC1
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
Japan
Release year
2012
Nominal voltage
3.6
Energy capacity [Wh]
10.44
Capacity [Ah]
2.9
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
223
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
615
Max continuous discharge [A]
8
Volume [cm³]
17.24
Mass [g]
46.8
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value
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Applications & Use‑Cases

The Murata NC1 is well suited to the following applications due to its cylindrical 18650 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.

Performance & Model Data

Below are modelled performance metrics for the Murata NC1 across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.

Constant Current Voltage

Access Murata NC1 constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not NC1 data.)

Access Murata NC1 constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not NC1 data.)

Constant Current Temperature

Access Murata NC1 thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not NC1 data.)

Access Murata NC1 thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not NC1 data.)

Pulse Power Behaviour

Access Murata NC1 pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not NC1 data.)

Access Murata NC1 pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not NC1 data.)

Dynamic Profile Response

Access Murata NC1 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 NC1 data.)

Access Murata NC1 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 NC1 data.)

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Drive Cycle
Track Nurburgring
Load Type
Power Profile
Initial SOC [%]
80
Initial Cell Temperature [°C]
40
Heat Transfer Coefficient [W/m²K]
50

Case Studies

See how we helped McMurtry reduce cell evaluation time by 70% through data driven testing and modelling.

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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 Murata NC1 with similar Cylindrical 18650 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.

Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
EVE Energy 29V
2.85 Ah
8.4 A
E-Mobility
Samsung 29E
2.85 Ah
2.75 A
E-Mobility
Samsung 30B
2.95 Ah
5.9 A
E-Mobility

Manufacturer Background

Murata

Murata is a Japanese manufacturer of cylindrical lithium-ion cells for power tools and mobility

Murata Manufacturing is a Japanese electronic components group headquartered in Kyoto that entered lithium-ion cell manufacturing by acquiring Sony's battery business in 2017. The acquisition brought the US-series cylindrical cells, including the VTC family, which had already established a reputation for high continuous discharge in power tools and electric two-wheelers. Murata continues production of 18650 and 21700 cells at plants in Japan, Singapore and China, with model codes carrying the US prefix followed by the cell diameter and length. The range spans high-power VTC cells and higher-capacity variants for energy-led applications. Its position combines Sony's cell heritage with the quality systems of a major components manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capacity and voltage of the Murata NC1?

The Murata NC1 has a nominal capacity of 2.9 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, providing 10.4 Wh of energy per cell.

What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the Murata NC1?

The Murata NC1 supports continuous discharge rates up to 8 A, delivering a power density of 615 W/kg.

How much does the Murata NC1 weigh and what is its volume?

The cell has a mass of 46.8 g and a volume of 17.2 cm³.

In which industries is the Murata NC1 commonly used?

The Murata NC1 is used across aviation, e-mobility and energy storage, applications that demand high energy density and consistent performance over extended cycles.

How does the Murata NC1 compare with the EVE Energy 29V?

Comparing the Murata NC1 with the EVE Energy 29V: capacity 2.9 Ah against 2.85 Ah; maximum continuous discharge 8 A against 8.4 A; energy density 223 Wh/kg against 230 Wh/kg; mass 46.8 g against 44.7 g. Both datasheets can be compared side by side in The Voltt.

What chemistry and format is the Murata NC1?

The Murata NC1 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 17.2 cm³. Its full datasheet is free to view in The Voltt.

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