Cylindrical 18650 Cell
Murata VTC4
Cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 2.1 Ah capacity with 168 Wh/kg energy density and 10 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The Murata US18650VTC4 is a lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand reliable performance across a broad range of load conditions. Released in 2012 and with the manufacturer based in Singapore, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 2.1 Ah capacity and 7.56 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 10 A, making it suitable for applications that balance runtime against peak power demand.
Key Features
Discharge rate: 10 A continuous (4.8 C)
Energy density: 168 Wh/kg
Power density: 800 W/kg
Cathode: Ni-based
Applications: drones, aviation, e-mobility
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
Murata
Model
US18650VTC4
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
Singapore
Release year
2012
Nominal voltage
3.6
Energy capacity [Wh]
7.56
Capacity [Ah]
2.1
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
168
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
800
Max continuous discharge [A]
10
Volume [cm³]
17.24
Mass [g]
45
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The Murata VTC4 is well suited to the following applications due to its cylindrical 18650 form factor and balanced performance.
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.
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.
General Applications: Suitable for applications requiring reliable lithium-ion performance with proven cycle life, consistent capacity delivery, and operational safety across diverse use cases.
.jpg)
Performance & Model Data
Below are modelled performance metrics for the Murata VTC4 across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
Access Murata VTC4 constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not VTC4 data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access Murata VTC4 thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not VTC4 data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access Murata VTC4 pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not VTC4 data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access Murata VTC4 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 VTC4 data.)
.png)
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 Murata VTC4 with similar Cylindrical 18650 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.
Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
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 VTC4?
The Murata VTC4 has a nominal capacity of 2.1 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, providing 7.56 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the Murata VTC4?
The Murata VTC4 supports continuous discharge rates up to 10 A, delivering a power density of 800 W/kg.
How much does the Murata VTC4 weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 45 g and a volume of 17.24 cm³.
In which industries is the Murata VTC4 commonly used?
The Murata VTC4 is used across drones, aviation and e-mobility, applications that demand reliable performance and balanced energy and power.
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.
