Cylindrical 18650 High-Power Cell
Murata VTC5
High-power cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 2.6 Ah capacity with 211 Wh/kg energy density and 30 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The Murata VTC5 is a high-power lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand sustained high current and high energy density. Released in 2013 and with the manufacturer based in Singapore, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 2.6 Ah capacity and 9.36 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 30 A, making it well suited to high-power systems operating under aggressive load profiles. Among the 18650 cylindrical cells in the About:Energy battery library, the Murata VTC5 ranks 15th of 94 for maximum continuous discharge. Its 30 A compares with a 18650 cylindrical median of 12.2 A.
Key Features
High discharge rate: 30 A continuous (11.5 C)
Energy density: 211 Wh/kg
Power density: 2,438 W/kg
Cathode: Ni-based
Applications: aviation, motorsports, e-mobility
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
Murata
Model
VTC5
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
Singapore
Release year
2013
Nominal voltage
3.6
Energy capacity [Wh]
9.36
Capacity [Ah]
2.6
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
211
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
2438
Max continuous discharge [A]
30
Volume [cm³]
17.24
Mass [g]
44.3
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The Murata VTC5 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.
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 VTC5 across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
Access Murata VTC5 constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not VTC5 data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access Murata VTC5 thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not VTC5 data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access Murata VTC5 pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not VTC5 data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access Murata VTC5 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 VTC5 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 VTC5 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 VTC5?
The Murata VTC5 has a nominal capacity of 2.6 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, providing 9.36 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the Murata VTC5?
The Murata VTC5 supports continuous discharge rates up to 30 A, delivering exceptional power density of 2,438 W/kg.
How much does the Murata VTC5 weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 44.3 g and a volume of 17.2 cm³.
In which industries is the Murata VTC5 commonly used?
The Murata VTC5 is used across eVTOL, motorsports, drones, and e-mobility, applications that demand both high energy and power density.
How does the Murata VTC5 compare with the Molicel P26A?
Comparing the Murata VTC5 with the Molicel P26A: capacity 2.6 Ah against 2.5 Ah; maximum continuous discharge 30 A against 35 A; energy density 211 Wh/kg against 188 Wh/kg; mass 44.3 g against 48 g. Both datasheets can be compared side by side in The Voltt.
What chemistry and format is the Murata VTC5?
The Murata VTC5 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.
