Cylindrical 18650 High-Power Cell
Murata VTC5D
High-power cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 2.8 Ah capacity with 215 Wh/kg energy density and 35 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The Murata US18650VTC5D is a high-power lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand sustained high current and high energy density. Released in 2018 and with the manufacturer based in Singapore, 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 operating under aggressive load profiles. Among the 18650 cylindrical cells in the About:Energy battery library, the Murata VTC5D ranks 9th of 94 for maximum continuous discharge. Its 35 A compares with a 18650 cylindrical median of 12.2 A.
Key Features
High discharge rate: 35 A continuous (12.5 C)
Energy density: 215 Wh/kg
Power density: 2,689 W/kg
Cathode: Ni-based
Applications: aviation, motorsports, e-mobility
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
Murata
Model
US18650VTC5D
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
Singapore
Release year
2018
Nominal voltage
3.6
Energy capacity [Wh]
10.08
Capacity [Ah]
2.8
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
215
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
2689
Max continuous discharge [A]
35
Volume [cm³]
17.54
Mass [g]
46.85
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite/Si additive
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The Murata VTC5D 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.
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Performance & Model Data
Below are modelled performance metrics for the Murata VTC5D across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
Access Murata VTC5D constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not VTC5D data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access Murata VTC5D thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not VTC5D data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access Murata VTC5D pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not VTC5D data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access Murata VTC5D 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 VTC5D 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 Murata VTC5D 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 VTC5D?
The Murata VTC5D 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 Murata VTC5D?
The Murata VTC5D supports continuous discharge rates up to 35 A, delivering exceptional power density of 2,689 W/kg.
How much does the Murata VTC5D weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 46.9 g and a volume of 17.5 cm³.
In which industries is the Murata VTC5D commonly used?
The Murata VTC5D is used across eVTOL, motorsports, drones, and e-mobility, applications that demand both high energy and power density.
How does the Murata VTC5D compare with the Molicel P28A?
Comparing the Murata VTC5D with the Molicel P28A: capacity 2.8 Ah against 2.8 Ah; maximum continuous discharge 35 A against 35 A; energy density 215 Wh/kg against 210 Wh/kg; mass 46.9 g against 48 g. Both datasheets can be compared side by side in The Voltt.
What chemistry and format is the Murata VTC5D?
The Murata VTC5D is a cylindrical 18650 cell with a Ni-based cathode and a Graphite/Si additive anode. It has a nominal voltage of 3.6 V and a volume of 17.5 cm³. Its full datasheet is free to view in The Voltt.
