Cylindrical 18650 Cell
Panasonic UR18650ZM2
Cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 2.55 Ah capacity with 198 Wh/kg energy density and 8 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The Panasonic UR18650ZM2 is a lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand reliable performance across a broad range of load conditions. Released in 2018 and with the manufacturer based in Japan, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 2.55 Ah capacity and 9.18 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 8 A, making it suitable for applications that balance runtime against peak power demand.
Key Features
Discharge rate: 8 A continuous (3.1 C)
Energy density: 198 Wh/kg
Power density: 621 W/kg
Applications: drones, aviation, e-mobility
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
Panasonic
Model
UR18650ZM2
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
Japan
Release year
2018
Nominal voltage
3.6
Energy capacity [Wh]
9.18
Capacity [Ah]
2.55
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
198
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
621
Max continuous discharge [A]
8
Volume [cm³]
17.55
Mass [g]
46.4
Positive electrode (cathode)
Negative electrode (anode)
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The Panasonic UR18650ZM2 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.
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Performance & Model Data
Below are modelled performance metrics for the Panasonic UR18650ZM2 across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
Access Panasonic UR18650ZM2 constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not UR18650ZM2 data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access Panasonic UR18650ZM2 thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not UR18650ZM2 data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access Panasonic UR18650ZM2 pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not UR18650ZM2 data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access Panasonic UR18650ZM2 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 UR18650ZM2 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 Panasonic UR18650ZM2 with similar Cylindrical 18650 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.
Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
Manufacturer Background
Panasonic
Panasonic Energy is a Japanese manufacturer and one of the largest producers of cylindrical lithium-ion cells
Panasonic Energy is part of the Panasonic group, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, and is one of the world's largest manufacturers of cylindrical lithium-ion cells. Its NCR and UR series 18650 cells set long-standing benchmarks for energy density and reliability in laptops, power tools and electric bicycles, and its 2170 cells supply automotive customers from plants in Japan, Nevada and Kansas. The company favours high-nickel NCA cathodes and has pursued steady capacity gains within the established cylindrical formats rather than changes of architecture. Its catalogue runs from small 14500 and 18500 cells through 18650, 20700 and 21700. Panasonic's cells are among the most widely characterised in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity and voltage of the Panasonic UR18650ZM2?
The Panasonic UR18650ZM2 has a nominal capacity of 2.55 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, providing 9.18 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the Panasonic UR18650ZM2?
The Panasonic UR18650ZM2 supports continuous discharge rates up to 8 A, delivering a power density of 621 W/kg.
How much does the Panasonic UR18650ZM2 weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 46.4 g and a volume of 17.6 cm³.
In which industries is the Panasonic UR18650ZM2 commonly used?
The Panasonic UR18650ZM2 is used across drones, aviation and e-mobility, applications that demand reliable performance and balanced energy and power.
How does the Panasonic UR18650ZM2 compare with the LG Chem M26?
Comparing the Panasonic UR18650ZM2 with the LG Chem M26: capacity 2.55 Ah against 2.5 Ah; maximum continuous discharge 8 A against 10 A; energy density 198 Wh/kg against 213 Wh/kg; mass 46.4 g against 44 g. Both datasheets can be compared side by side in The Voltt.
What chemistry and format is the Panasonic UR18650ZM2?
The Panasonic UR18650ZM2 is a cylindrical 18650 cell. It has a nominal voltage of 3.6 V and a volume of 17.6 cm³. Its full datasheet is free to view in The Voltt.
