Cylindrical 18650 Cell
Samsung 26H
Cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 2.6 Ah capacity with 201 Wh/kg energy density.
Overview
The Samsung 26H is a lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand reliable performance and consistent capacity delivery. Released in 2011 and with the manufacturer based in South Korea, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 2.6 Ah capacity and 9.44 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.63 V, making it well suited to energy-focused applications requiring extended runtime.
Key Features
Energy density: 201 Wh/kg
Applications: aviation, e-mobility, energy storage
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
Samsung
Model
26H
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
South Korea
Release year
2011
Nominal voltage
3.63
Energy capacity [Wh]
9.438
Capacity [Ah]
2.6
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
201
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
402
Max continuous discharge [A]
5.2
Volume [cm³]
17.28
Mass [g]
47
Positive electrode (cathode)
LCO
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The Samsung 26H 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.
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Performance & Model Data
Below are modelled performance metrics for the Samsung 26H across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
Access Samsung 26H constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not 26H data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access Samsung 26H thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not 26H data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access Samsung 26H pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not 26H data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access Samsung 26H 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 26H 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 Samsung 26H with similar Cylindrical 18650 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.
Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
Manufacturer Background
Samsung SDI
Samsung SDI is a South Korean manufacturer producing cylindrical, prismatic and pouch lithium-ion cells
Samsung SDI is headquartered in Yongin, South Korea, and manufactures lithium-ion cells across cylindrical, prismatic and pouch formats. Its cylindrical 18650 and 21700 cells cover both energy-led and high-power variants, using high-nickel NCA and NCM cathode chemistry, and are widely used in power tools, electric two-wheelers, vacuum cleaners and vehicle packs. The model codes denote capacity class and rate capability, and the range is among the most thoroughly characterised in independent testing. Manufacturing spans South Korea, China, Hungary and the United States, including joint ventures with automotive partners. Its position rests on consistent cell-to-cell quality and a catalogue that has changed slowly and predictably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity and voltage of the Samsung 26H?
The Samsung 26H has a nominal capacity of 2.6 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.63 V, providing 9.44 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the energy density of the Samsung 26H?
The Samsung 26H has a gravimetric energy density of 201 Wh/kg.
How much does the Samsung 26H weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 47 g and a volume of 17.3 cm³.
In which industries is the Samsung 26H commonly used?
The Samsung 26H is used across aviation, e-mobility, energy storage, applications that demand high energy density and consistent performance over extended cycles.
How does the Samsung 26H compare with the Molicel P30B?
Comparing the Samsung 26H with the Molicel P30B: capacity 2.6 Ah against 3 Ah; energy density 201 Wh/kg against 230 Wh/kg; mass 47 g against 47 g. Both datasheets can be compared side by side in The Voltt.
What chemistry and format is the Samsung 26H?
The Samsung 26H is a cylindrical 18650 cell with a LCO cathode and a Graphite anode. It has a nominal voltage of 3.63 V and a volume of 17.3 cm³. Its full datasheet is free to view in The Voltt.
