Cylindrical 18650 Cell
Samsung 26J
Cylindrical 18650 cell delivering 2.55 Ah capacity with 206 Wh/kg energy density and 5.2 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The Samsung 26J is a lithium-ion cylindrical 18650 cell designed for applications that demand reliable performance and competitive energy storage. Released in 2016 and with the manufacturer based in South Korea, this cylindrical 18650 cell delivers 2.55 Ah capacity and 9.2565 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.63 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 5.2 A, making it well suited to energy-focused applications requiring extended runtime.
Key Features
Discharge rate: 5.2 A continuous (2.0 C)
Charging rate: 1.0 C charging rate
Energy density: 206 Wh/kg
Power density: 419 W/kg
Applications: aviation, e-mobility, energy storage
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
Samsung
Model
ICR18650-26J
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 18650
Country of origin
South Korea
Release year
2016
Nominal voltage
3.63
Energy capacity [Wh]
9.2565
Capacity [Ah]
2.55
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
206
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
419
Max continuous discharge [A]
5.2
Volume [cm³]
17.28
Mass [g]
45
Positive electrode (cathode)
LCO
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The Samsung 26J 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 26J across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
Access Samsung 26J constant-current discharge curves in Voltt to size your pack against the voltage window your system actually needs. (Chart shown is illustrative, not 26J data.)
Constant Current Temperature
Access Samsung 26J thermal discharge data in Voltt to specify cooling and cell spacing before you commit to a pack layout. (Chart shown is illustrative, not 26J data.)
Pulse Power Behaviour
Access Samsung 26J pulse power maps in Voltt to set peak current limits and parallel count for your worst-case load. (Chart shown is illustrative, not 26J data.)
Dynamic Profile Response
Access Samsung 26J 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 26J 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 26J 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 26J?
The Samsung 26J has a nominal capacity of 2.55 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.63 V, providing 9.2565 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the Samsung 26J?
The Samsung 26J supports continuous discharge rates up to 5.2 A, delivering a power density of 419 W/kg.
How much does the Samsung 26J weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 45 g and a volume of 17.28 cm³.
In which industries is the Samsung 26J commonly used?
The Samsung 26J is used across aviation, e-mobility, energy storage, applications that demand high energy density and consistent performance over extended cycles.
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.
