Cylindrical 21700 Cell
Samsung 50E
Cylindrical 21700 cell delivering 4.9 Ah capacity with 256 Wh/kg energy density and 9.8 A maximum discharge rate.
Overview
The Samsung INR21700-50E is a lithium-ion Li-ion cylindrical 21700 cell designed for applications that demand reliable performance. Released in 2017 and manufactured in South Korea, this cylindrical 21700 cell delivers 4.9 Ah capacity and 17.64 Wh of energy at a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, with a maximum continuous discharge capability of 9.8 A, making it suitable for general-purpose applications with moderate power requirements.
Key Features
Discharge rate: 9.8 A continuous (2.0 C)
Energy density: 256 Wh/kg
Power density: 511 W/kg
Applications: aviation, motorsports, e-mobility
Technical Specifications from the Manufacturer
Parameter
Manufacturer
Samsung
Model
INR21700-50E
Type
Li-ion
Form factor
Cylindrical 21700
Country of origin
South Korea
Release year
2017
Nominal voltage
3.6
Energy capacity [Wh]
17.64
Capacity [Ah]
4.9
Gravimetric energy density [Wh/kg]
256
Gravimetric power density [W/kg]
511
Max continuous discharge [A]
9.8
Volume [cm³]
22.8
Mass [g]
69
Positive electrode (cathode)
Ni-based
Negative electrode (anode)
Graphite
Value
Applications & Use‑Cases
The Samsung 50E is well suited to the following applications due to its cylindrical 21700 and balanced 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 Samsung 50E across key indicators, including constant current behaviour, rate capability, temperature dependence, and available power under representative drive cycle conditions.
Constant Current Voltage
The Samsung 50E constant-current plots reveal voltage behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing efficiency.
Constant Current Temperature
The Samsung 50E constant-current plots reveal temperature behaviour under steady loads, ideal for analysing thermal response.
Pulse Power Behaviour
The Samsung 50E pulse power map evaluates short-duration load responses, allowing engineers to determine the maximum available power as a function of state of charge and temperature.
Dynamic Profile Response
The Samsung 50E mission-profile plots simulate real-world duty cycles, showing how the cell manages dynamic power demands and temperature changes.
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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 50E with similar Cylindrical 21700 cells offering comparable capacity and performance characteristics.
Model
Capacity
Max Discharge
Typical Use
Access Cell Data
Manufacturer Background
Samsung SDI
Samsung SDI is a leading South Korean battery manufacturer
Samsung SDI is a global leader in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, producing advanced 21700 cylindrical cells for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage systems. With decades of battery technology expertise, Samsung delivers high-energy-density cells featuring exceptional safety characteristics and long cycle life. Their 21700 format cells power major automotive platforms worldwide, incorporating proprietary cathode materials and manufacturing processes. Samsung SDI's extensive R&D investments drive continuous improvements in energy density, charging speed, and thermal management. As part of the Samsung Group, SDI leverages world-class manufacturing facilities and quality control systems, making them a trusted battery supplier for premium electric vehicle manufacturers and industrial applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity and voltage of the Samsung 50E?
The Samsung 50E has a nominal capacity of 4.9 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, providing 17.6 Wh of energy per cell.
What is the maximum continuous discharge capability of the Samsung 50E?
The Samsung 50E supports continuous discharge rates up to 9 A, delivering exceptional power density of 511 W/kg.
How much does the Samsung 50E weigh and what is its volume?
The cell has a mass of 69 g and a volume of 22.80 cm³.
In which industries is the Samsung 50E commonly used?
The Samsung 50E is used across e-mobility, energy storage, and general-purpose applications, applications that demand reliable performance and balanced specifications.
What is The Voltt and how does it accelerate cell evaluation?
The Voltt is About Energy's digital cell simulation platform that models electrochemical and thermal performance, reducing evaluation time by up to 70% compared to laboratory testing.
What data can be extracted using The Voltt?
Engineers can simulate and visualise voltage, temperature, and power responses under constant-current or mission-profile conditions, generating detailed discharge plots to support accurate cell comparison and validation.
