If you’re looking for a high-performance lithium-ion battery solution for industrial equipment, power tools, or energy storage systems, the 21700 battery is undoubtedly an indispensable core option.
1. What Exactly Is a 21700 Battery?
The 21700 battery gets its name from its physical dimensions: 21 millimeters in diameter and 70 millimeters in length. This size represents a precise upgrade from the once-widely used 18650 battery (18mm × 65mm). As a high-performance cylindrical lithium-ion battery, its core design philosophy is to balance power output, energy storage, and thermal safety.
These three advantages have made it highly favored in both consumer electronics and industrial equipment fields. Unlike small batteries that sacrifice endurance for portability, its size is carefully designed to increase energy capacity while remaining compatible with the structural frameworks of most modern devices. Every component of this cylindrical cell is optimized to ensure continuous and stable power output, making it a reliable power core for various high-demand devices.
2. Core Specifications Defining the 21700 Battery's Performance
To determine if the 21700 battery is suitable for your application scenario, it is essential to understand its key performance indicators. Below is a detailed breakdown of its core specifications:
Voltage Parameters of the 21700 Battery
- Nominal Voltage: 3.6-3.7V. This is the baseline output voltage during normal use, matching the voltage requirements of most lithium-ion-powered devices.
- Full Charge Voltage: 4.2V. This is the maximum safe charging voltage that can be reached without risks.
- Discharge Cut-off Voltage: 3.0V. This is the minimum discharge voltage threshold; discharging below this voltage will shorten the cell’s cycle life.
Capacity Range of the 21700 Battery
Energy Density of the 21700 Battery
- NMC Chemistry: Cells with NMC chemistry have an energy density of 160-270 Wh/kg and a cycle life of 1000-2000 times, making them very suitable for outdoor energy storage equipment and heavy-duty power tools that require both high power and long endurance.
- LCO Chemistry: Those using LCO chemistry have an energy density of 180-230 Wh/kg and a cycle life of 500-1000 times, making them an ideal choice for consumer electronic devices that do not require an extremely long cycle life.
Weight and Durability of the 21700 Battery
Most 21700 cells weigh between 60-70 grams, slightly heavier than the 18650 battery (45-55 grams), but this weight increase is exchanged for comprehensive performance improvement. Its structural design also enhances durability—among them, units using LiFePO4 chemistry can have a cycle life of up to 5000 times, which can significantly reduce long-term replacement costs for industrial scenarios that rely on continuous operation of such power sources.
Discharge Rate of the 21700 Battery
The 21700 battery supports a discharge rate of 3.75C, which means a 5000 mAh cell can output a current of 18.75A. This high discharge rate feature makes it perfectly suitable for high-power consumption devices such as angle grinders and heavy-duty power tool motors that require sudden bursts of high power without voltage drop.
3. 21700 Battery vs. 18650 Battery: Core Performance Comparison
| Performance Indicator | 21700 Battery | 18650 Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21mm × 70mm | 18mm × 65mm |
| Capacity | 4000-5000 mAh | 2500-3500 mAh |
| Energy Density | 250-300 Wh/kg, 2%-6% higher than 18650 battery | 220-260 Wh/kg |
| Weight | 60-70g | 45-55g |
| Compatibility | Larger size, not interchangeable with 18650 devices | Suitable for most small devices |
A core advantage of the 21700 battery is its better thermal management capability, which benefits from its size design. Compared with the 18650 battery, it boasts higher heat dissipation efficiency, which can effectively reduce the risk of overheating during long-term use. This safety feature is crucial for industrial equipment and large-scale energy storage systems. However, it should be noted that the 21700 battery cannot directly replace devices designed specifically for the 18650 battery, as its larger size cannot fit into the corresponding battery compartment.
4. Core Application Scenarios of the 21700 Battery
With its balanced performance in capacity, durability, and power output, the 21700 battery has strong scenario adaptability and has become a mainstream power choice in multiple industries:
Outdoor Portable Electronic Devices
Power Tools
Tools used in construction and DIY scenarios, such as impact drills and blowers, have high requirements for the continuous high-load operation capability of the battery, and this high-discharge-rate cell perfectly meets this demand. Its high discharge rate and large capacity allow these tools to work continuously for a long time, avoiding the trouble of workers stopping work to charge midway.
Energy Storage Systems
Portable power stations and home grid energy storage equipment all rely on the high energy density advantage of the 21700 battery. A single unit can replace multiple small batteries, reducing the size of the energy storage equipment while increasing output power. This is also an important reason why it has become the first choice for off-grid power supply solutions.
Medical and Industrial Equipment
Devices such as robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and portable ventilators have strict requirements for the stability and continuity of power supply. The stable performance of this cylindrical battery ensures the reliable operation of these key devices. Even in remote areas or emergency scenarios, its long endurance can provide continuous power for the equipment, and even play a life-saving role in medical scenarios.
5. Market Growth Trend of the 21700 Battery
- 2023 Market Size: The sector’s market size reached 1.2 billion US dollars.
- 2032 Forecast Size: It is expected to grow to 7.9 billion US dollars.
- Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): The industry CAGR hits 22.8%—a sign that demand for such high-performance cells will stay strong for the next decade.
6. Trusted 21700 Battery Brands
To ensure the performance and safety of the 21700 battery, choosing well-known brands is crucial. The following are reputable brands in the market:
Samsung
Samsung’s 21700 products, such as the 50E model, have a capacity of 5000 mAh, making them very suitable for consumer electronics and robotic equipment. The brand’s 21700 cells are known for their stable performance and excellent energy efficiency, and can maintain stable power output even during long-term use.
LG
LG’s 21700 batteries, such as the M50 model, are designed specifically for industrial high-power consumption scenarios. They adopt a robust structural design, which can adapt to harsh working environments such as construction sites and factory workshops while maintaining reliable performance.
Panasonic
Panasonic’s 21700 cells take safety and durability as their core design goals, making them the first choice for industrial energy storage and heavy-duty equipment projects. Their stable performance ensures reliable operation even in large-scale battery packs.
7. Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of the 21700 Battery
- Store in a cool and dry environment: Extreme temperatures can damage its internal components, so avoid placing it in direct sunlight or freezing environments.
- Avoid overcharging and over-discharging: Stop charging it when the voltage reaches 4.2V, and recharge in time before the voltage drops below 3.0V to prevent permanent damage.
- Use a dedicated charger: Ordinary universal chargers may damage the circuit; it is recommended to choose a charger designed specifically for this 21mm×70mm cylindrical cell.
8. About 21700 Batteries and Customized Solutions
- SME suppliers: Bulk procurement is supported, cutting costs and meeting small-to-medium batch needs.
- Large industrial/medical projects: Custom battery pack services (e.g., voltage matching, thermal management) are available. Long-term supply agreements guarantee project stability.



