CellBench

Molicel P28A vs Molicel P42A

Side-by-side comparison of Molicel INR18650-P28A (18650) and Molicel INR21700-P42A (21700)

Specifications
Molicel INR18650-P28AMolicel INR21700-P42A
Capacity2800 mAh4200 mAh
Nom. Voltage3.6 V3.6 V
Max Current35 A45 A
Weight46 g70 g
Energy10.1 Wh15.1 Wh
Energy Density219 Wh/kg216 Wh/kg
Form Factor1865021700
Typical R_int22.0 mOhm17.6 mOhm
Discharge Curves
Rate:

Showing 10A discharge rate for both cells

Internal Resistance @ 50% SOC
CurrentMolicel INR18650-P28AMolicel INR21700-P42A
0.56A22.0
0.84A17.6
2.8A20.0
4.2A15.2
10.0A19.015.2
20.0A18.414.7
30.0A18.014.4

Values in mΩ. Bold = lowest resistance at that current.

Summary

The Molicel P42A offers 50% more capacity (4200 vs 2800 mAh). The Molicel P42A supports higher continuous discharge (45A vs 35A), making it better for high-drain applications. The Molicel P28A is lighter at 46g. Note: these are different form factors (18650 vs 21700), so direct substitution is not possible without pack redesign.