CellBench

Molicel P42A vs Panasonic NCR18650GA

Side-by-side comparison of Molicel INR21700-P42A (21700) and Sanyo NCR18650GA (18650)

Specifications
Molicel INR21700-P42ASanyo NCR18650GA
Capacity4200 mAh3500 mAh
Nom. Voltage3.6 V3.6 V
Max Current45 A15 A
Weight70 g48 g
Energy15.1 Wh12.6 Wh
Energy Density216 Wh/kg263 Wh/kg
Form Factor2170018650
Typical R_int17.6 mOhm42.0 mOhm
Discharge Curves
Rate:

Showing 10A discharge rate for both cells

Internal Resistance @ 50% SOC
CurrentMolicel INR21700-P42ASanyo NCR18650GA
0.2A42.0
0.5A42.0
0.84A17.6
1.0A55.5
2.0A57.8
3.0A53.5
4.2A15.2
5.0A47.1
7.0A43.4
10.0A15.239.2
15.0A34.3
20.0A14.7
30.0A14.4

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

Summary

The Molicel P42A offers 20% more capacity (4200 vs 3500 mAh). The Molicel P42A supports higher continuous discharge (45A vs 15A), making it better for high-drain applications. The Panasonic NCR18650GA has better energy density (263 vs 216 Wh/kg). The Panasonic NCR18650GA is lighter at 48g. Note: these are different form factors (21700 vs 18650), so direct substitution is not possible without pack redesign.