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E-bike battery cells
Every e-bike pack is built from cylindrical lithium-ion cells. These are the cells most packs use, with manufacturer-rated capacity and continuous current.
15cells compared
18650 / 21700formats
3.6 Vnominal per cell
21tracked packs list their cells
Popular e-bike battery cellsRatings are manufacturer datasheet values. Independent tests often rate high-drain cells lower for sustained use. Cells for 48V 14Ah = parallel cells per group (13S).
| Cell | Format | Capacity | Energy | Max continuous | Max power | 48V 14Ah needs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 25R | 18650 | 2,500 mAh | 9.0 Wh | 20 A | 72 W | 13S6P · 78 cells | Older high-drain packs, tools |
| Samsung 30Q | 18650 | 3,000 mAh | 10.8 Wh | 15 A | 54 W | 13S5P · 65 cells | Mid-range e-bike packs |
| Samsung 35E | 18650 | 3,500 mAh | 12.6 Wh | 8 A | 29 W | 13S4P · 52 cells | Commuter e-bike packs, long range at low current |
| LG MJ1 | 18650 | 3,500 mAh | 12.6 Wh | 10 A | 36 W | 13S4P · 52 cells | Commuter e-bike packs |
| LG HG2 | 18650 | 3,000 mAh | 10.8 Wh | 20 A | 72 W | 13S5P · 65 cells | High-drain packs |
| Panasonic NCR18650GA | 18650 | 3,450 mAh | 12.4 Wh | 10 A | 36 W | 13S5P · 65 cells | Premium commuter packs |
| Sony / Murata VTC6 | 18650 | 3,000 mAh | 10.8 Wh | 15 A | 54 W | 13S5P · 65 cells | High-drain packs |
| Molicel P28A | 18650 | 2,800 mAh | 10.1 Wh | 35 A | 126 W | 13S5P · 65 cells | Performance and scooter packs |
| Samsung 50E | 21700 | 5,000 mAh | 18.0 Wh | 9.8 A | 35 W | 13S3P · 39 cells | Long-range commuter packs |
| Samsung 40T | 21700 | 4,000 mAh | 14.4 Wh | 35 A | 126 W | 13S4P · 52 cells | High-power packs |
| Samsung 50S | 21700 | 5,000 mAh | 18.0 Wh | 25 A | 90 W | 13S3P · 39 cells | High-capacity performance packs |
| LG M50LT | 21700 | 5,000 mAh | 18.0 Wh | 7.3 A | 26 W | 13S3P · 39 cells | Long-range, low-current packs |
| Molicel P42A | 21700 | 4,200 mAh | 15.1 Wh | 45 A | 162 W | 13S4P · 52 cells | Performance e-bike and scooter packs |
| Molicel P45B | 21700 | 4,500 mAh | 16.2 Wh | 45 A | 162 W | 13S4P · 52 cells | Performance packs, best power and capacity balance |
| Molicel P50B | 21700 | 5,000 mAh | 18.0 Wh | 60 A | 216 W | 13S3P · 39 cells | Top-end performance packs |
18650 vs 21700
Format comparison
| 18650 | 21700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 18 mm × 65 mm | 21 mm × 70 mm |
| Typical capacity | 2,500–3,500 mAh | 4,000–5,000 mAh |
| Energy per cell | 9–12.6 Wh | 14.4–18 Wh |
| Cells in a 48V 14Ah pack | About 52 (13S4P) | About 39 (13S3P) |
| Weight per cell | About 45–48 g | About 67–70 g |
| Where you see it | Older and budget packs | Most packs made since 2021 |
Frequently asked questions
Which cells are best for an e-bike battery?
For commuting, high-capacity cells like the Samsung 50E or LG M50LT give the most range. For powerful motors or scooters, high-drain cells like the Molicel P42A, P45B or Samsung 50S hold voltage under load.
How many cells are in a 48V battery?
A 48V pack has 13 cells in series. Each series group has several cells in parallel; a 13S4P pack has 52 cells.
Can I mix cells when rebuilding a pack?
No. Every cell in a pack should be the same model, age and capacity. Mixed cells drift out of balance, which shortens life and raises fire risk.