The Role of 21700 and 18650 in Advancing Cordless Technology
In the world of construction, tools and equipment play a crucial role. That’s why the conversation surrounding 21700 vs. 18650 Li-Ion batteries is relevant to us. These lithium-ion power sources are not limited to cordless tools alone; they are driving innovation in various industries such as Tesla, hoverboards, the vaping community, and more.
Understanding the Significance of the Numbers
When we talk about 21700 and 18650, we are simply referring to the physical size of lithium-ion batteries. The numbers represent the diameter and length of the battery. For instance, the dimensions of an 18650 battery are 18mm in diameter and 65mm in length. On the other hand, a 21700 battery measures 21mm in diameter and 70mm in length. Although the explanation may seem straightforward, the difference between the two is quite significant. Let’s do a quick volume calculation to illustrate this.
- 18650: 3.14(9 x 9)(65) = 16,532 cubic millimeters
- 21700: 3.14(10.5 x 10.5)(70) = 24,233 cubic millimeters
As you can see, the additional 5mm in length and 3mm in diameter provide a 47% increase in volume. This extra space accommodates the energy-transporting components such as the anode, cathode, and electrolyte materials.
Enhanced Capacity for Extended Usage
One of the most apparent advantages of using 21700 batteries is their higher energy density compared to the 18650 batteries. This increased density translates to more energy available to power your tools and gear, resulting in longer usage time. Currently, power tools utilize 18650 cells ranging from 1.5Ah (1500mAh) to 3.0Ah (3000mAh) in each cell. However, it has been reported that batteries on the higher end of this scale may encounter issues. Most manufacturers prefer 2.5Ah (2500mAh) batteries.
On the other hand, 21700 batteries for power tools typically start at 3.0Ah (3000mAh) and go up to 4.0Ah (4000mAh). This explains the presence of compact (1P) battery packs ranging from 3Ah or 4Ah to as high as 12Ah (3P) powerhouses. When comparing 21700 vs. 18650 in power tools, you can expect a 50%–100% increase in runtime compared to the standard 18650 battery packs. Outside of power tools, some batteries even offer capacities of up to 5.0 Ah (5000mAh).
A Closer Look at Current Standard Power Tool Batteries
Let’s examine the battery capacities for power tools based on the 18V/20V max battery systems.
18650 Lithium-Ion Battery Cell
- Compact 1P battery: 2.0Ah–3.0Ah (36 Wh–54 Wh)
- Universal 2P battery: 4.0Ah–6.0Ah (72 Wh–108 Wh)
- High capacity 3P battery: 9.0Ah (162 Wh)
21700 Lithium-Ion Battery Cell
- Compact 1P battery: 3.0Ah–4.0Ah (54 Wh–72 Wh)
- Universal 2P battery: 6.0Ah–8.0Ah (108 Wh–144 Wh)
- High capacity 3P battery: 9.0Ah–12.0Ah (162 Wh–216 Wh)
Unleashing the Power of 21700 Batteries
Companies like Bosch, Milwaukee, and Metabo have harnessed the potential of 21700 batteries to deliver more than just extended runtime. They have improved battery pack cooling capabilities and utilized superior materials to reduce electrical resistance. The outcome? A battery with enhanced power output.
For example, let’s consider Bosch. Their standard 18V battery can produce up to 800 watts of power output. However, with the introduction of the Core18V battery, the power output increased to 1440 watts, marking an impressive 80% power boost. Other brands have also reported significant power gains, enabling cordless tools to outperform their traditional wired counterparts.
But it’s not just power tools that benefit from these advancements. Thanks to the 21700 lithium-ion battery cells, outdoor power equipment for lawn care and landscaping, battery-powered inverters, and even construction equipment are now available in cordless options.
With the ongoing battle between 21700 vs. 18650, the future of cordless technology looks brighter than ever before.