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4680 Batteries – Revolutionary Large-Format Cylindrical Cells, Tabless Design, Ultra-High Energy Density, The Future Power Core
Welcome to our 4680 Batteries collection. The 4680 lithium-ion cell (approx. 46mm diameter × 80mm length) is the next-generation large-format cylindrical battery standard unveiled by Tesla at its 2020 Battery Day, widely recognized as the third cylindrical battery revolution following the 18650 and 21700. Featuring breakthrough tabless electrode design and dry electrode manufacturing, the 4680 cell achieves a quantum leap in single-cell capacity, power output, thermal management efficiency, and production cost. Mainstream 4680 capacities range from 15Ah to 26Ah (roughly 5× that of a 21700), available in both high-nickel NMC/NCA and LiFePO₄ chemistries. It is rapidly becoming the ultimate power choice for electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, premium power tools, portable power stations, and industrial power equipment.
Core Advantages of 4680 Batteries
- Revolutionary Tabless Design: In traditional cylindrical cells, tabs create current bottlenecks, causing high internal resistance and concentrated heat. The 4680's tabless design transforms the entire current collector into a conductive pathway, enabling uniform current flow. Internal resistance drops to below 15mΩ (vs. ~30mΩ for 21700), dramatically reducing heat generation, improving charge/discharge efficiency, and enabling ultra-fast charging.
- Massive Single-Cell Capacity: A single 4680 cell delivers 15Ah–26Ah—equivalent to roughly 5× 21700 cells or 8× 18650 cells in parallel. This drastically reduces cell count in battery packs, simplifying BMS management, reducing welding complexity, and improving overall pack reliability.
- Class-Leading Energy Density: Tesla's first-generation 4680 cells achieve an energy density of 272–296 Wh/kg, with subsequent iterations expected to exceed 300 Wh/kg—placing them among the highest-performing commercial cylindrical cells available.
- Dry Electrode Manufacturing: Compared to traditional wet coating processes, dry electrode technology eliminates solvents and drying steps, lowering manufacturing costs, reducing factory footprint, and minimizing environmental impact—a key enabler for large-scale, cost-effective 4680 production.
- Superior Thermal Management: The tabless design allows heat to be efficiently extracted from both ends of the cell. Combined with bottom or side cooling solutions, temperature rise under heavy load is well-controlled, ensuring longer cycle life.
- Flexible Chemistry Options: Available in both high-nickel NMC/NCA (3.6V–3.7V) and LiFePO₄ (3.2V) chemistries to meet diverse requirements for energy density, safety level, and cost.
4680 vs. 21700 vs. 18650 – Key Comparison
| Parameter | 4680 | 21700 | 18650 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ~46mm × ~80mm | ~21mm × ~70mm | ~18mm × ~65mm |
| Volume (approx.) | 133 cm³ | 24.2 cm³ | 16.5 cm³ |
| Typical Capacity Range | 15,000mAh – 26,000mAh | 3,000mAh – 5,800mAh | 1,500mAh – 3,500mAh |
| Nominal Voltage | 3.2V (LiFePO₄) / 3.6V–3.7V (NMC/NCA) | 3.2V / 3.6V–3.7V | 3.2V / 3.6V–3.7V |
| Energy (Wh) | 48Wh – 99Wh | 10Wh – 21Wh | 5Wh – 13Wh |
| Internal Resistance (Power Cells) | 3mΩ – 15mΩ | 8mΩ – 15mΩ | 10mΩ – 20mΩ |
| Electrode Design | Tabless | Single/Dual Tab | Single Tab |
| Key Strengths | Highest energy density, ultra-fast charging, simplified pack assembly | Balanced energy and power | Highest standardization, lowest cost |
| Typical Applications | EVs, grid storage, portable power stations | Power tools, vaping, flashlights | Universal across all categories |
Popular 4680 Cell Models – Quick Reference
| Model | Brand/Source | Chemistry | Nominal Capacity | Nominal Voltage | Continuous Discharge | Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla 4680 Gen1 | Tesla | NMC 811 | 26Ah / 98Wh | 3.7V | 1C–2C | High-nickel benchmark; EV |
| Tesla 4680 Gen2 | Tesla | NMC + Dry Electrode | 30Ah+ (est.) | 3.7V | — | Dry electrode mass production; cost & performance optimized |
| BYD FC4680 | BYD | LiFePO₄ | 15Ah / 48Wh | 3.2V | 1C | LiFePO₄ benchmark; high safety / long cycle |
| BYD FC4680P | BYD | LiFePO₄ | 15Ah | 3.2V | 3C (45A) | High-drain LiFePO₄; safety and power combined |
| Panasonic 4680 | Panasonic | NCA / NMC | 26Ah+ | 3.6V–3.7V | 1C–2C | High reliability; Tesla core supplier |
| LG Energy 4680 | LG Energy Solution | NMC | 26Ah+ | 3.6V–3.7V | 1C–2C | High energy density; EVs & energy storage |
| Samsung SDI 4680 | Samsung SDI | NMC | 26Ah+ | 3.6V–3.7V | — | Multiple versions in testing; Tesla-compatible |
| EVE 4680 | EVE Energy | NMC | 26Ah | 3.7V | 1C–2C | Cost-effective domestic option; portable power / energy storage |
Typical Specifications Range (4680)
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 3.2V (LiFePO₄) / 3.6V–3.7V (NMC/NCA) |
| Full Charge Voltage | 3.65V (LiFePO₄) / 4.2V (NMC/NCA) |
| Capacity Range | 15Ah – 26Ah (15,000mAh – 26,000mAh) |
| Continuous Discharge Current | 1C – 3C (model dependent, e.g., 15A–45A) |
| Internal Resistance (AC 1kHz) | 3mΩ – 15mΩ (tabless design significantly reduces IR) |
| Cycle Life | 500 – 2,000+ cycles (chemistry dependent) |
| Energy Density | 129Wh/kg – 296Wh/kg (chemistry and generation dependent) |
| Operating Temperature | Charge: 0°C~55°C / Discharge: -20°C~60°C |
| Dimensions | Diameter 46.0mm–46.5mm × Length 80.0mm–80.5mm |
| Weight | Approx. 300g – 355g |
Typical Applications
| Application | Recommended Category | Suggested Models | Why 4680 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Vehicles (passenger/commercial) | NMC High-Nickel | Tesla 4680, LG/Panasonic 4680 | Ultra-high energy density, ultra-fast charging, simplified pack |
| Grid-Scale Energy Storage | NMC / LiFePO₄ | Tesla 4680, BYD FC4680 | Large single-cell capacity reduces parallel count, high reliability |
| Portable Power Stations | NMC / LiFePO₄ | EVE 4680, BYD FC4680 | 4–6 cells in series replace dozens of 18650/21700 |
| Premium Power Tools (Industrial) | NMC High-Nickel | Tesla 4680, LG 4680 | High current output, fast charging capability |
| Drones / Electric Aircraft | NMC High-Nickel | Tesla 4680, Samsung SDI 4680 | High energy density, lightweight requirements |
| Home / Commercial Energy Storage | LiFePO₄ | BYD FC4680/FC4680P | Ultra-long cycle, inherent safety, maintenance-free |
| Industrial AGVs / Mobile Robots | NMC / LiFePO₄ | EVE 4680, BYD FC4680 | High capacity reduces battery swap frequency |
How to Choose the Right 4680 Battery?
| Your Requirement | Recommended Type | Suggested Model |
|---|---|---|
| I need maximum energy density for EVs or high-performance equipment | NMC High-Nickel | Tesla 4680, LG/Panasonic 4680 |
| I need ultimate safety and long cycle life for storage or industrial use | LiFePO₄ | BYD FC4680/FC4680P |
| I need a balance of cost and performance for portable power or consumer use | Domestic NMC | EVE 4680 |
| I need bulk quantities or custom battery packs | Contact our sales team | — |
⚠️ 4680 Battery Safety Guidelines
- Voltage Platform Awareness: 3.2V LiFePO₄ and 3.7V NMC/NCA cells cannot be mixed or charged with the same charger. Always verify device and charger compatibility.
- Large Size – Dedicated Equipment Only: 4680 cells have a 46mm diameter—over 2.5× that of an 18650. They are designed exclusively for dedicated large-format cylindrical battery compartments or custom packs and cannot be used as direct replacements for 18650/21700 cells.
- Use High-Power Dedicated Charging Equipment: Due to their large single-cell capacity, 4680 cells require high-power chargers or BMS systems rated for appropriate current and voltage. Do not use standard small Li-ion chargers.
- Professional Assembly and Welding Required: 4680 pack assembly requires laser welding or professional high-current connection solutions. Standard DIY spot welders are inadequate—consult a professional pack manufacturer.
- Avoid Short Circuits and Overheating: With extremely low internal resistance, a short-circuited 4680 cell can deliver thousands of amps, releasing massive heat instantaneously—extremely hazardous. Never short the terminals; keep away from metal objects.
- Discontinue if Damaged: Stop using cells with torn wraps, dents, or leakage and dispose of them through professional recycling channels.
Why Choose Our 4680 Batteries?
- Genuine Grade-A Cells: Direct sourcing from Tesla, BYD, Panasonic, LG, Samsung SDI, EVE, and other Tier-1 manufacturers. 100% authentic—no recycled or counterfeit cells.
- Fully Tested & Matched: Every batch undergoes capacity grading, IR testing, and voltage sorting. Industrial-grade matching services available for pack builders.
- Complete Portfolio: Covers high-nickel NMC/NCA and LiFePO₄ series—one-stop for all large-format cylindrical battery needs.
- Professional Customization: One-stop 4680 pack customization covering cell selection, structural design, laser welding, BMS integration, and final testing.
- Certified & Documented: UN38.3, MSDS, CE, RoHS documentation provided for seamless international shipping.
- Expert Technical Support: Guidance on cell selection, pack design, BMS integration, and after-sales service.
👇👇👇 Browse the product list below and filter by capacity or chemistry to find the perfect 4680 cell for your application. For volume quotes or custom pack solutions, please contact our engineering team.
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