Test/review of LG 18650 HB4 1500mAh (Yellow)

HKJ

Flashaholic
Joined
Mar 26, 2008
Messages
9,715
Location
Copenhagen, Denmark
[size=+3]LG 18650 HB4 1500mAh (Yellow)[/size]

DSC_7337.jpg


Official specifications:
  • Maximum Capacity: 1500mAh
  • Nominal voltage: 3.60V
  • Discharge end voltage: 2.50V
  • Standard charge current: 1.25A
  • Maximum charge current: 10A
  • Maximum continuous discharge current: 30A

LG%2018650%20HB4%201500mAh%20(Yellow)-info.png


This is an older high current cell.

DSC_7335.jpg
DSC_7336.jpg


DSC_7338.jpg
DSC_7339.jpg


DSC_7340.jpg

DSC_7341.jpg


LG%2018650%20HB4%201500mAh%20(Yellow)-Capacity.png


The discharge curves tracks fine and it can nearly constant capacity up to 30A, but the output voltage is a bit low at 30A.

LG%2018650%20HB4%201500mAh%20(Yellow)-Temp-15.0.png


LG%2018650%20HB4%201500mAh%20(Yellow)-Temp-20.0.png


LG%2018650%20HB4%201500mAh%20(Yellow)-Temp-30.0.png


LG%2018650%20HB4%201500mAh%20(Yellow)-CapacityTimeHours.png


LG%2018650%20HB4%201500mAh%20(Yellow)-CapacityTime.png


LG%2018650%20HB4%201500mAh%20(Yellow)-Energy.png


LG%2018650%20HB4%201500mAh%20(Yellow)-PowerLoadTime.png


LG%2018650%20HB4%201500mAh%20(Yellow)-TripCurrent.png


LG%2018650%20HB4%201500mAh%20(Yellow)-Charge.png


Due to a mistake I used the low current program for one of the cells, this means 0.5A charge current and protection test only up to 7A, discharge currents are the same, except the low current program also includes a 0.1A discharge current.


[size=+3]Conclusion[/size]

This looks like an upgrade to the HB2 cell. The high current performance is good, but the capacity is low by today's standard.



[size=+3]Notes and links[/size]

Vapcell told me that I was missing some cells in my comparator and they would be happy to supply them.

How is the test done and how to read the charts
How is a protected LiIon battery constructed
More about button top and flat top batteries
Compare to 18650 and other batteries
 

ChibiM

Enlightened
Joined
Aug 27, 2009
Messages
936
Location
Holland
I wonder why they still sell these low capacity ones... Many cells these days having double the capacity.

Thanks for the test
 

iamlucky13

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 11, 2016
Messages
1,139
Well, cordless drill makers are still selling battery packs with 1500mAh or even lower capacity cells in them - Ryobi still rates their basic pack at 1300mAh, yet they charge $40 in single quantities for a battery with only 5 cells.
 

WalkIntoTheLight

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 18, 2014
Messages
3,967
Location
Canada
Yeah, 30A cell. It's a lot cheaper to produce a 1500mAh 30A cell, than a 3000mAh 30A cell (if you can even get that in an 18650). Tools like drills, especially for consumer use, usually aren't used for long periods of time, so power is more important than capacity.
 
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