Tested & Certified
SCIGOLD 18650 Li-ion Cells — Standard
SCIGOLD 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable cells in 2,000 / 2,200 / 2,500 mAh capacities. 3.6V nominal, protected button-top construction, 500+ cycles. For flashlights, vape mods, e-bike packs, and power tool rebuilds.
- Cell size
- 18650
- Power
- 3.6V Li-ion
- Material
- Protected button-top
- SKU range
- SL1865020 / SL1865022 / SL1865025 — 3 capacities × 2 packs = 6 SKUs
Specs at a Glance
Everything in the spec sheet.
- 3 capacity options: 2,000 / 2,200 / 2,500 mAh (7,200 ~ 9,000 mWh)
- Nominal voltage 3.6V, charge cut-off 4.25V, discharge cut-off 2.3V
- Protected button-top with overcharge / over-discharge / short-circuit / over-current safety
- Standard discharge current: 6A — 7.5A depending on capacity
- Operating temperature: -20°C ~ 55°C
- Energy density ≥260 Wh/kg, internal resistance ≤22mΩ
- 500+ cycles to 80% capacity retention (IEC 61960-3)
- Dimensions: 18.5 × 65.3 mm · 44±2g per cell
The 18650 cell that powers the modern world.
From Tesla packs to Surefire flashlights to Bafang e-bike kits, 18650 is the universal cylindrical cell of the consumer Li-ion era. SCIGOLD’s Standard series brings third-party safety certification (IEC 62133-2, UN 38.3, FCC) to a price tier that competes with no-name cells on AliExpress.
Pick your capacity by use case
| Capacity | Energy | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2,000 mAh (7,200 mWh) | Entry tier | Replacement cells for older flashlights, learning packs |
| 2,200 mAh (7,920 mWh) | Balanced | DIY e-bike packs, vape mods at moderate wattage |
| 2,500 mAh (9,000 mWh) | High capacity | Power tool rebuilds, long-runtime tactical flashlights |
All three share the same physical dimensions (18.5 × 65.3 mm), same chemistry (3.6V Li-ion), same protection circuit. Pick the capacity that matches your runtime needs.
Honest about what this isn’t
If you’re in sub-zero environments (winter EDC, ski cabin, hunting) — go to our 18650 Cold-Weather series. The Standard series operates down to -20°C, but the Cold-Weather variant holds capacity down to -40°C with ≤15mΩ internal resistance (33% lower than Standard).
Compared to NiMH and unprotected Li-ion
| SCIGOLD 18650 Standard | Eneloop NiMH AA pack | No-name 18650 (eBay) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy density | 260 Wh/kg | 100 Wh/kg | 200-260 Wh/kg (unverified) |
| Protection circuit | ✅ Integrated | N/A | ❌ Bare cell |
| Cycle life | 500+ cycles | 2,100 cycles | 50-200 cycles |
| Voltage stability | Flat 3.6V (until cutoff) | Sags from 1.4V → 1.0V | Variable |
| Safety certification | IEC 62133-2 + UN 38.3 | UL listed | None |
| Price per cell | $3-5 | $4-7 | $1-2 (counterfeit risk) |
The premium over a counterfeit 18650 is not the cell — it’s the protection circuit that prevents your device from venting fire if the cell shorts internally.
Frequently Asked
Quick answers, before you buy.
Are SCIGOLD 18650 cells protected or unprotected?
What capacities do SCIGOLD 18650 cells come in?
Are these 18650 cells flat-top or button-top?
How many charge cycles do SCIGOLD 18650 cells last?
What devices use 18650 cells?
What is the difference between 18650 and 21700 cells?
From the Lab