18650 and 21700 batteries are two mainstream specifications of cylindrical lithium-ion batteries, named after their diameter and height respectively: 18650 refers to a diameter of 18 mm and a height of 65 mm, and 21700 refers to a diameter of 21 mm and a height of 70 mm. They are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs), laptops, power tools, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics. These two types of batteries use lithium compounds (such as lithium cobalt oxide LCO, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide NMC, or lithium iron phosphate LFP) as positive electrode materials, graphite as negative electrode materials, and organic solvents as electrolytes, and are encapsulated in steel or aluminum shells. 21700 batteries have gradually replaced 18650 batteries due to their larger size and higher energy density (typical capacity of 4000-5000 mAh, compared to 2000-3000 mAh of 18650), becoming the first choice for electric vehicles and energy storage systems; 18650 batteries still occupy an important position in consumer electronics and low-end power tools due to their mature manufacturing process and lower cost. The production of both requires strict control of the purity of electrode materials, coating uniformity, and electrolyte stability to ensure high energy density, safety, and cycle life.
18650 and 21700 batteries are widely used in the field of new energy, but their advantages and disadvantages have triggered in-depth discussions. Supporters believe that the high energy density and portability of these two batteries have promoted the development of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. For example, in the Tesla Model 3, the adoption of 21700 batteries has increased the driving range (up to more than 500 kilometers) and reduced the weight of the battery pack; while in solar energy storage systems, the modular design of 18650 batteries facilitates large-scale deployment. In addition, the fast charging capability and long cycle life (usually 500-1000 times) of lithium-ion batteries support the needs of electric transportation and grid stability. However, critics point out that these two batteries have safety risks, such as overcharging, short circuiting, or mechanical damage that may lead to thermal runaway and combustion, especially in large-capacity 21700 batteries, where thermal management is more difficult. In addition, the recycling and reuse of batteries is difficult, and the heavy metals (such as cobalt and nickel) and electrolytes contained in waste batteries may pollute the environment if not handled properly. Some users also reported that the performance of batteries may decline at extreme temperatures. For example, below -20°C, the capacity and discharge capacity are significantly reduced, affecting the performance of electric vehicles in cold areas.
In terms of the market, the demand for 18650 and 21700 batteries is closely related to the rapid growth of electric vehicles, consumer electronics and energy storage industries. Asia, especially China, has become the main market for these two types of batteries due to its leading position in electric vehicle manufacturing (new energy vehicle sales are expected to exceed 8 million in 2025), battery production (global lithium battery shipments account for more than 70%) and consumer electronics markets. Chinese companies (such as CATL and BYD) are at the forefront of the world in the large-scale production of 21700 batteries, promoting the popularization of electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The North American and European markets are more focused on high-end applications and sustainability. For example, Tesla (North America) and Volkswagen (Europe) use 21700 batteries in electric vehicles to improve performance. At the same time, the EU's battery recycling regulations have promoted the development of green battery technology. The growth of market demand is also driven by the popularization of renewable energy and policy support. For example, China and Europe's carbon neutrality goals have led to a surge in demand for energy storage systems. However, the market development also faces several challenges, including tight global supply of key raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, which may lead to price fluctuations, and energy consumption and waste emissions in the battery production process may be restricted by environmental regulations; in addition, the rise of solid-state batteries and new battery technologies (such as lithium-sulfur batteries) may pose a competition to traditional cylindrical batteries.
In the future, the development of 18650 and 21700 batteries may pay more attention to safety, energy density and sustainability. The development of solid-state electrolytes or new electrode materials (such as silicon-based negative electrodes) may improve energy density (targeting more than 300 Wh/kg) and safety, and reduce the risk of thermal runaway. Improved recycling processes (such as direct recycling or hydrometallurgy) may increase the reuse rate of waste batteries and reduce environmental impact. In the field of new energy, 21700 batteries may be further optimized in electric heavy trucks and long-range electric vehicles, while 18650 batteries may turn to low-cost energy storage and portable devices. However, the industry still needs to face some challenges, including the stability of the raw material supply chain (such as the ethical issues of Congolese cobalt mines), the rapid development of competitive battery technologies (such as solid-state batteries) that may shorten the market life cycle, and how to find a balance between high performance and cost control. Overall, 18650 and 21700 batteries will continue to play an important role in the field of new energy due to their mature technology and wide applicability, but their future development needs to rely on technological innovation and green manufacturing.
Report Scope
This report aims to deliver a thorough analysis of the global market for 18650 And 21700 Battery, offering both quantitative and qualitative insights to assist readers in formulating business growth strategies, evaluating the competitive landscape, understanding their current market position, and making well-informed decisions regarding 18650 And 21700 Battery.
The report is enriched with qualitative evaluations, including market drivers, challenges, Porter's Five Forces, regulatory frameworks, consumer preferences, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors.
The report provides detailed classification of 18650 And 21700 Battery, such as type, etc.; detailed examples of 18650 And 21700 Battery applications, such as application one, etc., and provides comprehensive historical (2020-2025) and forecast (2026-2031) market size data.
The report provides detailed classification of 18650 And 21700 Battery, such as 18650 Battery, 21700 Battery, etc.; detailed examples of 18650 And 21700 Battery applications, such as New Energy Vehicles, Electric Tool, UAV, Consumer Electronics, Other, etc., and provides comprehensive historical (2020-2025) and forecast (2026-2031) market size data.
The report covers key global regions-North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa-providing granular, country-specific insights for major markets such as the United States, China, Germany, and Brazil.
The report deeply explores the competitive landscape of 18650 And 21700 Battery products, details the sales, revenue, and regional layout of some of the world's leading manufacturers, and provides in-depth company profiles and contact details.
The report contains a comprehensive industry chain analysis covering raw materials, downstream customers and sales channels.
Core Chapters
Chapter One: Introduces the study scope of this report, market status, market drivers, challenges, porters five forces analysis, regulatory policy, consumer preference, market attractiveness and ESG analysis.
Chapter Two: market segments by Type, covering the market size and development potential of each market segment, to help readers find the blue ocean market in different market segments.
Chapter Three: 18650 And 21700 Battery market sales and revenue in regional level and country level. It provides a quantitative analysis of the market size and development potential of each region and its main countries and introduces the market development, future development prospects, market space, and production of each country in the world.
Chapter Four: Provides the analysis of various market segments by Application, covering the market size and development potential of each market segment, to help readers find the blue ocean market in different downstream markets.
Chapter Five: Detailed analysis of 18650 And 21700 Battery manufacturers competitive landscape, price, sales, revenue, market share, footprint, merger, and acquisition information, etc.
Chapter Six: Provides profiles of leading manufacturers, introducing the basic situation of the main companies in the market in detail, including product sales, revenue, price, gross margin, product introduction.
Chapter Seven: Analysis of industrial chain, key raw materials, customers and sales channel.
Chapter Eight: Key Takeaways and Final Conclusions
Chapter Nine: Methodology and Sources.
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