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December 31, 2009: Panasonic has released details of two new cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells that boast an industry-leading capacity of 3.1 ampere-hours.
The so-called 18650 type (18 mm in diameter, 65 mm in height) 3.4- and 4-amp-hour cells have an enhanced nickel cathode. The 3.4-amp-hour cells have 20% higher capacity than current cells. The 4-amp-hour cells use a silicon-based alloy for the anode, while the 3.4-amp-hour cells use traditional carbon. Use of silicon increases each cell's volumetric energy density from 620 Wh/L to 800 Wh/L.
The new batteries will be produced at a Panasonic plant in Osaka's Suminoe Ward and are expected to be used initially in laptop computers and electric vehicles. Mass production is scheduled for fiscal 2012, ending in March 2012.
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