Batteries are an essential component of modern life, powering everything from small electronic devices to electric cars. Among the many types of batteries available, C batteries and 18650 batteries are two of the most commonly used varieties.
C batteries are a type of alkaline or carbon-zinc battery that has been in use for several decades. They are typically cylindrical in shape, with a diameter of 26.2 mm and a height of 50 mm, making them relatively large compared to other types of batteries. C batteries are widely used in various low to moderate power devices, including flashlights, radios, toys, and electronic gadgets.
On the other hand, 18650 batteries are a relatively new type of battery that have gained popularity in recent years due to their high capacity and voltage. These batteries are cylindrical in shape, with a diameter of 18 mm and a height of 65 mm, making them much smaller than C batteries. 18650 batteries are made of lithium-ion and are capable of providing a voltage of 3.7V, making them suitable for high-powered devices such as laptops, power tools, electric vehicles, and flashlights.
Both C batteries and 18650 batteries have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them ultimately depends on the specific needs of the device in question. In the following sections, we will dive deeper into the differences between these two types of batteries, exploring their construction, capacity, voltage, price, and usage.
Differences Between C and 18650 Batteries
| Feature | C Batteries | 18650 Batteries |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Cylindrical shape; diameter of 26.2 mm and height of 50 mm | Cylindrical shape; diameter of 18 mm and height of 65 mm |
| Capacity | 8,000 to 9,000 milliampere-hours (mAh) | 1,800 to 3,500 milliampere-hours (mAh) |
| Voltage | 1.5V | 3.7V |
| Price | $2 to $3 per battery | $10 to $20 per battery |
| Usage | Flashlights, radios, toys, electronic gadgets, and medical equipment | Laptops, power tools, electric vehicles, flashlights, electronic gadgets, robots, and drones |
Construction
C batteries are cylindrical batteries that have a diameter of 26.2 mm and a height of 50 mm. They are commonly used in flashlights, radios, and other devices that require low to moderate power. C batteries are usually made of alkaline or carbon-zinc, and they can provide a voltage of 1.5V.
18650 batteries are also cylindrical batteries, but they are much smaller than C batteries. They have a diameter of 18 mm and a height of 65 mm, hence the name “18650.” They are used in high-powered devices such as laptops, power tools, and electric vehicles. 18650 batteries are made of lithium-ion, which allows them to provide a much higher voltage of 3.7V.
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Capacity
C batteries typically have a capacity of 8,000 to 9,000 milliampere-hours (mAh), which means they can provide power for a longer time compared to smaller batteries such as AA or AAA batteries. However, their capacity is still relatively low compared to 18650 batteries.
18650 batteries have a much higher capacity than C batteries, ranging from 1,800 to 3,500 mAh. This means that they can provide a much longer runtime and can be used in high-powered devices that require more energy. Additionally, 18650 batteries can also be connected in series or parallel to increase their capacity or voltage.
Voltage
C batteries provide a voltage of 1.5V, which is suitable for low-powered devices that require less energy. However, they are not suitable for high-powered devices that require a higher voltage.
18650 batteries provide a much higher voltage of 3.7V, making them ideal for high-powered devices that require more energy. Additionally, they can also be connected in series or parallel to increase their voltage or capacity.
Price
C batteries are relatively inexpensive and can be easily found in most stores. The price of C batteries varies depending on the brand and the quantity purchased, but they typically cost around $2 to $3 per battery.
18650 batteries are more expensive than C batteries due to their higher capacity and voltage. The price of 18650 batteries varies depending on the brand and the capacity, but they typically cost around $10 to $20 per battery.
Usage
C batteries are commonly used in low-powered devices such as flashlights, radios, and remote controls. They are also used in some toys, electronic gadgets, and medical equipment.
18650 batteries are used in high-powered devices such as laptops, power tools, electric vehicles, and flashlights. They are also used in some electronic gadgets, robots, and drones.
Conclusion
In summary, C batteries and 18650 batteries have different construction, capacity, voltage, price, and usage. C batteries are suitable for low-powered devices that require less energy, while 18650 batteries are suitable for high-powered devices that require more energy. Ultimately, the choice between C batteries and 18650 batteries depends on the specific needs of the device and the user’s preference.
