Differences Between IMR, ICR, and INR 18650 Batteries
18650 batteries are popular with consumers because they are rechargeable and have a higher capacity than other types of batteries. They are commonly used in high-performance devices such as flashlights, laptops, and so on.
But you may not know that there are actually different types of 18650 batteries, including IMR, ICR and INR. Next, we will introduce these three batteries and the differences between them.
Comparison of IMR, ICR, and INR 18650 batteries
In order to let everyone have a clear and quick understanding of the differences between the IMR, ICR, and INR 18650 batteries, we have specially made a comparison chart to show their differences:
Battery Type | Discharge Rate | Capacity | Safety | Price | Application |
IMR 18650 | High | Low | Safer | High | High-performance devices |
ICR 18650 | Low | High | Less Safe | Low | Laptops, Cameras |
INR 18650 | High | Medium | Safer | High | Electric Cars, Devices |
IMR 18650 Batteries
IMR refers to the “Li-Mn” or “lithium manganese” battery. The discharge rate of this this type of battery is higher than other types of 18650 batteries. And they are often applied in devices requiring plenty of power like high-performance flashlights and vaping devices. Besides, they are more stable and less likely to explode or catch fire than other types of 18650 batteries.
Next, let’s explore deeper in the strengths of the IMR battery.
For IMR battery, its one of the main strengths is the Safety. Compared with other types of batteries, it’s safer for its safer chemistry with the lithium-manganese oxide as cathode which is more stable than the cobalt oxide used in ICR battery.
When it comes to another strength of IMR battery, the high discharge rate is definitely its distinctive feature. And its high discharge rate means that a large amount of power can be released from it in a short period of time.
However, the IMR battery also has its weakness compared with other types of 18650 batteries — a lower capacity, which means they can last not so long as other types of batteries. What’s more, they are more expensive.
ICR 18650 Batteries
ICR refers to the “Li-Co” or “Lithium Cobalt” battery. Compared to IMR batteries, it has a higher capacity. That is, it can last longer after a fully charging. As for its common application, it is ideal for the devices requiring plenty of energy but not a high discharge rate like cameras and laptops.
However, there is a heightened potential for explosion or catching fire lying in the ICR battery in contrast to other types of 18650 batteries. This is because of its lithium-cobalt oxide cathode which is less stable.
Its another disadvantage is the lower discharge rate which means lesser power provided than other types of 18650 batteries in a short period. Therefore, it is suitable for the device with lower requirement on large power in a short time.
INR 18650 Batteries
INR refers to the “Li-NiMnCoO2” or “Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide” battery, which has a balance between high capacity and high discharge rate. So they are suitable for the devices requiring plenty of power and also a long battery life like electric cars.
Most of the 18650 batteries manufactured by DLN Energy are INR batteries, which are with high performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, IMR, ICR and INR 18650 batteries have different features and are suitable for different types of devices.
IMR batteries have a high discharge rate and are safer. Ideal for high performance devices such as flashlights and vaping devices.
On the other hand, ICR batteries have high capacity but low discharge rate, so they are suitable for devices that require a lot of energy but do not require a high discharge rate like laptops and cameras.
INR batteries have a balance between high capacity and high discharge rate. It is therefore suitable for devices that require both a large amount of power and a long battery life like electric vehicles.
Consumers can follow the directions above to select the correct type of 18650 battery for your device to ensure optimal performance and safety. And if you need large quantity of INR 18650 Batteries, please contact us.