Test/review of EnerPower VC+ 18650 3000mAh (Purple)

Batteries and Chargers Rechargeable Batteries
1

EnerPower VC+ 18650 3000mAh (Purple)







Official specifications:

  • Recommended maximum current: 12-14A

  • Initial IR (1kHz): <18mOhm

  • Initial IR (DC): <30mOhm

  • Charge method: CC-CV (4.2V+/-0.05V, 100mA cut-off)

  • Standard charge current: 1.5A

  • Fast charge current: 4A

  • End voltage: 2.5V

  • Max. continuous current: 15A

  • Rated discharge capacity (0.2C): 3000mAh

  • Rated discharge capacity (10A): 2700mAh

  • Cycle life: 300 cycles to 70% (4A charge and 15A discharge)

  • Cycle life: 250 cycles to 70% (4A charge and 22A discharge, pause at 70°C, resume at 50°C)




These cells are a test of a high performance protection, it has lover resistance and can handle higher current than usual protections.











The discharge chart shows a very good cell and the new protetion means less voltage drop due to protection





This current trips the protection after some time and the cell will not get hot.











I did not adjust my test to handle higher protection currents, the trip point is somewhere above 20A





Conclusion

This battery has lower voltage drops than other protected batteries with the same cell. For anything in the 3A up to 7A - 10A this cell is a very good option for a protected battery.



Notes and links

The batteries was supplied by Enerpower for review.

How is the test done and how to read the charts
How is a protected LiIon battery constructed
More about button top and flat top batteries
Compare to 18650 and other batteries
2

Thanks for the test! That looks good.

These cells may be a nice and safe (and probably expensive) option for use in the upcoming Q8 flashlight!

3

Can the lover resistance resist my love? ;o

4

Thanks a lot HKJ! I really like how Enerpower are not hush hush about what cells they’re using, in this case Samsung 30Q. Keeppower explicitly don’t mention, for example in their 3500 mAh model that they’re (most likely) using GAs. Don’t like that kind of secretive behaviour.
Liking these cells too :wink:

5

Nice high tripping point and great cell.

Thanks

6

Two questions if I may.

1) Any idea what the VC+ stands for? Does VC+ refer to the low resistance protection circuit?
2) Any idea when these cells will be available? They’re not listed on Enerpower’s site…

Thanks!

7

VC+ means VoltageCurrent + in comparison to old PCB. Like I wrote HJK, currently we are testing 2 designs of PCB´s.

HJK tested the first design and we hope to be able to send him in 1-2 weeks the second design, so according to his results, we can go for the better one.

Currently the batteries are just offered on www.enerprof.de in small quantities and reduced for members of different forums. As long as we didn´t choose the PCB, they would not be offered for other retailers.

…last but not least, they would appear on Enerpower website as soon as we have a final decision on PCB and participated cells.

8

Aha, this explains a lot. So basically HKJ tested a prototype. I have been checking out the website regularly the last couple of days and personally I find the discounted 22 Euro for two pieces (LG 3000 mAh) price fair. The original price of 27 Euro for two pieces is a bit too much for me…
Anyhow, I’m really liking the protected 30Q that is tested here, and hope to see more offerings from Enerpower; perhaps a Sanyo GA 3500 mAh VC+?
Many thanks!

9

We preffer to use the INR18650-35E, or the MJ1 - they are much more cost effective, comparing them with the NCR18650GA.

Regarding the price…well…we assemble them in Germany and this type of a product is hand-made. There is no machine that can replace here the assembly process.

HJL tested a prototype of a battery that is supposed to be used into a mechanical mode (eCig). They require peaks of 6-7 seconds and pause of around 10 seconds. Not like a flashlight that requires currents of up to 10A continously (very seldom more), a mechanical mode require up to 20A - 25A. This current PCB is for such a mode too weak.