26800 Battery and Chargers: 26800 vs. 26650 Battery

26800 batteries are large cylindrical batteries able to store and release plenty of energy. As such, 26800 batteries are often used in ebikes, scooters, and similar battery packs, but also in other applications requiring high-energy and high-power batteries.

Physically 26800 batteries are rather similar to much more popular 26650 batteries, and some devices can even be powered by both batteries.

Published: January 9, 2023.

26800 Battery Features and Specifications

26800 batteries are rather large batteries featuring physical dimensions of (D x H) 26 x 80 mm (~1.0236 x 3.149 inches) and are based on lithium-ion battery chemistry.

The nominal voltage of 26800 batteries is 3.6-3.7V and depends on the exact battery chemistry, while the maximum charging voltage is ~4.2V.

Nominal capacity usually differs from 6000 to 7200 mAh, while the weight ranges from 110 to 125+ grams.

Maximum continuous discharge current is usually around 3C (up to 20 Amps), with a 5C (35C) burst current. Of course, there are models claiming a maximum continuous discharge current of around 5C (35 Amps) or even more.

The maximum recommended charging current is usually around 0.5C (3-3.5 Amps), allowing the user to recharge a fully discharged 26800 battery in ~2-2.5 hours.

Just like other lithium-ion batteries, 26800 batteries can be protected and unprotected and can feature a flat-top, button-top, or they can come with soldering tabs.

Note: since these batteries store plenty of energy, always go for protected 26800 batteries, especially if your old 26800 batteries were protected ones. If You are rebuilding an old battery pack based on the 26800 batteries, batteries with soldering tabs can save plenty of time and effort and help the user avoid overheating the batteries when soldering.

26800 Battery vs. 26650 Battery

26800 batteries and 26650 batteries have the same battery diameter but different lengths/heights:

• 26800 battery: 80 mm height,
• 26650 battery: 65 mm height.

Also, they share the same chemistries and other features.

Due to the height difference, 26800 batteries generally have larger capacities (6000-7200 mAh vs. 4500-5500 mAh) and thus stronger discharge currents.

But, 26650 batteries are much more common, with 32650 batteries being used as "the next best thing."

However, some manufacturers offer their devices featuring long springs in the battery compartments, allowing the users to use either 26650 or 26800 batteries in such devices.

Obviously, if You have such a device and You can purchase good 26800 batteries, go for them. If not, 26650 batteries are somewhat smaller batteries with somewhat smaller capacities, but nonetheless, they also pack plenty of energy and are able to provide strong currents.

26800 Battery Chargers

26800 batteries can be recharged in several ways.

For example, some 26800 batteries feature a USB charging port as part of their internal BMS, allowing the users to charge them directly using USB charging cables and standard USB chargers.

Other 26800 batteries should be charged with dedicated lithium battery chargers that can come in several forms, including standard battery chargers that feature universal battery slots for various batteries, like XTAR SC1 Plus Battery Charger (Amazon link, link opens in the new window) or universal battery chargers with charging cables that are directly attached to the battery, like Olight Universal Battery Charger (Amazon link, link opens in the new window).

Note: never, but really never, recharge the lithium batteries with the battery charger intended for other battery chemistries - such charging can quickly overheat lithium batteries leading to fire or even a battery explosion. Seriously.

Long Story Short: 26800 batteries are large, cylindrical lithium batteries used in energy and power-hungry devices, including ebikes, scooters, and similar.

Some devices that use 26800 batteries feature longer springs, allowing the users to choose between 26800 and 26650 batteries. But, if possible, go for a good 26800 battery due to its larger capacity and larger maximum output currents.