mode: CC, CV, CW, CR
How to Test a 18650 Battery Capacity Using an Electronic Load
✅ What You Need:
- Electronic Load (DC electronic load, programmable preferred)
- Fully charged 18650 battery
- Battery holder or safe terminal connectors
- Multimeter (optional, for voltage verification)
- Logging software or notebook (if needed)
⚡ Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Fully Charge the Battery
- Use a proper lithium-ion charger.
- Ensure the voltage reaches 4.2V before testing.
2. Connect the Battery
- Insert the battery into a 18650 holder.
- Connect positive (+) to the load's positive terminal.
- Connect negative (−) to the load's negative terminal.
- Double-check for correct polarity.
3. Configure the Electronic Load
- Mode: Constant Current (CC)
- Discharge Current: e.g., 1.0 A
- Cut-off Voltage: e.g., 3.0 V (to protect the cell)
⚠️ Don't go below 2.5V to avoid damaging the battery.
4. Start the Discharge Test
- Turn on the load.
- The battery will begin discharging at the set current.
- The load will stop automatically at the cut-off voltage.
5. Read the Results
- Check the screen of the electronic load.
- Look for:
- Capacity (mAh)
- Energy (Wh)
- Total time
Example output:
Capacity: 2600 mAh
Energy: 9.5 Wh
📌 Notes & Tips
Test at room temperature (around 25°C) for accuracy.
If the load doesn’t show capacity:
Capacity (mAh) = Current (A) × Time (h) × 1000
0.5A for 1 hour == 0.5 x 1A = 500mAh
0.5A for 1.2 hour = 600 mAh