Lithium-Ion 18650 or 21700 Battery Prefixes (Chemistry): Decoding NCR, IMR, ICR, INR, IFR Codes
Decoding Battery Chemistry (Prefixes)
Key prefixes on 18650 or 21700 batteries denote their cathode chemistry, which determines performance, safety, cost, and lifespan. This guide helps you decode these prefixes to choose the perfect battery.
| Prefix | Chemistry | Key Traits | Typical Cycle Life | Relative Cost | Safety | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMR | LiMn₂O₄ (LMO) | High discharge, very stable | 300–700 cycles | $$ | Safer | |
| ICR | LiCoO₂ (LCO) | High capacity, low discharge | 300–500 cycles | $$ | Risky | |
| INR | LiNiMnCoO₂ (NMC) | Balanced capacity & discharge | 600–1500+ cycles | $$$ | Stable | |
| IFR | LiFePO₄ (LFP) | Longest life, extremely safe | 3000–7000+ cycles | $$ | Safest | |
| NCR | LiNiCoAlO₂ (NCA) | Ultra-high capacity | 600–1200 cycles | $$$$ | Moderate |
Which Battery Chemistry is Right for Me?
For High-Discharge Applications:
You need maximum power output and thermal stability. Common uses include power tools, racing drones, and other devices requiring 20A+ continuous discharge. Your best choices are IMR and high-drain INR cells (from brands like Molicel or Murata).
For High-Performance Flashlights, Laptops, or Power Banks:
You need a balance of high capacity and solid performance. Mainstream INR cells are ideal, with NCR being a premium option for maximum runtime.
For Home Solar Storage, EV Packs, or Marine Use:
Your absolute priorities are safety and longevity (cycle life). IFR (LFP) is the superior choice and the modern industry standard for these applications.
Codes by Major Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | Prefix / Series | Primary Chemistry | Category | Key Traits | Est. Market Share* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung SDI | INR | LiNiMnCoO₂ (NMC) | INR (NMC) | Balanced energy density, 15–25A discharge | ~28% |
| LG Energy Solution | INR | LiNiMnCoO₂ (NMC) | INR (NMC) | High capacity, 10–20A discharge | ~26% |
| Panasonic / Sanyo | NCR | LiNiCoAlO₂ (NCA) | High-Energy NCA | Ultra-high capacity, Tesla partnership | ~18% |
| Murata (formerly Sony) | VTC | LiNiMnCoO₂ (NMC) | High-Drain INR | Extreme discharge (20–35A) | ~12% |
| Molicel | IMR / INR | LiMn₂O₄ / LiNiMnCoO₂ | High-Drain IMR/INR | Elite power output, thermal stability | ~5% |
| BYD | IFR | LiFePO₄ (LFP) | IFR (LFP) | Non-flammable, 3000+ cycles | ~8% |
*Market share figures are recent estimates for the global cylindrical li-ion cell market and are subject to quarterly changes.
Industry Trends & Key Drivers
- ▸INR (NMC) Dominance: Balanced performance and cost make it the mainstream choice for EVs and high-quality electronics.
- ▸IFR (LFP) Growth: Superior safety, longevity, and lower cost (no cobalt) are driving massive adoption in EVs and energy storage.
- ▸NCA for Performance Niche: Remains a top choice for long-range EVs but faces growing competition from safer, longer-lasting LFP chemistries.
- ▸High-Drain Niche: Molicel and Murata thrive in markets like power tools, medical, and motorsports that demand maximum power delivery over capacity.
- ▸ICR (LCO) Decline: High cobalt cost and safety concerns are reducing its use to mainly small, low-power devices with integrated protection.