LG M29 vs Panasonic PF: which 18650 cell should you use in your pack?

The LG INR18650-M29 and the Panasonic NCR18650PF often end up in the same shopping cart. Both cells offer about 2900 mAh, similar weight and similar energy. They differ in one parameter that decides everything in an e-bike or e-scooter pack: continuous discharge current. According to the LG datasheet, the M29 is rated at 6 A. Panasonic rates the PF at 10 A.

Below we compare both cells using the manufacturers' datasheets and show, with worked examples, when the M29 is enough and when you need the PF.

Specifications: LG M29 vs Panasonic PF

Parameter	LG INR18650-M29	Panasonic NCR18650PF
Typical / nominal capacity	2850 mAh	2900 mAh
Minimum capacity	2750 mAh	2750 mAh
Nominal voltage	3.67 V	3.6 V
Energy per cell	approx. 10.5 Wh	approx. 10.4 Wh
Charge voltage	4.20 V	4.20 V
Discharge cut-off voltage	2.50 V	2.50 V
Continuous discharge current	6 A (10 A pulse)	10 A
Standard charge current	1.375 A (0.5C), max. 2.75 A	approx. 1.45 A (0.5C)
Weight	45 g	max. 47 g
Maximum diameter	18.4 mm	18.15 mm
Cycle life (manufacturer)	70% capacity after 500 cycles (4 A discharge)	no single value given in the datasheet

Source: LG Chem (INR18650-M29) and Panasonic (NCR18650PF) datasheets. Energy per cell calculated as capacity × nominal voltage.

Capacity and energy are practically identical. A 50 mAh gap is smaller than the spread between two cells from the same batch. So the choice comes down to current.

Where does "M29 10 A" come from?

Many shops list the M29 as a 10 A cell. The LG datasheet, however, gives two separate values: 6 A continuous and 10 A pulse (short-term) current. When designing a pack, continuous current is what counts, because it is what heats the cells on a long climb or during sustained full-power riding. That is why evzero.eu lists the M29 at 6 A. The Panasonic PF is rated at 10 A continuous, so with the same number of cells in parallel it can handle about 1.7 times more current.

How to calculate which cell is enough

You need two numbers: the controller's maximum current and the number of cells connected in parallel (P). The current per cell is:

current per cell = max. controller current ÷ number of cells in parallel (P)

A well-designed pack does not run permanently at the cell's limit. We assume a margin of about 20%, so the practical limit is about 5 A per cell for the M29 and about 8 A for the PF.

Example	Current per cell	LG M29	Panasonic PF
48 V e-bike, 13S5P, 20 A controller	4.0 A	enough	enough, with a large margin
48 V e-bike, 13S4P, 20 A controller	5.0 A	at the edge of the margin	enough
48 V e-bike, 13S4P, 25 A controller	6.25 A	above continuous rating	enough
36 V e-scooter, 10S3P, 20 A controller	6.7 A	above continuous rating	enough
48 V e-scooter, 13S3P, 30 A controller	10 A	no	right at the limit, a high-drain cell is better

Pack capacity is almost the same either way. A 13S5P pack with M29 cells is 65 cells and about 680 Wh, and with PF cells it is also about 680 Wh. Choosing the PF over the M29 does not give you more range. It gives you current headroom.

For more on choosing pack voltage and configuration, see How to choose an e-bike battery.

When to choose the LG M29

• E-bike packs with many cells in parallel (5P and up) and a controller up to about 20 A.
• Energy storage, power banks, lighting and backup power, wherever the current per cell is low.
• Projects where predictable cycle life matters. LG specifies 70% capacity after 500 cycles at a 4 A discharge.
• Packs that should charge faster. The LG datasheet allows charging at up to 1C (2.75 A per cell).

The M29's weak point: 6 A continuous current. In 3P and 4P packs with a stronger controller the cells will heat up, voltage will sag more under load and they will lose capacity faster. We explain the mechanism in our article on lithium-ion cell degradation.

See the LG INR18650-M29 in the evzero.eu shop

When to choose the Panasonic PF

• Compact 3P and 4P packs where each cell carries 5 to 8 A.
• E-scooters and e-bikes with a stronger controller, where less voltage sag during acceleration and on climbs matters.
• Repairing an existing pack that was originally built with PF cells. When replacing a group, stick with the same model.

The PF's weak point: it is one of the most frequently counterfeited 18650 cells on the market. Fakes usually have lower capacity and handle high current much worse. Also, 10 A is still too little for the most powerful packs. For those, use high-drain cells such as the Samsung 30Q (15 A) or the models covered in our Molicel P42A and P28A comparison.

See the Panasonic NCR18650PF in the evzero.eu shop

How to tell a genuine cell from a fake

• Weight: a genuine PF weighs about 46 to 47 g, an M29 about 45 g. A cell well under 40 g is almost certainly fake.
• Capacity test: a charger with capacity measurement at 0.5 A should show at least 2700 mAh. A result below 2500 mAh is a warning sign.
• Origin: buy from a seller who issues an invoice and takes responsibility for the goods. Pulled cells are a separate category worth looking at carefully (see New vs pulled battery cells).
• One batch per pack: do not mix M29 and PF cells in one pack or in one parallel group. Different chemistry and internal resistance throw the cell balance off.

M29 and PF with a BMS and charger

Both cells charge to 4.20 V, so in a 13S (48 V) pack they use the same 54.6 V charger. Size the BMS to the controller current with a margin, not to the cells' maximum current. Pack charging current is usually limited by the charging port and the BMS, not by the cells themselves. Details in Fast 48 V (54.6 V) charger: how to choose the charging current.

For a comparison of the M29 with the Samsung 35E and 30Q, see Samsung 35E vs 30Q vs LG M29. If you are still choosing the cell format, start with 18650 or 21700.

FAQ: LG M29 vs Panasonic PF

Is the LG M29 rated at 6 A or 10 A?

According to the LG datasheet, the M29's continuous discharge current is 6 A. The 10 A figure refers to pulse (short-term) current.

Which cell has more capacity, the M29 or the PF?

On paper the PF (2900 mAh vs 2850 mAh), but both cells have the same minimum capacity of 2750 mAh. In practice the pack's range will be almost identical.

Can I replace Panasonic PF cells with LG M29 in an e-bike pack?

Only if the current per cell does not exceed about 5 A. Divide the controller's maximum current by the number of cells in parallel. If the result is higher, stay with the PF or choose a high-drain cell.

Can I mix M29 and PF cells in one pack?

No. Cells in a pack should be the same model and ideally from the same batch. Mixing models speeds up imbalance and wear of the pack.

Which cell is better for an electric scooter?

In a typical e-scooter with a 3P or 4P pack, the Panasonic PF is better, because the current per cell often exceeds 6 A.

Summary

The LG M29 and the Panasonic PF have practically the same capacity and energy. The M29 works well in packs with many cells in parallel and moderate current, e.g. 13S5P with a 20 A controller. Choose the Panasonic PF for compact 3P and 4P packs and for e-scooters, where each cell carries more than 5 A. Above 8 A per cell, neither is the right choice and you need a high-drain cell.

Have a specific pack and not sure which cell to pick? Email info@evzero.eu with the voltage, configuration and controller current. We will help you choose. All 18650 cells are in our 18650 cells collection.