14500 Battery vs AA Battery: Comprehensive Comparison Guide

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14500 batteries and AA batteries are similar in size but have completely different chemistries. The 14500 battery is an AA size battery.

14500 is rechargeable. The 14500 battery voltage is 3.7v, while the AA battery voltage is 1.5v. The 14500 is made of Lithium chemistry and has a capacity of 600 mAh, Alkaline AA battery is 2000 mAh, NiCd is 800 mAh and NiMH is 2000mAh.

In addition, what is the difference between 14500 batteries and AA batteries? This article will introduce them in detail.

What is 14500 battery?

14500 battery is a rechargeable lithium battery. As can be seen, the size of 14500 lithium cell is identical in shape and size to a standard AA battery.

However, one thing we need emphasised, All standard alkaline AA batteries are 1.5 volts. but the 14500 battery are 3.7 volts. That’s a major difference right there!

What is AA battery?

Just as 14500 batteries, the size of AA battery are 14 x 50 mm. But the standard AA battery has 1.5 volts nominal voltage, which are different with 14500 battery. And a capacity ranging from 1800 to 2700 mAh.

However, the chemistries of rechargeable and non-rechargeable AA batteries differ. While there are now rechargeable AA batteries available such as AAs made from Li-ion, NiMH, or NiCd. But the typical AA batteries people talk about are often non-rechargeable.

Comparison between 14500 battery vs AA battery

Dimension

As can be seen, the dimension of 14500 lithium battery are same as AA alkaline battery. A typical AA battery size is about 14mm by 50mm in size, which is same as the typical 14500 lithium battery.

Chemistry

The 14500 battery is a specific size rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Usually belong to NCM ternary battery. And AA batteries can be alkaline batteries, zinc-carbon batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH) and lithium-ion batteries.

Voltage

The voltage is not the same between 14500 and AA. An 14500 battery has a nominal voltage of 3.7 volts, while an AA battery has a voltage of 1.5V. Their voltages are at different levels.

Capacity

At present, the capacity of 14500 battery is 500~800mAh capacity, the capacity of AA lithium-ion battery is 1700~2700mAh, and the capacity of alkaline AA battery is 600~2700mAh.

Performance

Overall, the 14500 battery has a higher capacity and therefore can store more energy. It can be used for a longer time after a full charge. However, AA batteries have a much lower capacity, but are generally not rechargeable and can be used after a single use.

Lifespan

AA Alkaline batteries are usually disposable and not rechargeable. The 14500 battery can charge/discharge about 800-1000 times.

Is a 14500 battery the same as an AA battery?

No. Although 14500 and AA batteries are the same size, they have significantly different voltages due to their different chemistries.

Typically AA battery using alkaline, lithium or zinc chloride chemistries. Which have a nominal voltage of 1.5V, While rechargeable AA cells using NiMH or NiCd chemistries have a nominal voltage of 1.2V.

The 14500 battery uses Lithium chemistry, has a nominal voltage of 3.6/3.7V, and is a rechargeable battery. Due to their higher voltage, they are not always suitable replacements for AA. However, different manufacturers can see whether they can be replaced according to the actual application scenario.

Can we replace AA battery with 14500 batteries?

Obviously, due to the voltage difference between AA batteries and 14500 batteries, we can not replace AA battery with 14500 batteries.

But for some devices, primarily AA flashlights, support both AA and 14500 batteries.

Non rechargeable AA batteries are recommended for flashlights that are only used occasionally (choose high quality, low self-discharge AA batteries), while 14500 batteries are recommended for frequent use flashlight.

Which battery is better? 14500 Battery vs AA battery?

In terms of commercial popularity, AA batteries are ahead of 14500 batteries. Because AA batteries have been popular for more than 20 years, and 14500 has only been popular for less than ten years. But in the application potential of this one, obviously the rechargeable 14500 battery has more advantages.

Can we charge a 14500 battery in AA battery charger?

Even a 14500 Li-Ion battery is the same size as an AA battery, but with different voltages, power, and specifications. Disposable alkaline AA batteries all have an output voltage of 1.5 volts. The 14500 Li-Ion battery, on the other hand, has an output of 3.7 volts, more than double the voltage of an aa battery. So the AA battery charger will not charge properly. To maintain the charger and battery, use only the Li-Ion battery charger with the 14500 battery.

Who makes the best 14500 battery?

ELB succeed to develop 14500 battery, we already get the CE, MSDS, UN38.3, UL, etc certification for our lithium batteries. You can visit ELB product center to find the 14500 battery. Also you can visit ELB certification center to get the product certification.