Molicel has unveiled the INR-21700-P70X, a lithium-ion cell engineered to bridge the performance gap between conventional batteries and supercapacitors, at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference Europe 2026. The cell targets hybrid vehicle powertrains with a 7,000 mAh capacity, 340 Wh/kg energy density and 30C continuous discharge capability.

Key to the cell’s hybrid application is a 900W peak power output sustained for five seconds, with a power switching time under 200 microseconds when ramping to high-power output. This mirrors supercapacitor behaviour, enabling the vehicle to handle high-frequency power pulses during overtaking manoeuvres and regenerative braking without fading.

Molicel’s single-crystal technology cuts exothermal heat release by approximately 50% versus conventional polycrystalline materials. The cell has passed the UL9540A thermal runaway evaluation and, tested under a supercapacitor cycle profile, retained 96% capacity after one million cycles.

The cell arrives as hybrids took 24% of new European vehicle sales and nearly 20% in the United States by late 2025. The global hybrid market is projected to grow from US$335bn to US$571bn by 2034.

Unlike battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that undergo deep daily cycles, hybrid powertrains subject cells to hundreds of thousands of rapid, shallow power pulses. Molicel positions the PX series for this profile as manufacturers prioritise hybrid platforms amid moderating BEV growth.

Source: Molicel