SONY US14500VR2B – High-quality Li-Ion manganese cell in AA format

The Sony US14500VR2B is a specialised lithium-ion cell based on manganese that is characterised by its high safety and thermal stability. With the 14500 form factor, it has the same dimensions as a classic AA battery, but a much higher nominal voltage of 3.6V to 3.7V.

This cell was primarily developed for industrial applications and devices that require reliable power output in a compact design. Thanks to the manganese chemistry, compared to conventional Li-ion batteries, the cell is less susceptible to thermal runaway, making it particularly safe to operate.

Highlights at a glance

• High safety: The lithium-manganese chemistry is considered one of the safest Li-ion technologies with a high level of intrinsic safety.
• Compact form factor: 14500 measurements enable use in specialised devices that require high performance in the smallest space (AA size).
• Stable voltage: Delivers a constant voltage over a wide discharge range for consistent device performance.
• Long service life: High cycle stability with proper handling, ideal for continuous use in electronic devices.
• Industrial quality: Manufactured by Sony (now often under the Murata brand), the cell stands for minimal production tolerances and high reliability.

Areas of application

Please note that this cell is not a replacement for conventional 1.5V AA batteries. Typical application areas are:

• Specialised LED torches
  • High-end torches that are explicitly designed for operation with 3.7V Li-ion batteries.
• Industrial electronics
  • Measuring devices, sensors and communication modules that require a higher voltage than conventional batteries can supply.
• Model making
  • Power supply for small receivers or actuators, where weight and space saving are crucial.
• Replacement cell packs
  • Use as a replacement cell in assembled battery packs for shavers, electric toothbrushes or small medical devices (soldering required).

Assembly & safety instructions

• Not a battery replacement
  • Never use this cell in devices that are intended for conventional 1.5V AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH). The high voltage of up to 4.2V immediately destroys the electronics of these devices.
• Use of protection circuits
  • As this is an industrial raw cell (unprotected), it does not have its own protection electronics against deep discharge or short circuit. Use should only be made in devices with integrated protection or by qualified personnel.
• Charging process
  • Charge the cells only with special lithium-ion chargers which support CC-CV charging method.
• Transport & storage
  • Never transport loose cells in your pocket along with metal objects (keys, coins) to prevent short circuits. Use suitable transport boxes.

Features

FAQs about the Sony US14500VR2B

Why does the cell sometimes say Murata instead of Sony?

Due to the acquisition. Sony sold its battery division to Murata Manufacturing in 2017. New batches of the same cell therefore often bear the Murata logo, while the technical specifications have remained identical.

Does this cell have a "memory effect"?

No. Lithium-ion cells do not have a memory effect. They can be recharged at any time, regardless of the current state of charge. However, to maximise their lifespan, they should not be discharged below 2.5V.

Can I solder the cell?