Where to buy genuine 18650 cells? An informed buyer’s guide

Key findings
1. Choose reputable suppliers: To avoid counterfeits, only buy 18650 cells from verified retailers such as citylion.pl.
2. Check markings and specifications: Genuine cells have clear manufacturer markings and conform to the declared technical parameters.
3. Avoid suspiciously low prices: A price that is too low may suggest that the product is a counterfeit or does not meet quality standards.

Marcin Świder - CEO, City Lion

1. introduction

18650 cells are among the most popular lithium-ion batteries used in a wide range of devices – from torches to advanced power systems. Their versatility and capacity make them an attractive choice for DIYers and electronics enthusiasts. However, not all 18650 cells are created equal and the market is flooded with counterfeits and low-quality products. It is therefore worth knowing where to buy genuine cells to ensure maximum performance and safety.

2. what are the original 18650 cells?

Genuine 18650 cells are sourced from reputable manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sony (Murata) and Molicel. They are characterised by high quality workmanship, stable parameters and long service life. In contrast to fakes, the actual capacity of these cells is in line with the manufacturer’s declaration, which translates into their reliability in practical use.

3. the main 18650 cell brands

• Samsung – high performance cells, popular in e-bikes and torches. Examples include the famous Samsung 35E cells.
• LG – valued for its high capacity and reliability.
• Panasonic – offers high energy density.
• Sony (Murata) – cells known for their long service life.
• Molicel – the choice of professionals and electronics enthusiasts.
• BAK – these are branded cells that have become very popular in recent years due to their good value for money.
• EVE – one of China’s most recognisable and quality manufacturers. They offer both the budget EVE 26V cells and the high-current EVE 25P model.

4 How do you recognise genuine 18650 cells?

• Clear manufacturer’s markings.
• Uniform housing with no signs of damage.
• QR codes and serial numbers for verification.
• No visible signs of soldering.

5. Where to buy genuine 18650 cells?

The safest choice is to buy from specialist shops such as CityLion.pl, where you have a guarantee of authenticity and technical support.

Online shopping

• Official manufacturers’ shops – difficult to access for individual customers.
• Specialist online shops – such as CityLion.pl, which guarantees original products.

Stationary shopping

• Electronics wholesalers – for those buying in large quantities.
• Professional shops – often a limited selection of models.

Top 6 e-commerce platforms for 18650 cell buyers

• CityLion.co.uk – specialises in 18650 cells, offering proven products and support.
• Allegro, Amazon, eBay – it is worth watching out for fakes and verifying the seller.

7. How do I assess the 18650 cell vendor?

• Checking customer feedback.
• Certificates of authenticity.
• Clear return and guarantee policy – CityLion.pl, for example, offers hassle-free complaints.

8. is it worth buying 18650 cells on auction sites?

Shopping on auction sites tempts with low prices and a wide choice, but also carries some risks. Among the advantages are the availability of both new and used cells and the possibility of finding bargain prices. On the other hand, the risk of fakes and overpriced cells is very high. Vendors often offer low quality cells, advertising them as products from reputable brands. It is therefore advisable to carefully check the seller and the opinions of other buyers before buying. A better option is to buy from a reputable shop that offers a guarantee of the originality of the cells.

9. buying 18650 cells directly from the manufacturer

Procedures and requirements

Purchasing cells directly from manufacturers, such as Samsung or LG, theoretically guarantees the highest quality and performance certainty. However, individual customers face many obstacles, such as minimum order quantities, complicated import procedures and the need to negotiate prices.

Does it pay off for individual customers?

As a result, direct purchase is more cost-effective for companies rather than for hobbyists. Therefore, instead of risking a time-consuming and costly procedure, it is advisable to take advantage of the offer of a specialised shop that provides access to original cells without unnecessary paperwork.

10. 18650 cells from China – are they safe?

Quality analysis of links from Chinese shops

Chinese online shops offer cells at very attractive prices, but their quality can vary. It is often possible to come across cells from unknown brands or counterfeits from popular manufacturers that do not meet the declared parameters.

How do I find a trusted supplier?

While professional importers can tell the difference between a good source and a dodgy supplier, the average customer can fall victim to fraud. For this reason, it is better to avoid untested sources and buy cells from reliable suppliers, such as CityLion.co.uk, where you can be sure that the cells come from a legitimate distribution.

11. price vs. quality – are more expensive cells better?

Price/quality ratio analysis

There is often a perception that more expensive cells are automatically better. It is true that branded cells from LG, Samsung or Sony are characterised by high quality and durability, but the price should always be analysed in the context of performance. Branded Chinese cells from BAK, EVE or CATL also offer very good performance.

Is it worth investing in branded cells?

Definitely yes. But be careful: some cheap cells with a supposedly high capacity may turn out to be a simple fake. Therefore, it is worth investing in proven products from reputable manufacturers.

12. used 18650 cells – are they worth buying?

What are the risks?

Second-hand cells are tempting with a low price, but carry a high risk. You do not know under what conditions they have been operated or what their real level of wear is. Even if they look good at first glance, their actual capacity and service life may be significantly lower than declared.

What to look out for when buying second-hand cells?

If you are concerned about safety and durability, it is better to bet on new cells from a proven source.

13.5 Is it worth buying disassembly cells (so-called depakiet)?

Buying cells from disassembly (depakiet) can be cost-effective, but involves some risk. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of doing so:

✅ Advantages of buying cells from disassembly:

1. Lower price – The cost of used cells can be up to 50% less than new cells of similar performance.
2. Good quality in some cases – If the cells come from recently discontinued EV packs, for example, they may still have a high capacity and good condition.
3. Eco-friendliness – Reusing batteries reduces waste and carbon footprint.

❌ Disadvantages and risks of buying disassembly cells:

1. Unknown condition – You are not sure what conditions they have been used in, or whether they have hidden damage or manufacturing defects.
2. Uneven capacity – Cells can have varying degrees of wear and tear, making it difficult to use them effectively in a new pack.
3. Durability issues – Some of the cells may have a shortened lifespan, which will affect the stability of the overall system.
4. No guarantee – Unlike new cells, depakets usually do not come with a guarantee and return is often not possible.
5. Safety risks – Mechanical defects or overheating in the past can lead to short circuits, overheating and even ignition.

When is it worth buying depakietas?

• If you have experience in cell testing and selection (e.g. using an ESR tester, internal resistance and capacitance measurements).
• If you buy from a reliable supplier who guarantees the real performance of the cells.
• For applications where reliability is not crucial (e.g. hobby DIY projects, power banks, powerwalls).

When is it better to buy new cells?

• When you are building batteries for electric vehicles, bicycles, scooters or other high-power systems where reliability is key.
• If you do not have the opportunity to test the cells before purchase.
• When you want a long service life and a guarantee.

13. How to store and transport 18650 cells?

Safety rules

To ensure that 18650 cells last as long as possible and are safe to use, they must be stored and transported properly. Avoid extremes of temperature, as well as contact with metal objects, which can cause a short circuit.

Avoiding damage and overheating

It is best to store the cells in special protective boxes to prevent mechanical damage.

14. legislation on the purchase and use of 18650 cells

Sales and transport regulations

The purchase and use of 18650 cells is subject to certain regulations. Transport regulations are particularly important, as improper transportation of batteries can lead to damage and be dangerous.

Safety standards

The European Union has safety standards for the sale of cells and sellers must meet specific requirements. When you buy cells from CityLion.co.uk, you are assured that the products comply with current regulations, ensuring a safe transaction and use.

15. duties and charges on import of 18650 cells

What are the costs of importing cells from outside the EU?

Importing 18650 lithium-ion cells from outside the European Union incurs various charges, including:

• Duty – the amount depends on the country of origin and the customs classification of the product. Lithium-ion cells often have a relatively low duty, but it is worth checking with TARIC.
• VAT – the standard rate in Poland is 23%.
• Customs clearance costs – if you use a courier service or customs agency, they may charge for handling the clearance.
• Transport and insurance – 18650 cells are considered dangerous goods, which can affect the cost of transport.

Is it worth importing yourself?

Importing cells on your own may seem cost-effective, but carries some risks:

• The possibility of hitting on fakes with much lower performance.
• Customs clearance issues – some countries may have restrictions on the transport of lithium-ion cells.
• No guarantee – when buying from unknown suppliers, it is difficult to assert your rights in the event of a complaint.
  For this reason, a safer option is to purchase 18650 cells from a trusted shop, such as CityLion.co.uk, where you can be sure that the products are genuine and in accordance with the declared parameters.

16 Warranty and claims for 18650 cells

What guarantee terms do retailers offer?

Most manufacturers and retailers offer a warranty on 18650 cells, but the extent of the warranty depends on the specific company. Standard conditions include:

• Warranty period – usually 6-12 months, but some companies may offer longer.
• Warranty coverage – covers manufacturing defects, e.g. cells that do not reach their declared capacity or have the wrong voltage.
• Exclusions – the warranty does not cover mechanical damage, over-discharge or overheating resulting from misuse.

How do I complain about faulty cells?

1. Check the warranty conditions – make sure the product is claimable.
2. Document the problem – measure the voltage, check the capacity, take photos or video of the tests.
3. Contact the seller – make a complaint according to the instructions on the shop website.
4. Sending theproduct back – in most cases you will need to send the faulty link back to the dealer in its original packaging.

Buying cells from reputable shops such as CityLion.co.uk ensures a hassle-free claims process and the certainty that you are buying a genuine product.

17. the most common 18650 cell scams

Counterfeit designations and parameters

• False capacities – vendors quote unrealistic values, e.g. 9800 mAh, while the actual capacity of branded cells is a maximum of around 3500 mAh.
• Well-known brand labels – cheap cells are often labelled as Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic products , even though they are not from these manufacturers.
• Poor safety features – counterfeit cells may lack overcharging and overheating protection, putting the user at risk.

Practices of rogue traders

• Selling used cells as new – some companies recover cells from laptop batteries and sell them as new.
• Lack of specifications – the vendor avoids giving detailed parameters, suggesting that the cells are ‘high quality’.
• Hiding the actual brand – sellers post generic images without the manufacturer’s logo, which can mean selling fakes.

To avoid scams, always buy 18650 cells from reliable retailers such as CityLion.co.uk.

18. alternatives to 18650 cells

Other popular cell formats

• 21700 – higher capacity and performance, used in modern torches and electric vehicles.
• 26650 – larger cells with higher capacity, but less popular.
• 14500 – smaller equivalent of 18650, compatible with some torches.

When is it worth considering other solutions?

• Need more capacity? Choose the 21700.
• Do you have limited space? A 14500 may fit.
• Want to use batteries in an e-bike? Check out the 21700 or 26650 cells.

19 Summary – where is the best place to buy genuine 18650 cells?

The safest sources

• Authorised dealers – offer products from well-known brands and guarantee their authenticity.
• Reputable online shops – such as CityLion.co.uk, which have good reviews and transparent sales policies.

Best practice for buyers

• Avoid opportunities that seem ‘too good to be true’.
• Check markings and specifications before purchasing.
• Choose shops with a returns policy and guarantee.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I check the authenticity of an 18650 cell?

• Check the weight – genuine cells are heavier than fakes.
• Measure voltage and capacity using a charger with a measuring function.
• Compare the markings with the manufacturer’s official data.

Is it possible to buy 18650 cells in normal electronics shops?

Some shops offer 18650 cells, but these are often poor quality replacements or models without safety features.

What is the average life expectancy of the original cells?

The original cells can withstand 300-500 charge cycles, depending on the conditions of use.

Can 18650 cells be legally imported from abroad?

Yes, but customs rules and regulations regarding the transport of lithium-ion batteries must be observed.

Where to buy cells in large quantities?

Wholesale quantities of 18650 cells are best purchased from authorised distributors, such as CityLion.co.uk, who guarantee originality and appropriate storage conditions.