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“Within the Future: The Next Generation” is Maxell’s technical positioning for its CR17500AU cylindrical lithium manganese dioxide primary battery. The 3-volt, 3,500 mAh cell is designed as an embedded power source for smart meters, IoT equipment, communications devices, security systems, tracking equipment and memory backup—not as a general-purpose consumer replacement battery. Whether it fits a design depends on the device’s voltage window, average and pulse current, temperature, mechanical envelope and OEM supply arrangement.
The product behind the title
The phrase appears in Maxell material introducing the next-generation direction of its cylindrical CR battery technology, particularly the CR17500AU. The product is a non-rechargeable lithium manganese dioxide (Li/MnO₂) cell in a 17 mm diameter, 50 mm tall cylindrical package. Maxell announced it on February 17, 2021, describing it as the highest-capacity 17,500-size cylindrical Li/MnO₂ battery according to its comparison at that time. That was a dated manufacturer claim, not a permanent 2026 industry ranking.
Maxell positions its cylindrical CR cells as components built into equipment. End users seeking a replacement are directed to the equipment manufacturer rather than to a retail replacement channel. See Maxell’s cylindrical CR product information.
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CR17500AU specifications
| Attribute | CR17500AU |
|---|---|
| Battery type | Cylindrical primary battery |
| Chemistry | Lithium manganese dioxide (Li/MnO₂) |
| Nominal voltage | 3 V |
| Nominal capacity | 3,500 mAh |
| Nominal discharge current | 1 mA |
| Operating temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C |
| Diameter × height | 17 mm × 50 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 26 g |
| UL recognition | MH12568 |
| Rechargeable | No |
The datasheet defines the 3,500 mAh capacity at 20 °C, using the nominal 1 mA discharge current until voltage reaches 1.5 V. It is therefore not a promise of 3,500 mAh at every load, temperature or cutoff setting. Maxell also says dimensions and weight can vary with terminal specifications, and asks customers to consult it before use above 60 °C. The datasheet values are not guaranteed values; obtain application-specific confirmation from Maxell.
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Why this format suits smart meters and IoT equipment
Remote meters and connected industrial devices may be installed in locations where a service visit costs more than the cell. Designers seek low self-discharge, long storage life, outdoor-temperature tolerance, a compact package and enough short-term current for wireless transmissions. Maxell lists smart meters, IoT devices, communication terminals, in-vehicle equipment, security devices and memory backup as applications.
A battery cannot by itself guarantee a ten-year system life. Service life is determined by average consumption, radio duty cycle, pulse duration, temperature, storage age, leakage, firmware behavior, voltage cutoff and the cell’s internal resistance. Model those factors together rather than converting 3,500 mAh directly into years.
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What Maxell says changed from the CR17450AH
Maxell describes the CR17500AU as an evolution of the CR17450AH. Its stated changes include 500 mAh of additional capacity—about 17%—a higher nominal discharge capability than the predecessor, and pulse performance intended for periodic data transmission.
Maxell attributes the claimed performance to a proprietary laser-sealed construction intended to limit electrolyte vaporization and moisture entry; electrode and electrolyte choices intended to reduce impedance; treatment of the lithium negative electrode intended to reduce passivation after lithium depletion; and a configuration intended to improve conductivity. These are Maxell’s design explanations, not independent test findings.
Rank #3
- High energy, long life power source, good low and high temperature operations, recommended for calculators, cameras, memory back-up, pagers and watches
Capacity, energy and pulse current
The headline figures imply approximately 10.5 Wh nominal (3.5 Ah × 3 V). Usable energy can be lower or otherwise different because current, pulse loads, temperature, aging, internal resistance and the host’s cutoff voltage all matter.
Maxell’s technical comparison calculates approximately 926 Wh/L from nominal capacity, nominal voltage and cell volume. It also lists a maximum pulse-discharge figure of 2,500 mA. That number is not a continuous-current rating: usable pulse current depends on pulse duration and frequency, state of charge, temperature, wiring and the minimum voltage the device can tolerate. See Maxell’s LPWA cylindrical-battery article.
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Validate a wireless load before committing
- Measure the transmitter’s peak current and pulse duration.
- Record the interval and number of pulses over the operating schedule.
- Specify the minimum acceptable voltage during each pulse, including at end of life.
- Test at the coldest and hottest actual enclosure temperatures.
- Include holder, weld, connector and protection-component resistance.
- Repeat testing with aged cells and the planned storage interval.
CR17500AU versus other Maxell cylindrical CR cells
| Model | Capacity | Nominal discharge current | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR17335A | 1,650 mAh | 5 mA | 17 × 33.5 mm | 17 g |
| CR17450A | 2,500 mAh | 5 mA | 17 × 45 mm | 22 g |
| CR17450AH | 3,000 mAh | 1 mA | 17 × 45 mm | 24 g |
| CR17500AU | 3,500 mAh | 1 mA | 17 × 50 mm | 26 g |
All four are listed as 3 V cells with a −40 °C to +85 °C operating range, subject to their datasheet conditions. CR17335A and CR17450A are shorter and have higher listed nominal discharge currents, while the CR17500AU provides the largest capacity in this lineup at the cost of a 5 mm taller package than the CR17450 models. Equal diameter does not make terminal arrangements mechanically interchangeable.
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CR chemistry versus lithium thionyl chloride ER chemistry
| Characteristic | Li/MnO₂ CR | Li/SOCl₂ ER |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal voltage | 3 V | 3.6 V |
| Typical strength | Higher load and pulse capability | High energy density and flatter discharge voltage |
| Design concern | Voltage declines during discharge | Pulse loads may require a capacitor or hybrid-pulse approach |
Neither chemistry is universally better. Choose from the device’s voltage window, average and peak current, required shelf life, temperature profile, safety architecture and end-of-life behavior. A 3 V CR cell is not a drop-in substitute for a 3.6 V ER cell.
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Temperature and construction caveats
The published −40 °C to +85 °C range describes the listed operating range, not identical capacity or pulse performance across it. Cold conditions can increase voltage sag and reduce available capacity; repeated thermal cycling differs from a steady ambient temperature; and an enclosure can run hotter than the surrounding air. Maxell asks customers to discuss operation above 60 °C in advance.
Engineering fit checklist
- Voltage: Confirm operation from a nominal 3 V primary cell and its declining discharge curve.
- Average load: Compare actual consumption with the 1 mA capacity-test condition.
- Pulse load: Validate peak current, duration, repetition and voltage sag at end of life.
- Cutoff: Determine how much of the capacity remains usable above the device’s shutdown voltage.
- Mechanical envelope: Reserve space for 17 × 50 mm plus terminals, insulation and clearances.
- Temperature: Test capacity and pulses at real minimum, maximum and cycling conditions.
- Service model: Decide whether the cell is factory-installed, field-replaced or handled through equipment return.
- Compliance: Verify the finished product’s requirements; component UL recognition is not approval of the complete product.
- Supply: Confirm samples, terminal options, lot traceability, minimum order quantities, lead times and availability with Maxell.
Safety, replacement and procurement
This is a lithium primary cell. Do not recharge, short-circuit, crush, disassemble, heat or incinerate it. Observe polarity and the approved installation method, and follow Maxell’s safety data sheet and local disposal and shipping rules. Maxell’s safety data identifies approximately 0.99 g of lithium per CR17500AU cell and provides handling guidance.
Do not substitute another “17500” cell without checking chemistry, terminals, dimensions, current capability and voltage limits. Replacing an embedded cell can also erase volatile memory and affect warranty or safety procedures. Contact Maxell through its battery documentation and contact channels, or contact the equipment manufacturer for an existing product. Public pricing is not stated in the cited Maxell material; OEM quotations normally require application and volume details.
What the published material does not establish
- Guaranteed field life for a particular smart-meter or radio design.
- Current distributor pricing, production capacity or lead times.
- Performance against every competing 17,500-size cell.
- Results for a named wireless protocol and duty cycle.
- Regulatory approval of a finished device containing the cell.
The Bottom Line
The CR17500AU is best understood as a specialized, OEM-installed 3 V primary cell for long-life industrial and IoT equipment. Its 3,500 mAh nominal capacity, compact cylindrical form and pulse-oriented design are useful only when validated against the device’s real load, temperature, cutoff voltage and mechanical constraints.
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