Nitecore has introduced the NL1840R, a new 18650 battery that integrates USB-C charging directly into the cell, removing the need for a standalone charger. The 14.4Wh battery features a small LED indicator at the top that glows red during charging and switches to green once the cell is fully charged.
Built-in charging and compatibility considerations
Use of the USB-C port is entirely optional. The NL1840R remains compatible with conventional external Li-ion chargers and can be used in flashlights that offer their own built-in charging circuitry. Because the added charging module slightly increases the battery’s length, Nitecore specifies the cell at 2.8 inches, making it marginally longer than other batteries in the NL1840 series. Users should verify whether their device can accommodate the extra length.
Longevity and market position
Nitecore rates the NL1840R for a minimum of 500 charge cycles, after which it should still retain 80 percent of its original capacity. While the 14.4Wh rating (4,000mAh at 3.6V) does not break new ground—Nitecore has listed similarly specified cells under the 1840 product designation for some time, and many competitors offer comparable capacities—lower-capacity 18650 batteries continue to dominate much of the market.
Pricing and availability
Nitecore has yet to disclose official pricing for the NL1840R, though it is unlikely to sit at the budget end of the range. For context, the existing NL1840HP is currently listed at $23.95 in the US. Shipments are reportedly already underway, even though the battery has not yet reached all of Nitecore’s regional distribution partners.