LiPo batteries are the most common type of battery used in RC cars and planes, but they’re not all created equal. This guide will help you find out which type is right for your hobby project with easy-to-understand explanations.
LiPo batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that is used in many different applications. They are commonly used in RC cars. This article will discuss the types of LiPo batteries, how they work, and what you should know before buying one.
What are LiPo batteries, and how do they work?
Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are one of the most common kinds of batteries on the market today. These batteries are utilized in remote-control automobiles, robotics, drones, and a number of other high-tech applications that demand a lighter alternative to lead-acid or nickel-metal hydride batteries.
NiMH vs. LiPo batteries
NiMH batteries are another form of rechargeable battery. Nickel-Metal Hydride, or NiMH, is a kind of battery that employs nickel-metal molecules and hydrogen power.
NiMH batteries vary from other battery types in their operation. These rechargeable batteries employ metal-hydride chemistry for both primary and secondary cells instead of acid. Learn more about NiMH batteries and how to properly care for them in this post.
Both LiPo and NiMH batteries are intended to power electric RC vehicles, albeit they vary in many ways. LiPos are regarded to be preferable because they have a greater power density, which means you can get away with a smaller battery for the same driving duration – or add features like higher voltage for faster speed without adding weight to the vehicle.
If power is your major issue, a LiPo may be your best option. NiMHs work well for vehicles that require a lot from their battery, so if power is your primary priority, a LiPo may be your best option. However, one aspect of these two sorts that is seldom discussed is how much money you’ll have to spend on a solid battery. LiPo batteries are more costly than NiMH cells, but if you want to get the most out of your automobile, the additional expense can be worth it.
Lithium-ion batteries vs. Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries made by combining lithium and carbon in an electrochemical process. They’re found in a variety of products, including mobile phones, computers, and remote-control vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries were originally commercially accessible in 1991, but as mobile phones and laptops grew more common, they became a significant commercial commodity.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most often utilized kind of battery in today’s consumer gadgets. They have a lot going for them, including as great power density and inexpensive cost when compared to lithium polymer batteries. However, there are also disadvantages, like as how rapidly these kinds run flat if not charged correctly or used often enough!
What kind of LiPo batteries are available?
LiPo batteries for RC vehicles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. 2S, 3S, 4S, 6S, and 8S are the most prevalent.
What, on the other hand, does a higher number imply? The numbers 2S, 3S, 4S, and so on refer to the number of cells in the battery pack that are linked in series. Simply simply, a 3S battery will operate your RC vehicle far quicker than a 2S battery.
Using a 3S battery is like adding a turbo in your automobile if you’re accustomed to a 2S battery and have a motor that can handle additional power.
| Battery Types | Arrangement | Voltage Total |
| 1S | 1 x3.7 cell in a series | 3.7 V |
| 2S | 2 x3.7 cells in series | 7.4 V |
| 3S | 3 x3.7 cells in series | 11.1 V |
| 4S | 4 x3.7 cells in series | 14.8 V |
| 6S | 6 x3.7 cells in series | 22.2 V |
| 8S | 8 x3.7 cells in series | 29.6 V |
The weight of the battery pack increases as the number of cells increases. You may, however, use lower-capacity battery packs with more cells to greatly boost the speed of your RC vehicle. Make sure the motors you’ve installed can take use of the more powerful battery.
2S Lithium-Polymer Battery
The 2s battery is simple to use since it just requires one single cell. When compared to other kinds of LiPo batteries, they are very light. They’re ideal for buggies and compact automobiles because of this.
3S Lithium-Polymer Battery
When compared to dual-celled (2S) batteries, the 3s or three-cell battery has a greater voltage, which is particularly handy when you want your automobile to go faster. Although they are not as tiny as single-cell versions, their output power allows for simple driving on most tracks with poor grip surfaces such as carpet, dirt, or dry leaves.
4S Lithium-Polymer Battery
These batteries are also known as four-cell batteries since they contain four cells (4S). These LiPo batteries have exceptional performance because to their high current output, making them ideal for most vehicles with powerful brushless motors.
6S Lithium-Polymer Battery
6S LiPo batteries are most typically utilized in 1/10 scale on-road applications since they give a lot of power and run time, resulting in quick lap times. They also have a higher discharge rate than most other kinds of batteries, indicating that they are quite reliable. This means they may be charged at greater amp rates without overheating or causing harm.
8-Second Lithium-Polymer Battery
The LiPo battery type 8S is the most powerful for RC vehicles. It produces a lot of amps, which is ideal for high-speed racing. This is the one you’ll need if you’re seeking for maximum power.
For the first time, learn how to charge a LiPo battery.
LiPo batteries intercalate and de-intercalate between their electrodes in the same manner that regular batteries do. The electrolyte serves as a conductive channel for ions to pass through, allowing current to flow in all directions!
To charge your batteries fast and securely, you’ll need to utilize a LiPo compliant charger. The Constant Current/Constant Voltage (CC/CV) system guarantees that the charging rate of these sorts of batteries stays constant until they reach peak voltage.
The battery is then charged with a lower current but the same voltage.
What Is the Importance of Balanced Charging?
The technique of balanced charging ensures that each cell in a battery gets the same voltage. But why is it vital to charge LiPo batteries in a balanced manner? The cells in your LiPo battery may be destroyed if the voltage changes a lot.
Furthermore, an imbalanced LiPo battery is prone to catching fire. Use a charger that is compatible with the battery pack you’re using.
What to Look for in a Lithium-Polymer Battery Charger
So you’ve got a cool-looking RC vehicle and can’t wait to race it with other people. You plug the battery pack in, yet it continues to charge even after many hours. Is your battery faulty? The answer varies, but the charger you’re using is most likely incompatible with the battery you choose.
You may select from a variety of chargers. The large choices, on the other hand, might be perplexing. Before you choose a charger, there are a few things you should know.
- What kind of battery do you have?
- What is the most amount you are prepared to pay on a charger?
Before you choose a charger, you must first answer a few questions.
Type of Battery
What kind of batteries are you using? In most circumstances, this should not be a problem with most contemporary chargers. There are a few fundamental ones, though, that are exclusively good for charging particular batteries. You don’t want to use a charger designed for NiMH batteries to charge your brand-new LiPo battery pack. Select a Lithium-Polymer (LiPo) charger.
Second, what is the capacity of your battery (in milliamp hours or mAh)? If you’re utilizing a larger battery, you’ll need a charger that can fully charge it in a fair amount of time. Examine the battery’s capacity.
Finally, how many cells does your battery pack have? We already explored the advantages of utilizing various batteries (1S, 2S, 8S, etc.). Your automobile will have the power it needs to go quickly with an 8S battery. However, you will not be able to charge your 8S battery using a charger designed for a 2S cell. It will not only provide lower voltage, but it will also take a long time to charge the battery! Get a strong charger if you have a lot of cells.
Your Financial Plan
When given this question, I’m sure a lot of individuals would respond “as little as possible.” But consider this for a moment: would you be ready to pay less for an off-brand charger that may cause harm to your RC vehicle and its battery packs? These knock-off chargers don’t even come with a guarantee, so you’re out of luck if it breaks on day three!
Basic charges may likely enough if you’re using a tiny battery like a 1S or 2S. If RC vehicles are a pastime for you, which they most likely are (high five! ), investing in a decent charger will pay off big time.
It all comes down to your application. A automobile with more battery cells will be quicker. More cells, however, need a robust charger capable of supplying the voltage and channels required by those batteries. More power = better charger = more money spent.
If you want to upgrade your RC vehicles in the future, use a charger with a larger charging amperage so you don’t have to purchase another one later due to its restrictions.
What is the LiPo battery discharge rate?
The discharge rate is a measurement of how rapidly a battery’s rated capacity is depleted. In tables and charts, it’s commonly denoted by the letter C.
A LiPo battery’s maximum discharge rate is known as its C-rating. These ratings can be found at temperatures ranging from 30 to 65 degrees Celsius, although they may also be found outside of this range. LiPos usually have their rating printed directly on them, so you’ll know how much power it’ll provide your gadget before you purchase!
The discharge rate of LiPo batteries is critical because it dictates how much power you can get out of them before they fade and lose their charge. When you have a greater discharge rate, you may utilize more power at once before needing to recharge.
However, bear in mind that the quicker you deplete your battery, the faster it will lose its charge. The fast discharge rate of LiPo batteries for RC vehicles allows for a larger range of motion and power. This, however, implies that they don’t last as long or recharge as quickly as lower discharge batteries.
What are the best LiPo battery connectors?
There are a number of connections used to power the LiPo battery in RC vehicles. They come in a variety of sizes, materials, and purposes. Below, we’ll look at some of these links in more detail.
JST-XH, XT-90, Molex, Anderson Powerpole is a company that manufactures and sells, and Deans Ultra Adapters are some of the most prevalent connection types. When it comes to RC vehicle racing, each has its own set of benefits. For example, the JST-XH is well-suited to situations involving strong currents across extended distances. The Molex connector, on the other hand, is intended for high-current applications or frequent connections.
Many advantages may be gained by using the proper connection, such as decreased weight and size, as well as improved conductivity.
Let’s take a look at some of the most prevalent kinds of RC racing connectors:
Anderson Powerpole
Anderson Powerpole connectors are popular on batteries since they don’t need the use of a specific crimping tool to secure the connection. These connections feature a small form factor, are vibration resistant, and have several contact point possibilities.
They do not, however, tolerate large currents as well as other similar solutions, such as Deans plugs. As a result, you should only utilize them for modest applications where performance isn’t a major factor.
Because of its low profile and closely packed round pins, which assist avoid short circuits from carbon dusting on the motor windings, many users favor this connection for tiny transistors, such as 12-weight motor controllers.
Deans Ultra Plug
The Deans Ultra Plug is a high-current connector with a sturdy 3.5-millimeter connection. It has become one of the most popular solutions due to its long-lasting build and simplicity of usage.
The Deans connector uses a spring-loaded metal contact that spans the length of the connector, which makes it more vibration resistant than other designs like XT90s or Powerpoles. This helps to minimize short circuits caused by carbon dusting on the motor windings, while also giving precise throttle response with less pressure on the battery connections owing to wire movement inside them.
While this makes them reasonably maintenance-free, their pins are rather close together, which necessitates some modification before soldering wires into them.
JST-XH
Because of its 5 mm broad contact area, which provides higher power handling capabilities compared to other kinds of connections in the same class, JST-XH is a preferred option in systems for extremely heavy vehicles. Since a consequence, it is appropriate for high-altitude places with low air pressure, as resistance is reduced, resulting in lower voltages owing to higher current.
Because they include solder posts, screw terminals, and crimp housings, JST-XH connections are often used in aircraft and ground vehicles that operate on 6V or greater batteries.
The fact that these plugs can’t carry as much current as other solutions like XT90s or Deans plugs is a disadvantage. Despite this, the majority of users regard them as the greatest RC battery connection presently available.
Molex
Molex plugs are intended for use in situations requiring high currents or frequent connections. Other connections, such as XT90s, Deans Plugs, JST-XH, and Powerpole connectors, can’t carry as much current.
Because they produce less resistance and heat build-up than other choices, they are well-suited for electric cars that operate on higher voltages (12+V) or in series.
However, since the crimping tool is more costly, these plugs are not as common as XT90s, Deans Plugs, JST-XH, or Powerpole connections.
How to Take Care of Your Lithium-Polymer Battery
Because of its small weight, high discharge rates, and broad operating temperature range, LiPo batteries have become popular. They also don’t need any maintenance if they’re charged correctly using a LiPo charger made specifically for RC usage.
The most critical aspect of LiPo battery care is to ensure that it is charged using a suitable RC charger. If you charge your LiPo battery incorrectly using a generic battery charger, the battery will catch fire and become worthless.
When charging your LiPo RC vehicle batteries, be careful to let them cool down after each usage before recharging.
Each kind of battery has a distinct discharge rate, and if you don’t discharge appropriately, you risk destroying the LiPo RC car batteries’ internal components, rendering them useless or reducing their capacity to retain a charge (more about this later).
If you often drive your RC vehicles on dirt roads or through water, it’s critical to clean the exterior of the battery after each usage to avoid damage from corrosion caused by these elements.
What is the best way to keep your LiPo battery?
Make sure your Lithium Polymer RC Car batteries are completely charged before putting them someplace where they won’t be punctured, such as in a sturdy container or bag.
This is because any damage to the outside of your LiPo RC vehicle batteries, such as puncturing them with a screwdriver or dropping them, would almost certainly cause internal damage, causing the battery to be ruined.
Make sure your LiPo batteries are kept in a cool (room temperature) and dry location away from excessive temperatures and moisture.
How can you get rid of your LiPo battery?
You should deplete a LiPo battery until there is little to no charge remaining before discarding it. When perforated, this will aid to avoid an explosion. Bring the exhausted batteries to your nearest recycling center!
You have a few options for discharging your LiPo battery. Some chargers allow LiPo batteries to be discharged at a constant pace. Most of these chargers, on the other hand, will cease draining when every cell in the battery hits 3.0V.
In such scenario, you may deplete your battery using alternative techniques. One common way is to use light bulbs to slowly deplete the batteries. Here’s where you can learn how to create a bulb discharger.
Salt water may also aid in the gradual depletion of batteries. This procedure, however, takes a long time, and batteries are frequently corroded before being fully depleted. This procedure might take up to two weeks.
Don’t simply toss the batteries away after they’ve been discharged! The majority of containers are taken to recycling centers, however batteries are not recycled there. Battery recycling facilities are available. There’s a place where you may drop off your old batteries.
For as long as he can remember, Peter has been making model trains. This site is a creative avenue for him to go further into different sizes and areas of the model train community and hobby. He is an enthusiastic admirer of HO and O scale.
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LiPo batteries are the most common type of rechargeable battery used in RC cars. They are smaller than NiMH and NiCd batteries, but they can also be recharged faster. This makes them ideal for use in RC cars where a quick charge is important. Reference: charging rc batteries from car battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are LiPo batteries better for RC cars?
A: LiPo batteries have higher levels of power and are less likely to burst. They also weigh much less than NiMH or lead acid, so they are better for RC cars that need a lot of thrust.
What should I look for when buying a LiPo battery?
A: When looking to buy a LiPo battery, you should consider the amps that it can handle and its voltage. Chargers may be able to tell you how much power an individual cell will take before its capacity drops below 80% of what is claimed by manufacturers.
How long do LiPo batteries last in RC cars?
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