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RC LiPo Battery – The Complete Guide to Choosing and Using Your Packs

2956 Views -253 Liked Posted on: 14/09/2025
 

LiPo (Lithium-Polymer) batteries have become the standard in RC modeling (planes, cars, helicopters, drones). Lightweight, powerful, and capable of delivering high current, they offer unmatched performance compared to older NiMH or NiCd technologies. However, they also require more care and precautions. In this guide, we share the key points to help you choose, maintain, and safely use your LiPo batteries.

⚡ Why choose an RC LiPo battery?

  • Lightweight: high energy density → more power for less weight.

  • Instant power: able to deliver high currents, ideal for powerful servos or brushless motors.

  • Stable voltage: ensures consistent performance throughout the flight or race.

  • Compact format: available in many sizes and capacities to fit all RC models.

Understanding LiPo specifications

Capacity (mAh)
Expressed in milliamp-hours (mAh).
The higher the capacity, the longer the runtime.
But: higher capacity = more weight, so less agility (especially for planes/gliders).
Example: a 2200 mAh LiPo = about 10–15 minutes of flight on an electric RC plane.

Number of cells (S)
Indicated as “2S, 3S, 4S…”
Each cell = 3.7 V
Check the maximum voltage supported by your motor and ESC.
Example: moving from 2S to 3S gives more power, but may damage an ESC not designed for it.

Discharge rate (C)
Indicates how many times the capacity can be delivered as current.
Example: a 2200 mAh 25C LiPo can provide 55 A continuously (2.2 Ah × 25).
The higher the C rating, the more power-hungry motors it can supply.

  • Leisure plane: 20–30C is enough.

  • Brushless car / FPV drone: often 50C or more to handle acceleration peaks.

Connectors or plugs
Different formats exist: XT60, Deans, EC3/EC5…
Choose the connector that matches your model and charger.

ℹ️ On Flash RC, in the battery categories, you can filter by Capacity, Number of cells, Discharge rate, and Connectors to make your search easier.

Charging and maintaining your LiPo battery

  • Always use a dedicated LiPo charger with balancing.

  • Never exceed 4.2 V per cell (e.g., a 3S pack must not exceed 12.6 V).
    ❗ There are also LiHV batteries (high-voltage LiPo): for these, the limit is 4.35 V per cell.

  • Unplug after use → avoid deep discharge.

  • Store at 3.8 V per cell (charger “storage” mode) and 3.9 V for LiHV.

  • Never puncture, bend, or allow a battery to swell.

ℹ️ A well-maintained LiPo = 200 to 300 usage cycles.

Safety precautions

  • Charge on a non-flammable surface (LiPo safety bag recommended).

  • Never leave a charging battery unattended.

  • Immediately dispose of any swollen or damaged battery after you have completely discharged it.

  • Transport LiPos in fireproof bags or boxes.

Which LiPo Battery for Which Use?

Your choice of LiPo depends directly on your RC model and your practice: runtime, weight, motor power, discharge rate, and connector type are all decisive factors.

A beginner RC plane does not require the same battery as a 1/10 brushless car or an FPV drone.
Choosing the right LiPo guarantees performance, safety, and flying/driving pleasure.

➡️ Practical Example: Choosing a LiPo

Let’s take a real case: an RC plane equipped with an XPower 3526/10 motor and a 12x8 propeller.

1. Number of cells (S)
A LiPo is made of 3.7 V cells.

  • In 3S (11.1 V), consumption is about 31 A → ≈ 390 W (3 × 4.2 V × 31 A).

  • In 4S (14.8 V), consumption rises to about 750 W.
    ⚠️ More cells = more power, but your motor and ESC must support it!

2. Capacity (mAh)
Capacity determines runtime.

  • Example: average consumption = 30 A.

  • With a 3000 mAh (3 Ah) pack → runtime = 3/30 = 0.1 h = about 6 minutes at full throttle.

  • With a 6000 mAh (6 Ah) pack → runtime doubles (~12 minutes), but weight increases → reduced agility and possible balance issues.
    👉 Find a compromise between autonomy and weight.

3. Discharge rate (C)
Indicates how many amps the pack can deliver continuously.

  • 3000 mAh 10C pack → 3 Ah × 10 = 30 A. This is at the limit of the motor’s 31 A consumption → risk of overheating, swelling, reduced life.

  • 3000 mAh 20C pack → 3 Ah × 20 = 60 A. Works at 50% of capacity → better lifespan.

  • 6000 mAh 10C pack → 6 Ah × 10 = 60 A. Easily delivers 30 A → safe choice.

👉 Rule of thumb: choose a LiPo that can deliver 1.5 to 2 times the required current.

Conclusion for this case

  • Number of cells (S) → depends on desired power and motor/ESC limits.

  • Capacity (mAh) → balance between runtime and weight.

  • Discharge rate (C) → always higher than consumption, ideally ×1.5 or ×2.

✅ In this example: a 4S 3000 mAh 20C pack is an excellent compromise:

  • Light enough,

  • Good autonomy (~6–7 minutes),

  • Safe discharge margin.

FAQ – All About RC LiPos

What is the lifespan of an RC LiPo battery?
On average, 200–300 cycles if stored and charged correctly.

How do I know if a LiPo is dead?
If it swells, won’t hold charge, or shows cell voltage under 3 V → it’s dead.

Can I use a 3S instead of a 2S?
Only if the motor and ESC support the higher voltage. Otherwise → risk of damage.

At what temperature should I store LiPos?
Between 10 °C and 20 °C, charged at 3.8 V per cell.

Flash RC: Your LiPo Battery Expert

At Flash RC, we offer a wide range of LiPo batteries for RC planes, cars, gliders, and drones, carefully selected from the best brands.

👉 Discover all our RC LiPo batteries

 
Posted in: Equip yourself well, Practise

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Comments

  • Article au sujet des accus LiPo
    By: Joël Schmid On 01/10/2025

    Bonjour,
    Merci pour cet article intéressant. Cependant, une erreur s'est glissée dans la définition de la capacité d'un accu LiPo (au début de l'article, rubrique "Comprendre les caractéristiques d’une LiPo". La capacité est exprimée en milliampère-heure (avec trait-d'union) et non pas en milliampère/heure (avec barre oblique). Cette dernière voudrait dire que chaque heure on consomme tant de milliampères ce qui n'est pas juste.
    Concernant les précautions de sécurité, il est juste de jeter un accu gonflé MAIS PAS SANS L'AVOIR DECHARGE AVANT !!! Pour décharger un accu sans danger, laissez-le plongé dans l'eau salée pendant quelques jours. Je parle en en me référant à l'incident survenu il y a quelques semaines dans notre déchetterie qui n'existe plus, un accu ayant pris feu et ne laissant rien du petit hangar.
    En espérant avoir pu vous aider, je vous remercie d'avoir pris le temps de me lire et vous adresse mes meilleures salutations.
    J. Schmid

    Replied by: Ju On 02/10/2025 Bonjour Joël,
    Merci à vous d'avoir pris le temps de partager ces éléments précis et justes que nous allons utiliser pour améliorer notre guide. La connaissance de notre communauté est tellement précieuse!
    Bonne journée à vous,
    L'équipe Flash RC

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