| The RC industry has recently gone through a | | | | three produce 11.1 volts etc. |
| transformation, with many people switching away | | | | LiPo packs also have something called a "C" rating |
| from nitro engines to electric motors. A big part | | | | which is the maximum average discharge current |
| of that is due to the efficiency and power of | | | | recommended for the cell. The "C" rating on a |
| electric brushless motors, but the other big reason | | | | LiPo pack can be used to determine the |
| is due to the recent advances in battery | | | | maximum discharge amperage by multiplying the |
| technology. | | | | "C" rating by the capacity of the pack. |
| Previously, the biggest challenge with electric RC | | | | For example, a 5000 mAh LiPo pack with a "C" |
| cars was that they were underpowered | | | | rating of 20 would have a maximum discharge |
| compared to their nitro counterparts. Lithium | | | | rating of 5,000 mAh x 20C = 100,000 mA which |
| Polymer (LiPo) batteries have changed that now | | | | is 100 amps. The higher the "C" rating on a |
| because they are lighter and more powerful than | | | | battery pack, the higher discharge amperage it |
| regular NiCad and NiMH batteries. | | | | can handle continuously without stressing the |
| Unlike NiCad and NiMH, LiPo batteries also do not | | | | battery. Therefore it is important to match your |
| self-discharge when connected in parallel which | | | | LiPo's "C" rating with the needs of your electric |
| means that LiPo batteries can be connected in | | | | motor. |
| parallel to double their capacity which means | | | | Some of the newest RC cars on the market can |
| longer run times for your RC. They can also be | | | | handle two 11.1v LiPo packs running in parallel, |
| connected in series to increase their voltage. | | | | delivering 22.2 volts of power to the motor. |
| By combining LiPo batteries in different parallel and | | | | The kind of power these LiPo batteries are |
| series configurations, manufacturers can create | | | | delivering to the brushless motors in electric RC |
| LiPo packs to suit any of your RC needs. For | | | | cars is allowing them to reach maximum speeds |
| example, the voltage on the pack can be | | | | in excess of 100 m/h, while at the same time |
| increased by wiring LiPo packs in series. One LiPo | | | | increasing run time before needing to charge the |
| cell has a nominal voltage of 3.7 volts so two LiPo | | | | battery again. |
| batteries connected in series produce 7.4 volts, | | | | |