So, you’ve got your new RC car, but you’re unsure about which type of battery to purchase. Or perhaps, you already own an RC car with a LiPo battery that’s not quite performing at its peak. Sounds familiar? So, the question is, how long do LiPo batteries last in RC cars?
In general, LiPo batteries last for about 25 min – 35 min in RC cars and can last for up to 300 cycles. However, their longevity heavily depends on usage patterns, storage conditions, and maintaining proper charging practices.
| LiPo Battery Type: | Run Time: |
| 4000 mAh | 10-25 min |
| 5000 mAh | 25-35 min |
From runtime to lifetime of the LiPo batteries, this comprehensive guide on RC LiPo batteries will cover it all. So stick around till the end to learn more.
How Long Do LiPo Batteries Last In RC Cars: The Runtime
On average, LiPO batteries in RC cars give a runtime of 25 min – 35 min. Factors such as the type of battery, the condition of the track, driving habits, and the RC specifications can all have an impact on the runtime of any LiPo battery.
As a general rule, whenever you use more batteries, you essentially get more runtime. So let’s say with a LiPo battery of 5000 mAh you get 15-20 minutes of run-time. And suppose that you need more runtime, then it totally makes sense to have LiPo batteries at spare.
By the way, you can check out some of the best LiPo batteries for RC Cars here (on Amazon).
Speaking of LiPo batteries, another factor to consider is the capacity of your battery. A battery with a higher milliamp-hour (mAh) rating will give you longer runtime.
Simply put, the mAh of your battery is like its fuel tank. A larger fuel tank (higher mAh) will let you drive your RC car for a longer period. But remember, a larger battery will also take longer to charge and may be heavier, impacting the overall performance of your RC car.
Driving style also plays a significant role in the runtime of your LiPo batteries. If you’re someone who enjoys high-speed racing, doing a lot of jumps, or running on challenging terrains, you might find your battery draining faster.
More demanding driving styles will draw more power, reducing your runtime. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed pace and run on smooth surfaces, you can expect your battery to last longer.
Finally, the age and condition of the battery can influence its runtime. Just like any other battery, a LiPo battery’s capacity will gradually decrease with each charge cycle.
A brand new LiPo battery will offer longer runtime compared to one that’s been heavily used.
Regularly monitoring your battery’s health and replacing it when needed can help ensure optimal performance of your RC car.
How To Calculate The Runtime Of Your LiPo Battery?
A Popular YouTuber in the RC Space, Mark from ‘Mark Santa Maria’ channel explains a cool formula to calculate the runtime of LiPo Batteries. I highly recommend watching this video to learn more.
LiPo Batteries In RC Cars Not Lasting Longer: Causes And Fixes
As a rule of thumb, LiPo batteries should last at least 10-15 minutes if you have a low mAh battery. However, with bigger batteries, the standard is to get at least 20-25 minutes of runtime.
We have highlighted the figures conservatively here. So if you’re noticing lower runtime than these, then there could be a problem.
The most common reason your LiPo battery is not lasting longer is because it is not getting charged properly.
Either it’s because of a faulty charger, incorrect cutoff settings, or simply the battery’s age.
You can tackle this problem in several ways. First, if possible, get your battery charged by a friend who owns a charger with a display. If you already have that type of charger then be sure to note down the details from the display.
The display will show you exactly how many milliamp-hours (mAh) are being fed back into your battery, ensuring you’re getting full capacity. If not then make sure to get a new high quality charger for your LiPo battery.
You can check some of the best RC car charger for lipo Batteries here (on Amazon)
Secondly, check the voltage per cell after a run. Ideally, the voltage cut-off for most RC batteries should be between 3.0 V – 3.6 V. If you’re experiencing faster battery drain and you have a higher cut-off, you need to fix it.
Here’s a quick overview about the cut-off: The cutoff in LiPo batteries is a safety mechanism designed to prevent the battery from being discharged beyond a certain level. This is crucial because LiPo batteries can be damaged if their voltage drops too low.
Damage to a LiPo battery can significantly shorten its lifespan, reduce its capacity, or, in worst-case scenarios, even pose a safety hazard.
In short, the term “cutoff” refers to a set voltage level at which the battery’s power to the RC car is automatically cut off or reduced to prevent further discharge.
Finally, another reason why your LiPo battery could be draining faster is because of its age. When this happens, it’s finally time to get a new battery. So, depending on the specific reasons, you can apply the necessary fixes and solve your Lipo battery issue.
Side-note: Do you have a Traxxas RC car and are you wondering whether or not you should buy their batteries? Then I highly recommend reading this guide to clear all your doubts: Are Traxxas RC Batteries Worth The Money?
How To Maximize The Longevity Of LiPo Batteries In RC Cars?
- Always use a quality LiPo charger set to the correct settings.
- Stop using the RC car once you notice a drop in performance, don’t drain the battery completely.
- Enable the Low Voltage Cutoff feature on your Electronic Speed Controller.
- Store LiPo batteries at room temperature in a safeplace at 40-50% charge.
- It is also good to choose a little bit smaller sized pinion gear to boost the battery life (although speed can be slightly affected).
By the way, do you want to know the impact of LiPo batteries on the speed of RC cars? Then I highly suggest checking out this guide: Will LiPo Batteries Make My RC Car Faster?
How Long Do LiPo Batteries Last In RC Cars: The Longevity
Curious about the lifespan of LiPo batteries in RC cars? This information is vital for planning your RC adventures and ensuring smooth operation.
The lifespan of a LiPo battery is greatly influenced by its rated charge cycles. Usually, most LiPo batteries in RC cars last till 300 charge cycles. In other words, it means that you can fully drain and recharge it 300 times before it starts to lose its effectiveness.
However, this rating doesn’t necessarily set a definitive limit. Even after reaching these cycles, the battery may still be usable but might not hold its charge as effectively as it used to do.
How Long Do LiPo Batteries Last When You Store Them Unused?
If you want to keep your LiPo battery as a backup and not use it for years, there’s good news: a properly stored LiPo battery can last for 2-5 years! However, please note that achieving this longevity requires implementing a careful storage strategy.
For optimal battery longevity, keep the charge of the battery close to 50% when storing it. Additionally, ensure that the temperature remains favorable as LiPo batteries are sensitive to changes in temperature. Ideally, store the battery at room temperature.
Furthermore, although a properly stored battery remains usable for several years, its performance may not match that of a brand-new one.
Gradually, its efficiency could decline over time. While it will still provide satisfactory functionality in terms of usage, you may not achieve the full 300 cycles typically attained with a new battery.
How To Store RC Cars LiPo Batteries To Ensure They Last Longer?
One important point to consider is the significance of practicing good charging habits.
Excessive charging and discharging can result in permanent damage, which is why it is crucial to use a reliable charger and maintain the correct voltage levels throughout the charging process.
One more tip to help prolong your battery life is to avoid fully depleting it with each use.
Some don’ts to keep in mind while storing LiPo batteries for longevity are as follows:
- Avoid storing a fully charged LiPo battery: A fully charged battery can prematurely age if stored long-term.
- Don’t overuse a LiPo battery: Over-discharging from prolonged use can cause significant damage.
- Use appropriate LiPo batteries: Drawing too much current can stress the battery and reduce its lifespan.
- Store at moderate temperatures: Extreme heat or cold can impact a LiPo battery’s efficiency and longevity.
- Utilize proper chargers: Ensure your charger is reliable and calibrated accurately to avoid overcharging or undercharging.
These tips can help maximize your LiPo battery’s life and performance.
Bonus-Tip: Avoid stockpiling LiPo batteries for future use, especially if you don’t plan on using them for the next 2-3 years. LiPo batteries tend to lose efficiency over time, particularly when stored. So always opt for the latest batteries to ensure top performance.
Conclusion
And there you have it.In one go, a non-stop RC driving experience for 1-2 hours isn’t achievable. Sure, these batteries perform brilliantly, but they usually last around half an hour, influenced by various factors.
Once you understand those factors, you can take measures to optimize your battery life and enjoy longer, more exciting RC car sessions.
So what next? Speaking of RC cars and LiPo batteries, have you ever wondered if they are good for your RC cars? Check out this guide to learn more: Are LiPo Batteries Better For RC Cars?
