1. What is the voltage range of LiPo batteries?
LiPo Battery Voltage Range refers to the number of cells per cell (number of S) in different states of the battery. Take HobbyKing's hot-selling multi-cell LiPo batteries as an example, the standard is as follows:
| Battery Status | Voltage per Cell (V) |
|Fully Charged | 4.2V |
|Normal Operating Voltage | 3.7V ~ 4.2V |
| Storage Voltage | 3.7V ~ 3.85V |
| Minimum Voltage Limit | 3.0V |
In the field of RC cars and drones, choosing the right battery should never be sloppy. As a player of RC vehicles for many years, I have stepped on too many pits, and of course, I have also encountered a lot of surprises. Today I will talk to my friends about my experience with LiPo battery voltage - how to buy? How to store it? Is it suitable for you? You'll know after reading this.
It can not only avoid 4S LiPo Lower Limit over-discharge damage, but also improve the discharge performance of 6S LiPo 22.2V battery. Folks, HobbyKing offers a wide range of LiPo batteries in various specifications for drones, RC cars, model airplanes and other devices, ensuring high discharge performance and long cycle life.
2.common Lipo battery voltage combinations in detail: 3S, 4S and 6S
1. 3S LiPo Voltage (3 cells), as experienced players we all know this is a common choice for UAVs and RC models, its voltage characteristics are as follows:
- Full voltage: 12.6V (4.2V × 3)
- Nominal voltage: 11.1V (3.7V × 3)
- Minimum safe voltage: 9.0V (3.0V × 3), we recommend no less than 9.9V (3.3V/cell) to protect the battery.
3S LiPo battery applications
- FPV drones: providing balanced power and range
- RC Remote Control Car: for 1/10 scale racing models
- Model airplanes: lightweight and high energy output
HobbyKing Product Recommendation Moment:Turnigy Graphene Panther 3S 4000mAh 75C LiPo Pack.
HobbyKing 3S LiPo Battery is made of high quality cells and supports high C-count discharge, suitable for high-performance demand scenarios.
2.The 4S LiPo Lower Limit (4 cells) is widely used in racing drones and high power RC devices with the following voltage ranges:
- Full charge voltage: 16.8V (4.2V × 4)
- Nominal voltage: 14.8V (3.7V × 4)
- Minimum voltage limit: 12.0V (3.0V × 4) We recommend no less than 13.2V (3.3V/section)
Why can't the 4S LiPo be overplayed?
Battery Damage: Below 3.0V/cell can lead to lithium dendrite formation, reducing capacity
Safety Risk: Over-discharge may cause battery expansion or even fire.
Solution: Use an ESC or BB ringer with a low voltage alarm (e.g. HobbyKing Battery Monitor)
HobbyKing Product Recommendation Moment :
Turnigy Rapid 6000mAh 4S (14.8V) 100C LiPo Battery Pack w/XT90 Connector For RC Cars
The HobbyKing 4S LiPo series offers a variety of capacities (e.g. 1500mAh~5000mAh) to meet the needs of different devices.
3.6S LiPo 22.2V (6 cells) is suitable for high power drones, racing RC cars and professional model airplanes, it is the best choice for high power applications with the following voltage characteristics:
- Full charge voltage: 25.2V (4.2V × 6)
- Nominal voltage: 22.2V (3.7V × 6)
- Minimum voltage limit: 18.0V (3.0V × 6), we recommend no less than 19.8V (3.3V/section)
Advantages of 6S LiPo
Higher efficiency: lower current for the same power, less heat generation
More power: for larger drones (e.g., 5" FPV) and 1/8 RC race cars
HobbyKing 6S LiPo Product Recommendation Moments: Turnigy Graphene: ultra-high discharge rate (65C~120C)
3.Why is voltage control so important? --The "invisible killer" that RC players are most likely to ignore.
RC modelers know that speed and power are the source of excitement, but what you don't know is that if you ignore the LiPo Battery Voltage Range, you will not only lose the excitement, but even the battery may be "scrapped"!
1. Voltage = key to performance output
The higher the voltage, the more stable the current, the more power, and the stronger the transient acceleration. Like many RC gods play with 6S LiPo 22.2V just for this.
2. Safety first, no kidding
Overcharging (above 4.2V/section): risk of explosion! I'm sure you've seen such news before.
Over-discharge (below 3.0V/section): bulging, liquid leakage, direct waste!
3. Battery life is all up to you.
-Ideally: charge to storage voltage (approx. 3.8V/cell) after use, then put away and recharge when in use. Avoid storing it fully charged: it will cause the battery to expand.
-Use a balancing charger (such as the HobbyKing Charger) to ensure that the voltage of each cell is equalized
-Charging current: 1C standard (e.g. 5A charging for 5000mAh battery)
-Prohibition of overcharging: no more than 4.2V per section
-After flight/travel: voltage should be maintained at 3.5V~3.8V/section
-Long-term storage: maintain 50%~60% power (3.8V/section)
Tip:
- HobbyKing Voltage Detector Plugged in and Ready to Go!
- Smart charger with voltage storage function
- Remember to "feed" or store the battery after playing, don't leave it empty!
-HobbyKing LiPo Sack (Fire Resistant Charging Bag) improves charging safety.
4.How to detect and manage LiPo Battery Voltage Range?
Recommended Tools:
- Balance Board(e.g. ToolkitRC U3 Compact 2~3S USB Type-C 25W 2A Balance Charger)
- HobbyKing voltage alarm
- Smart charger (e.g. IMAX B6)
Storage Recommendations:
- Storage voltage approx. 3.8V/section
- Do not store fully charged or empty
- Use a fireproof bag and keep it away from heat and humidity
5.HobbyKing brand advantages: safety, performance, cost-effective both
1. Prioritize safety
HobbyKing batteries are factory calibrated for voltage and tested for balance. Explosion-proof bags, alarms and other accessories are available to ensure full-cycle safety.
2. Full range coverage
3S, 4S, 6S products are all available, with a full range of plugs, suitable for all kinds of cars and models.
3. Technology Upgrade
Graphene Graphene Enhanced Series, Turnigy High Discharge, ZIPPY Lightweight, suitable for everyone from beginners to greats.
4. Global warehouse + service
There are warehouses in Europe, America and Asia, with fast logistics and support for 7-day return and half-year warranty.
5. Real community feedback
RC forums and review sites are full of positive feedback, and the product reputation is real.
6.Answers to frequently asked questions
Q1: How often is it appropriate to charge LiPo batteries?
It is recommended to charge to the storage voltage of 3.8V/cell after use and top up before use.
Q2: Is the bulge a voltage problem?
Yes. It is mostly caused by over-discharge, over-charge or improper use.
Q3: How to dispose of used batteries?
Soak them in salt water for 24 hours to deactivate them, and then send them to the environmental protection station for disposal.
Conclusion: Playing with RC starts with understanding LiPo Battery Voltage Range.
Proper understanding of LiPo battery voltage ranges (e.g. 3S LiPo voltage, 4S LiPo minimum limit, 6S LiPo 22.2V) is the key to ensure performance and longevity.HobbyKing, as a leading global RC battery brand, offers a wide range of cost-effective LiPo batteries to meet different needs.
HobbyKing Shopping Recommendations:
3S LiPo: for entry UAVs and RC vehicles
4S LiPo: The First Choice for Racing and Medium Power Devices
6S LiPo: Professional Grade High Power Applications
Follow proper charging and discharging methods with HobbyKing's premium batteries to get the best performance out of your device!
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