Globally recognized brand in the RC industry, HobbyKing offers a wide range of high-performance RC Car Battery products suited to various configurations and vehicle models. This article dives deep into RC Car Battery Specifications, including details on arrma typhon 6s battery size, traxxas 3s lipo, and general rc car battery knowledge.
1. Core Battery Specification Breakdown
Choosing the right RC battery involves understanding three primary metrics: voltage, capacity, and discharge rate. These specifications directly affect your vehicle’s performance, from top speed to runtime and heat management.
(1)Voltage (V) and Cell Count (S)
Each LiPo (Lithium Polymer) battery is composed of one or more cells in series. Each cell provides a nominal voltage of 3.7V. The total voltage is calculated as:
Voltage = 3.7V × Number of Cells (S)
2S (7.4V): Common for lightweight and compact 1/16 or 1/10 scale on-road RC cars. Offers decent speed and safety for beginners.
3S (11.1V): A popular upgrade for 1/10 off-road, drift, and short course trucks. Provides noticeable power gains and is widely used in HobbyKing 3S LiPo systems.
4S (14.8V): Designed for more aggressive bashing or racing in 1/8 scale vehicles, delivering more torque and higher RPMs.
6S (22.2V): Reserved for extreme-performance setups, often used in 1/8 and 1/5 scale trucks like the HobbyKing 6S. Offers unmatched power but requires precision in handling and high-end ESCs.
(2)Capacity (mAh)
Capacity represents how much energy the battery can store. It's measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). The higher the capacity, the longer the runtime, but it also means more weight.
3000–5000mAh: Suited for sprint racing or short recreational use.
6000–8000mAh: A balance between runtime and weight, great for endurance racing or heavy off-road RC cars.
10000mAh+: Used in large-scale or crawler models where space allows for large battery trays.
(3)Discharge Rate (C Rating)
The discharge rate indicates how fast a battery can safely release its stored energy. A higher C rating supports more powerful motors and aggressive acceleration.
Continuous Current (A) = Capacity (Ah) × C Rating
For example, a 5000mAh (5Ah) 50C battery provides: 5 × 50 = 250A of continuous output.
30–50C: Basic performance, ideal for beginner setups or slower-speed RC vehicles.
60–100C: Competitive-level batteries capable of powering high-torque motors.
120C+: Professional-grade packs for drag racing, on-road speed runs, and high-end brushless motors.
Keep in mind that excessive C ratings can be overkill for certain ESC/motor combos and add unnecessary cost. Always match the battery’s specs with the system’s demands.
2. Battery Connector Types
HobbyKing’s Turnigy series supports a wide variety of plug configurations to meet user demands.
Connector |
Max Current |
Common Application |
XT60 |
60A |
Standard 1/10 cars |
XT90 |
90A |
1/8 competition cars |
EC5 |
120A |
High-power 1/5 cars |
T-Plug |
60A |
Legacy systems |
3. Battery Types: Hardcase vs Soft Pack vs Smart
Hardcase Batteries
Pros: Shock-resistant, ideal for off-road and short course
Recommended: Turnigy Hardcase Series
Soft Pack Batteries
Pros: Lightweight, suitable for track racing
Recommended: Zeee Racing Series
Smart Batteries
Features: Built-in chip for charge and health monitoring
Recommended: Spektrum Smart G2 Series
4. Vehicle and Battery Compatibility Table
Scale |
Recommended Specs |
Typical Runtime |
1/16 |
2S 2200mAh |
15–20 mins |
1/10 Drift |
2S 5000mAh |
20–25 mins |
1/10 Traxxas |
3S 5000–6000mAh 50–100C |
Around 20 mins |
1/8 Off-road |
4S 6000mAh 100C |
8–12 mins |
1/8 Arrma Typhon 6S |
6S 6000mAh 100C |
6–10 mins |
1/5 Monster |
12S 8000mAh (2 x 6S in series) |
10–15 mins |
1/10 HobbyKing Basher RZ-4 |
3S 4000–5000mAh 60C |
15–20 mins |
1/8 HobbyKing X-CAR Beast |
4S–6S 6000–8000mAh 100C |
8–12 mins |
1/10 HobbyKing Quanum Vandal |
2S 4000mAh 40C |
20–25 mins |
5.HobbyKing Battery Recommendations
For Traxxas 3S LiPo setups, we recommend HobbyKing 3S 5000mAh hardcase LiPo batteries with ≥50C discharge rates. For the Arrma Typhon 6S, choose HobbyKing6S 6000mAh 100C hardcase batteries with XT90 or EC5 connectors.
One of the standout options in the HobbyKing lineup is the Turnigy Rapid 5500mAh 3S2P 140C Hardcase LiPo Battery Pack w/XT90 Connector (ROAR Approved). This battery combines ultra-high discharge capability with ROAR certification, making it ideal for competitive 1/10 scale racing and performance-driven . The 3S2P configuration ensures balanced power delivery and extended runtime, while the hardcase design enhances safety and durability.
6. Charging and Maintenance Guidelines
- Use balance chargers; limit charge current to ≤1C
- Storage voltage should be set to 3.8V per cell
- Do not use batteries that are puffed, damaged, or under 3.0V per cell
- Always use LiPo-safe bags during transport and storage
- For Racing: Choose low internal resistance, high-discharge packs with optional supercapacitor modules
- For Endurance: Use parallel packs and efficient ESCs (e.g., Hobbyking)
7. Performance Upgrade Tips
8. Recommended Brands Ranking
Top Performance: Turnigy Graphene > CNHL Racing > SMC SRD
Best Value: Zeee > Hobbyking> Hoovo
OEM Integration: Hobbyking> Traxxas > Losi
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why does my fully charged battery not last long?
A1: Possible reasons include high internal resistance, ESC LVC set too high, or motor KV not matching voltage.
Q2: What battery fits the Arrma Typhon 6S?
A2: We recommend 6S 5000–6000mAh 100C LiPo batteries with XT90 or EC5 connectors. Best choice: HobbyKing Turnigy Series.
Q3: What’s ideal for Traxxas 3S setups?
A3: Use 3S 5000–6000mAh 50–100C hardcase LiPos, with T-Plug or Traxxas ID connectors.
Q4: Can I mix different batteries? A4: Not recommended. Even if specs match, a >5% difference in internal resistance may cause imbalance and heat issues.
Conclusion
Whether you're new to RC or a seasoned racer, understanding RC Car Battery Specifications is key to optimizing your driving experience. With HobbyKing’s broad selection of high-quality batteries and accessories, you can unlock the full potential of your RC vehicle.
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