Table of Contents
Introduction
Batteries are the heart of a RC car, and you need a fully functioning heart in order to keep it alive. RC car racing is rapidly becoming a popular hobby and that has increased the need for powerful cars as well. In order to power these cars, you will need a great battery along with it to truly reach the car’s potential.
A RC car usually comes with a battery right out of the box. This may be enough for people who drive it for once or twice and then forget about the car altogether. But for the hobbyist and enthusiasts, this standard battery simply doesn’t quite cut it. This is because these batteries tend to be underpowered and quite low in quality. Choosing a battery from the sea of choices can seem daunting but we are here to help you along the process of unleashing your RC car’s true power.
Importance of a Good Battery Pack for RC Cars
You might be wondering, “why can’t I use the already included battery pack that came with my RC car and why do I have to buy an aftermarket option?” well you don’t have to buy a battery pack at all, you can use the already included pack if you like. But that battery pack will not allow you to achieve the maximum potential which can be obtained from your RC car.
The included batteries are usually made from very low quality materials with a low capacity and low voltage rating as well. They are usually quite bulky, heavy and large in size which would further downgrade the performance. If you want to experience the true feeling of RC racing then you need to upgrade your battery.
Getting a great battery for your RC car can greatly boost your performance. This is because of increased capacity of your chosen battery and higher voltage count which allows for maximum power output. You will surely feel the difference. You will be flooded with options once you start looking and that become quite overwhelming. But there is no need to worry as with the right knowledge making a decision will be as easy as ABC.
Top 5 Remote Control Cars Battery Packs
Zeee 7.2V RC NiMH Battery
This is a high capacity battery from Zeee, with a total of 3600mAh equipped with 6 cells. This ensures that your RC car can keep going for long periods of time with a single charge and also guarantees to increase the longevity of your RC car. It measures at around 5.33*1.79*0.88 inch overall, which would fit in almost every RC car. It also weighs only 367.3 grams which is quite light considering the battery is a NiMH.
This battery delivers high power with its 7.2V NiMH variant. It provides 30 amps of discharge current which is great for pushing your RC cars to its limits. This is designed for high performance RC hobby racing and will pack a punch while delivering your car with the juice it needs.
This battery is compatible with most top spec RC vehicles which includes RC truggy, RC boat, RC tank and most importantly RC cars such as Tamiya, traxxas, LOSI etc. This provides you with a wide array of options to choose from so you can expand your RC fandom.
It is a 2 pack bundle which is rated at a whopping 3600mAh of capacity. This will be ample for your RC requirements and will last you a while before you need to charge up again. It comes enclosed in a durable hard case to protect from any external elements and is equipped with the commonly used Tamiya Plug.
Pros
- Designed for long runtime
- Rapid charging capabilities
- High capacity (3600mAh) which is enough for most
- Protection against over discharge
- Very double and environmentally friendly
Cons
- Wires are not made of the best quality
- Capacity might not be enough for enthusiasts
Verdict
Overall the Zeee 7.2V RC NiMH Battery is a great and reliable option for people looking to replace or upgrade their RC car’s battery. It provides great value for money and comes with a 30 day money back guarantee and a 12 month warranty for the ease of mind. This will satisfy the needs of most RC car hobbyists.
Flyinktech has brought us a great battery for the RC aficionados. This is a 5000mAh battery and this high capacity allows for great run times. It is a 7.2v 6 cell battery which is compatible with most RC brands and connections such as Traxxas, LOSI and Tamiya etc.
It comes equipped with a high power output pack with the added feature of convenient charging at any time with no memory effect whatsoever. It delivers consistent power with 15A of continuous discharge current with a high discharge rate. It has a long cycle life and has a high energy density as well.
Pros
- Compatible with most types of RC cars
- high capacity allows for longer run time
- Can be conveniently charged
- High power output
- Very durable
Cons
- Isn’t able to hold charge for a long period
- Capacity is limited compared to the advertised mAh
Verdict
All in all the is a great pick for anyone who is in the market for a RC car battery. This battery is quite cost effective and delivers on the performance front. It is also quite reliable and is highly acclaimed by customers, which makes it a great option for everyone.
This is a 5200mAh battery from GOLDBAT which is rated at 7.4v. It is a LiPo RC battery pack which allows it to be only 275 grams in weight; it also has quite a small form factor and measures at 5.43 x 1.77 x 0.9 inches. It is compatible with most RC connections as well.
It is made from Japan and Korean Li-Polymer raw materials and comes equipped with the technology for automatic stacking, which allows for better performance overall. It has a strict matching progress and has excellent power output consistency. It has up to 200Wh/kg energy density which is quite impressive and a very long life cycle. It is truly made to last.
Pros
- Quality raw materials from Japan and Korea used in solid construction
- Allows for automatic stacking technology which increases performance
- Very consistent power output
- Small form factor
- High capacity for long usage
Cons
- Voltage is not balanced between packs
- Quality is not above standard
Verdict
The is clearly built to last and doesn’t skimp on performance either. This being a LiPo battery allows for a much smaller footprint and a lightweight build as well. This is easily compatible with most RC cars and this makes this battery a great contender in the battery market.
Zeee LiPo Battery
This is another great option from the company Zeee. It is a whopping 8000mAh battery which is rated at 7.4v. It is made from top quality Lithium Polymer materials hence the classification of LiPo. It has a discharge of a 100C and comes with a Deans T Connector.
The battery is a LiPo battery which means it is quite light at 320grams and measures at around 5.43 x 1.85 x 0.98 inches which is quite smaller but is a bit larger than average LiPo batteries. The 2s LiPo battery is designed for most RC car brands and delivers very high performance and a long run time.
Pros
- Made from premium grade materials
- Built to last long and is very durable
- Very lightweight and reliable design
- Great value while not giving up on performance
- Long life cycle
Cons
- Case is not as durable
- Reported to swell in some cases
Verdict
Overall the Zeee LiPo Battery is a great option for anyone who wants a huge capacity to reach the potential of their RC car and to fully immerse themselves in this hobby. This battery is a LiPo type which makes this a very lightweight battery and is quite small in size. This will be ample for any enthusiast or hobbyist.
Gens Ace LiPo Battery
Gens ace makes professional batteries which are made from high quality raw materials from Japan and Korea. This battery is a 7600mAh battery which is rated at 7.4v and a 50C discharge rate. This is a LiPo battery which makes it lightweight (391grams) and smaller in size (6.02x 1.14 x 1.85 inches).
It has the ability to be quickly recharged and has a long life cycle of 150 times minimum. It has a high energy density of 200Wh/kg and is compatible with most RC brands. It comes with a Dean’s plug for connection as well.
Pros
- Very long life cycle which is rated for 150 times minimum
- High energy density which is 200Wh/kg
- Great consistent power output
- Made from high quality Japanese and Korean Lithium Polymer raw materials
- Feature of automatic stacking which increase performance
Cons
- Might require different aftermarket connectors for various cars
- Form factor a bit larger than standard LiPo batteries
Verdict
The Gens Ace LiPo Battery is a highly rated battery and has b4en a top choice for many people. It is made out of excellent quality materials which makes it very durable and reliable as well. It delivers great performance and combined with the LiPo capabilities this is quite a great choice for anyone looking for a better RC experience.
What to Look For When Choosing RC Cars Battery Packs
Price
When choosing the perfect battery for your RC car, the long list of options can seem overwhelming. These range from price to price and any person who is not equipped with the expertise to judge each battery might end up paying a large sum of money for a minimal gain in performance and output. So just be vary that, while you are making your pick, you need to research thoroughly to get the best price possible. You don’t want to end up wasting your money.
Capacity
In the process of choosing a battery, you need to know what is meant by capacity. Capacity is measured in milliamp hours or better known as mAh. This is the number which is usually mentioned on your battery which is usually mentioned in numbers e.g. 3000, 4000, 5000 etc. These numbers measured how long you will be able to run your RC car.
If the number is bigger, then it will run for a longer period of time. But that also means that it will take longer to charge that battery as well. The time duration also depends on the load or amp. If your RC car runs on a smaller amp then it will run for longer and vice versa. So just keep in mind “bigger the number (mAh) = longer it will run”.
Voltage
You need to know what voltage your chosen battery is able to deliver and how much can your RC car handle. Voltage is similar to capacity in the terms that more is better. But in the case of volts, you can only go up a certain amount according to the limit of your RC car. Most RC vehicles have a limit of voltage they can obtain before voltage protection kicks in and doesn’t run the battery or worse, you can fry your RC car.
Voltage measurement differs in both types of battery. In NiMh a single cell can deliver 1.2 volts so you usually see NiMH batteries with 6 or 7 cells. This makes them larger in size and heavier to carry, whereas in LiPo batteries a single cell is able to hold 3.7 volts so usually it is sold in a pack containing 2 or 3 cells. Just be sure to get the appropriate amount of voltage rated for your RC car.
NiMH or LiPo
When choosing a battery there are two main routes you can go for. These are NiMH and LiPo batteries. NiMH stands for Nickel Metal Hydride. This type of battery is usually found in the box when you buy your RC car, this is because they are relatively inexpensive and get the job done.
They are usually found with a pack containing 6 or 7 cells having 1.2v each, they are large in size and are quite heavy as well. The other type known as LiPo stands for Lithium Polymer. This type of battery is usually sold for enthusiasts or for people who want to test their RC vehicles to their limits.
They usually come in a pack containing 3 or 4 cells with 3.7v each. This makes them small in size and very lightweight compared to the standard NiMH battery. So when you are in the market for a battery, judge what you need and what you need it for. After doing that you can choose the type of battery you would rather go for. They both have their benefits and drawbacks but in the end it all comes down to preference.
Charging
One thing to consider when choosing a battery is that you need to know what amperage and voltage the battery is rated at and what type of battery it is. An appropriate charge needs to be used in order to safely and efficiently charge your battery. You need to get a charger which does not deliver low power output and should deliver the exact amount of amp and voltage required by your battery.
Another thing to notice while choosing your charger is the type of battery you are about to use. There are two types of batteries, NiMH and LiPo. These require different types of chargers as they have different architectures and power intake capabilities. Just be sure not to plug in the wrong charger as your battery might catch fire and may render the battery useless.
Recommendation
All the batteries mentioned are no doubt the best in class and will not disappoint you. But, we think that the best battery for your RC car is the Gens Ace 7600mAh 7.4V 2-Cell 50C LiPo Battery. This battery is no doubt an amazing option as it gives you the bang for your buck. It has a great capacity of 7600mAh which is quite amazing and is ample for any sort of RC car.
This is also a LiPo battery type which is highly recommended. This is because each cell holds 3.7volts and a total of only 2 cells make up this battery. This makes this battery extremely lightweight and small in size. This can enable it to fit anywhere while delivering the best performance possible. This is a great option for any normal user or even enthusiasts of RC racing.
Final Words
If you are satisfied with our top pick then we would advise you to go for it. But, if you feel as if you can find better options then be sure to properly research the market for the best value for money and according to your RC car capabilities.
Hopefully our top five picks have narrowed down your decision and have made the process easier for you. All the options mentioned are very reliable and deliver great performance. You won’t regret your decision if you decide to go for any of the batteries mentioned.
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