2 Main RC Battery Types, Explained
Although there are more than 2 types of batteries for RC cars. Most people stick to two main types. This is because the cars that are manufactured today require a certain type of battery.
Left NiMH Battery from Zeee -Amazon Link
Below 3S LiPo Battery from Spektrum- Amazon Link
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First up is Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH). These are easier, and safer to use. They are cost effective and last a long time with repeated charging. Next is Lithium Polymer (LiPo). These lightweight, large capacity batteries can dish out the power. That power will come at a higher cost. They also require some more care than the NiMH.
One of the parameters to look at when choosing a battery, whether it is NiMH, or LiPO is the capacity. The capacity is measured in milliampere hours (mAh). mAh is used to refer to the amount of energy the battery can store. The higher the capacity, the higher the mAh rating, the longer the battery should last. Next you will need to find out how many volts are needed to power the RC car you have. Manufacturers will tell you on the box, or in the manual. Both battery types are broken down by cells. That is the number of batteries wired in series, within a case to get the needed voltage to power the car. NiMH batteries are usually 1.2 volts per cell. So, if your car requires 7 volts to work properly, you would buy a 6 cell battery. Which would produce 7.2 volts (6x1.2). If you are using LiPo batteries, they are usually 3.7 volts per cell. Using the same math if you had a 6 cell LiPo it would be 22.2 volts. For some reason manufacturers designate the cells in the batteries with the letter S. For example 3S is a 3 cell, 6s a 6 cell, and so on.
Now for the differences between NiMH, and LiPo. NiMH are cheaper, easier to use, and charge. NiMH are safer, but if LiPo is cared for properly it would also be safe. You can get much more power from A LiPo in a smaller package. NiMH are limited to the space you have in the RC car for the battery. That in turn limits the power as compared to LiPo which can get more power out of less space. LiPo batteries have a C rating which refers to the discharge rate. Higher C ratings allow power hungry RC cars to have faster runs. Also, faster charge times. NiMH does not state the C rating. For the most part the cells of a NiMH battery could discharge unbalanced causing issues. That cannot be controlled by us, whereas LiPo cells can be charged and discharged balanced, for better longevity, and performance.
Overall, the type of battery you will need may be determined by the RC car you are wanting to power. But there are some cars that can use both. For these if you want the easy way, and don't care as much for power then go with the NiMH. If you want the maximum in everything, and don't mind some extra care steps, and you have some extra cash to spend. Go for LiPo.
Whichever RC car you have or are thinking of buying remember you can always ask your local hobby shop for advice. I am sure they would love to see you in the store. Most of them are very knowledgeable. Then just get your batteries charged, whatever ones you choose, and go have fun driving your RC car.
Please remember to use protective bags with your LiPo batteries
There are many different brands of LiPo bags on the market. I have found that most of them will do their job just fine.
Amazon Link for one of the bags I use
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