11.1 V LiPo Batteries

This is a guide to 11.1v LiPo batteries on the market right now.  First lets cover some of the basics of LiPo batteries.

What Are LiPo Batteries?

Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are not a new type of battery.  If you own a laptop, cell phone, PDA, or an iPod then you’re probably already using LiPo batteries.  LiPo batteries are relatively new to the RC car hobby, becoming more popular in the recent years.  The two biggest differences between LiPo batteries and NiCad or NiMH batteries is that LiPo batteries are much lighter, and offer much longer run times.

I remember just a few years back NiCad batteries with a capacity of 1,200 mAh were common, but now LiPo batteries come in capacities of 5,000 mAh and higher.

11.1V 3S LiPo Batteries

LiPo batteries come in different cell counts sizes, ranging from 1S to 6S.  The “S” in 1S or 6S stands for “Series” and simply just means how many batteries are connected in series.  By connecting batteries in Series we increase the Voltage of the battery pack.  11.1 V LiPo batteries are known as 3-cell / 3S packs.

Here’s a quick reference chart of different LiPo packs connected in series with counts from 1S to 6S:

• 1S = 3.7 Volts
• 2S = 7.4 Volts
• 3S = 11.1 Volts
• 4S = 14.8 Volts
• 5S = 18.5 Volts
• 6S = 22.2 Volts

LiPo Battery Chargers

One of the most important things you must know about LiPo batteries is that you must use a specially designed battery charger specifically made for LiPo batteries.  If you try to use a battery charger made for NiCad or NiMH batteries to try to charge your LiPo pack you will damage the battery, and very likely start a fire.

LiPo Battery Safety Issues

One of the most important things to keep in mind with LiPo batteries is that you must use the right battery charger to charge your batteries or you risk not only damaging the battery but actually having it explode in a giant fireball setting your house or car on fire.

As an RC Basher, you should also know that if you damage your battery during a bad crash, keep the battery in a safe spot for at least one to two hours after a crash as it is possible that it may catch on fire if the battery was damaged during the crash and a chemical reaction/leak happened.

Who Makes 11.1 V LiPo Batteries

Several manufacturers are now making 11.1 V LiPo batteries.   Here’s a short list of some of the manufacturers:

• ACE Acepow Electronics
• CORE RC
• Common Sense RC
• Empire RC – Hyperion
• Hobbyking – Zippy Pack
• JGB RC
• SMC
• Speed Power
• Team Checkpoint
• Thunder Power RC
• True RC
• Venom Group RC

Where to Buy 11.1 V LiPo Batteries

One the best places to compare prices and options on LiPo battery packs is Amazon.

Click on the link below to see all the latest prices on 11.1 V LiPo packs:

11.1 V LiPo Battery Pack Prices and Buying Options