LiPo Batteries Australia

Choosing the Right LiPo Battery

Choosing the right LiPo battery depends on the aircraft, motor and ESC setup, required flight time, and the type of flying you do. The key specifications to check are cell count, capacity, discharge rating and connector type. A battery that is physically the right size but has the wrong voltage or connector may not be suitable for your aircraft, so always check the manufacturer’s recommended battery specifications before use.
For FPV pilots, battery choice often involves balancing weight, power and flight time. Commercial UAV applications can place very different demands on a battery, with higher capacities and voltages required for heavier aircraft, longer endurance and professional payloads.

LiPo Cell Count and Voltage

LiPo batteries are commonly identified by their number of cells in series, shown as 1S, 2S, 3S, 4S, 6S and higher. Each standard LiPo cell has a nominal voltage of approximately 3.7V, so increasing the cell count increases the overall battery voltage.
Small micro and whoop-style aircraft commonly use 1S LiPo batteries, while 3S batteries are used across lighter FPV and RC applications. 4S LiPo batteries remain popular for a wide variety of FPV builds, while 6S LiPo batteries are widely used where higher voltage and performance are required.
Larger commercial aircraft can use much higher-voltage systems, including 12S and 14S configurations. Always match the battery voltage to the specifications of the aircraft, ESC and motor system.

Capacity: What Does mAh Mean?

Battery capacity is measured in milliamp hours (mAh) and gives an indication of how much energy the battery can store. In general, a higher-capacity battery can provide longer operating time, but it will also normally be larger and heavier.
For an FPV quad, adding too much battery weight can reduce agility and efficiency, so the largest battery is not automatically the best choice. Racing and freestyle pilots will often favour relatively compact packs, while long-range, fixed-wing and commercial UAV applications can benefit from significantly higher capacities where endurance is more important than manoeuvrability.

Understanding LiPo C Ratings

The C rating indicates the battery’s stated discharge capability. High-performance FPV aircraft can demand very high current during acceleration, punch-outs and rapid changes in throttle, which is why racing and freestyle batteries are often designed with high discharge ratings.
Commercial UAV batteries may prioritise energy density, endurance and consistent power delivery rather than the extremely high discharge characteristics required by a racing quad.
A higher C rating should not be treated as the only measure of battery quality. Cell construction, capacity, weight, aircraft requirements and the reputation of the manufacturer should all be considered when selecting a pack.

Choosing the Right Battery Connector

The connector must match the aircraft or power system unless an appropriate and correctly rated adapter is used. Common FPV and RC connectors include BT2.0, XT30, XT60, XT90 and AS150, with larger connectors generally used as current and battery size increase.
Always check both the connector type and polarity before connecting a battery. For higher-power UAV systems, the connector and associated wiring must also be appropriately rated for the current the aircraft can draw.
NextFPV stocks batteries from established manufacturers including Tattu and Gens Ace, across a wide range of capacities, voltages, discharge ratings and connector types.

FPV, RC and Commercial UAV Batteries

FPV batteries typically prioritise low weight, high discharge performance and compact dimensions. Racing and freestyle builds often use 4S or 6S packs, while smaller aircraft may use 1S, 2S or 3S batteries.
Commercial UAVs have different requirements. Mapping, surveying, inspection, agriculture, VTOL and industrial platforms may require high-capacity batteries designed for much larger aircraft and significantly longer operating times.
Our Commercial UAV Batteries range includes large-format LiPo and advanced battery options for professional drone applications, including higher-voltage and high-capacity systems. Selecting a battery for a commercial aircraft should be based on the aircraft manufacturer’s voltage, capacity, connector, weight and discharge requirements.

Standard LiPo vs LiHV Batteries

Standard LiPo and LiHV, or high-voltage lithium polymer, batteries use different maximum charge voltages. LiHV packs can be charged to a higher voltage per cell when used with a compatible charger and charging program.
Do not charge a standard LiPo using a LiHV charging mode. Always confirm the battery chemistry and use the correct charging profile specified by the battery manufacturer.

Charging and Storing LiPo Batteries

Use a quality balance charger suitable for the battery’s chemistry and cell count. NextFPV stocks LiPo battery chargers ranging from compact chargers for small FPV batteries through to high-power charging systems suitable for large-capacity UAV packs.
LiPo batteries should be monitored while charging and should not be charged if they are damaged, swollen or otherwise compromised. Use appropriate charging equipment and follow the battery and charger manufacturers’ instructions.
For batteries that will not be used for an extended period, use the appropriate storage-charge function where recommended. Store batteries in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and combustible materials.

LiPo Battery FAQs

What LiPo battery do I need?

Start with the aircraft manufacturer’s recommended cell count, capacity and connector. From there, consider battery weight, desired flight time and the current demands of your motor and ESC setup.

What does the C rating on a LiPo battery mean?

The C rating describes the battery’s stated discharge capability relative to its capacity. Higher-performance aircraft generally require batteries capable of supplying greater current.

Can LiPo batteries be shipped by air?

Lithium batteries are subject to strict transport restrictions and NextFPV does not ship LiPo batteries by air. Customers outside Greater Sydney should not select Express, Expedited or Air shipping options.

How should I store a LiPo battery?

Follow the battery manufacturer’s storage instructions and use a compatible charger’s storage function where appropriate. Avoid storing fully charged LiPo batteries for extended periods and keep them in a suitable cool, dry location.