LiPo batteries are great for discharging more current than other batteries. It can provide the necessary current for your RC car.
However, with the C rating, the current delivery rate changes.
Hence, knowing the differences between 50c vs 80c vs 100c LiPo is important.
The main difference between 50C, 80C, and 100C LiPO is the discharge rate. 50C has a discharge rate of 50 times the pack capacity. Whereas, 100C has a discharge rate of 100 times. Even 100C battery is bigger than 80C and 50C. However, 50C has the least operating temperature than 80C and 100C.
Even though this bit of information is useful, it isn’t enough. C rating can drastically affect performance. Hence, you need to dive deeper.
So, let’s get started.
Short Head-to-Head Comparisons
People may choose a battery between LiPo or NiMH for RC cars. When choosing a LiPo battery, the C rating matters.
So, what does 50C mean on a LiPo battery?
The 50C rating means the battery can deliver the current at 50 times the pack capacity. In some cases where more power is required, it can deliver up to 100 times the pack capacity. It is a popular C rating for RC cars. Going higher can increase the speed and motor rotation.
So, you need to know the differences between 50C, 80C, and 100C battery ratings. Analyzing it will help you to get the perfect LiPo battery.
Don’t worry! This short comparison table may come in handy.
| Factors | 50C LiPo Battery | 80C LiPo Battery | 100C LiPo Battery |
| Discharge Rate | 50 Times the Battery Capacity | 80 Times the Packs Capacity | 100 Times the Packs Capacity |
| Burst Rate | 100 Times the Battery Capacity | 160 Times the Battery Capacity | 200 times the Battery Capacity |
| Nominal Voltage | 3.7 V | 3.7 V | 3.7 V |
| Charging Duration | It depends on Battery Capacity and Charging Amperage | ||
| Operating Temperature | Up to 90° F | Up to 110° F | Up to 120° F |
| Battery Size | 113 x 39.5 x 29mm | 129 X 43 X 31mm | 130 x 45 x 35 mm |
| Battery Runtime | Most | Less than 50C LiPo | Least |
| Internal Resistance | 7 ohms | 12 ohms | 15 ohms |
| Current Delivery | Least | More than 50C LiPo | Most |
You can see the differences each LiPo battery has. It’s helpful, yet you can learn more from the in-depth comparison.
In the next section, I will discuss it.
In-Depth Head-to-Head Comparisons
Not only the C rating but also the cut-off voltage of LiPo affect the performance. To treat your curiosity, this section will dive you through the C ratings of LiPo.
So, let’s see the differences in detail.
Discharge Rate
The number of electricity being supplied varies the performance of an RC car. Some extra boost of electricity can deliver more speed. Hence, let’s talk about the main discharge rate first.
As mentioned before, the C rating describes the current discharge rate. But, how can you calculate it?
For instance, a 3000 mAh battery has a 50C discharge rate. Then, the actual current discharge will be 3000 mAh X 50= 3 Amps x 50= 150 Amps. You need to convert the mAh into Amperage first.
For the same battery capacity, the 80C will discharge more current. For that, it will be 3 Amps X 80= 240 Amps.
But, the 100C LiPo will deliver more current. Because 100C LiPo battery meaning is the current supply of 100 times the battery capacity. The current discharge for the same battery capacity is 3 Amps X 100= 300 Amps.
Summary: 100C LiPo batteries provide more current than 80C and 50C LiPo batteries respectively.
Burst Rate
Imagine a scenario while bashing or racing, you need to use full throttle. You need more speed in a short span of time. The LiPo battery can discharge more current in that case. It is termed the burst rate.
For the 50C LiPo battery, the burst rate is 100 times the battery size. For a few minutes, you can enable this. However, it will drain the battery faster.
On the other hand, an 80C LiPo battery has a burst rate of 160 times. It is more compared to the 50C LiPo battery.
Nevertheless, a 100C LiPo battery comes with a burst rate of 200 times. This is the highest on the list.
Summary: 100C LiPo battery has more burst speed than 80C and 50C LiPo batteries respectively.
Internal Resistance
The internal resistance results in the generation of heat. More internal resistance can cause less heat. The internal resistance can alternate the Amp draw on a motor.
With that said, 50C LiPo batteries have an internal resistance of 7 ohms.
Whereas, the 80C LiPo batteries have an internal resistance of 12 ohms. It is due to the fact that it delivers more current.
But, the 100C LiPo batteries have 15 ohms of internal resistance. Going less can cause the battery to overheat.
Summary: 50C has less internal resistance than 80C and 100C respectively.
Operating Temperature
While driving an RC car, the battery temperature can affect its performance. If the battery gets too heated, it will cause a performance drop.
Now, the 50C has an operating temperature of up to 90° F. Whereas, the 80C’s operating temperature is up to 110° F.
However, 100C has the most operating temperature. The LiPo battery can go up to 120° F. It is because it supplies more current continuously than 50C and 80C LiPo batteries.
Summary: 50C has the least operating temperature. Then comes 80C and 100C respectively.
Battery Size
For the compatible LiPo battery for your RC, the size of the battery matters. The C rating can differ on the size of the battery. However, it also depends largely on the battery capacity.
The size of a 50C LiPo battery is 113 x 39.5 x 29mm.
But, the size of the 80C LiPo battery is bigger than 50C LiPo. Its dimension is 129 X 43 X 31mm.
Nevertheless, the size of a 100C LiPo battery is 130 x 45 x 35 mm. It is the largest in this comparison.
Summary: 100C LiPo batteries are the largest. Then comes 80C and 50C respectively.
Price
Lastly, the price of a LiPo battery matters the most. Whatever LiPo battery you go with, it should be well within your budget. However, the price largely depends on the battery capacity, not the C rating.
The 50C LiPo battery with different LiPo cells and capacities can cost between $20-$80. Let’s see some of the best 50C LiPo batteries.
- For the huge battery capacity and discharge rate, go for Zeee 2S 50C 5200mAh LiPos.
- For a 3S battery, Zeee 5200mAh 50C 11.1V 3S RC LiPo Battery is a good choice.
- For more battery capacity and current supply, HRB 6000mAh 50C RC LiPo Battery is ideal.
The 80C LiPo battery can cost slightly more than the 50C LiPo battery. The price ranges from $20-120. Now, some of the best 80C LiPo batteries on the market are listed below.
- A standard and more compatible 80C LiPo batteries are the Zeee 80C 5200mAh LiPo.
- For more battery capacity, go for Zeee 6000mAh 80C Lipo Battery.
- A great runtime and current supply can be provided by Zeee 14.8V Lipo Battery 80C.
However, the 100C LiPo batteries can cost more than 50C and 80C LiPo batteries. The best LiPo batteries with a 100C rating are given below.
- If you want a more current supply, then Zeee Lipo Battery 5200mAh 100C is ideal.
- For more durability, go for HOOVO 2S 7.4V 100C 5000mAh.
- An efficient output can be delivered with RCPOWER 6000mAh Lipo Battery 100C.
Summary: The price varies on the battery capacity.
So, Which C Rating Will Be Ideal for You?
With greater C ratings, LiPo batteries provide more advantages. A LiPo with a higher rating will give you more of everything.
There are several advantages to the 100C battery. This LiPo battery will provide you with a greater power supply and faster speed. However, the battery’s size will increase.
By selecting a low rating, you can purchase smaller batteries. However, that will have negative consequences and be less effective than the 100C. Therefore, you must first be certain of your desires.
Choosing higher rating LiPo batteries can shorter the lifespan of the motor. So, keep these in mind while choosing a LiPo battery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Should I Choose an RC Car Battery?
The battery for the remote control automobile should be selected based on its capacity. You get a longer battery life with the 5000mAh battery than the 2500mAh. The RC car’s fuel source is its RC battery. So, choose a battery with a bigger capacity.
Does a Higher mAh Mean More Power?
No, a higher mAh does not translate into more power. The RC vehicle battery’s C-rating is comparable to a higher power. The battery capacity is simply shown by the mAh rating.
How Should I Select an RC Car Battery?
The battery for the RC should be selected based on its capacity. You get a longer battery life with the 5000mAh battery than the 2500mAh. The RC car’s fuel source is its RC battery. However, cell counts can differ the compatibility. Ideally, a 2S or 3S LiPo battery can do the job.
