5S LiPo Battery: Everything You Need to Know

By Gerald, Updated on November 19, 2024

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Part 1. What is a 5S LiPo battery?

If you’re into RC vehicles, drones, or robotics, chances are you’ve come across the term 5S LiPo battery. But what exactly is it? A 5S LiPo battery is a lithium polymer battery pack made up of five cells connected in series. Each cell contributes to the battery’s total voltage and power.

Why are these batteries so popular? Simple—they’re powerful, lightweight, and can deliver high bursts of energy. They’re perfect for applications where weight matters but performance cannot be compromised. For example, drones need batteries that won’t weigh them down but still provide enough juice to keep them airborne.

Key characteristics of 5S LiPo batteries include:

High energy density.
Compact design.
Stable discharge rates.
Rechargeability with long lifespan (when maintained well).

Part 2. How many cells does a 5S LiPo battery have?

The “5S” designation tells you exactly how many cells are inside. In this case, five individual cells are connected in series (hence the “S”). This arrangement adds the voltage of each cell together, creating a total nominal voltage of 18.5V (3.7V × 5).

Each cell in a 5S LiPo battery works together but must be carefully monitored to avoid overcharging or over-discharging. That’s where balance charging comes into play—it ensures all cells maintain the same voltage level, preventing damage and extending the battery’s lifespan.

Part 3. Basic components

To truly understand a 5S LiPo battery, you need to know what’s inside. Let’s break it down:

Lithium Polymer Cells: These are the heart of the battery, storing energy and releasing it as needed.
Series Configuration: This connects the cells in a chain to combine their voltages.
Balance Leads: Thin wires that allow the charger to monitor and balance the voltage of each cell.
Power Leads: Heavier wires that deliver energy to your device.
Battery Management System (BMS): A circuit that protects against overcharging, deep discharging, and overheating.
Outer Casing: Usually a hard or soft shell that protects the internal components.
Connectors: Common types include XT60 or Deans plugs, which connect the battery to your device.

Part 4. Voltage

The voltage of a 5S LiPo battery is its defining feature. Understanding it ensures you use and charge the battery safely.

Nominal Voltage: 18.5V (3.7V per cell). This is the standard operating voltage.
Fully Charged Voltage: 21.0V (4.2V per cell). Never exceed this during charging, as it can lead to overheating or damage.
Cut-off Voltage: Around 15V (3.0V per cell). Discharging below this can permanently damage the cells.
Operating Voltage Range: Between 15V and 21V.

Pro tip: Always use a balance charger to maintain proper voltage levels for each cell. It’s not just about safety—it also prolongs your battery’s life.

Part 5. Capacity

Capacity is what determines how long your battery can power a device. For 5S LiPo batteries, common capacities range from 1000mAh to 5000mAh. A higher capacity means longer runtime but also increases the battery’s size and weight.

For example:

A 1000mAh battery might last 5–10 minutes in a drone but is lightweight and ideal for smaller models.
A 5000mAh battery can last 20–30 minutes but adds significant weight, which might affect performance.

Always balance capacity with your device’s requirements to ensure optimal performance.

Part 6. Weight

Weight matters more than you might think. A typical 5S LiPo battery weighs between 300g and 800g, depending on its capacity and construction.

Why does this matter? In drones, for instance, every gram counts. A heavier battery can reduce flight time and agility. On the flip side, a lightweight battery may not provide enough runtime for high-energy tasks.

Part 7. Discharge C rating

The C rating tells you how quickly a battery can discharge its energy. Common ratings for 5S LiPo batteries are 1-10C, 20C, 30C, 50C, or higher.

Here’s why it’s important:

A higher C rating means the battery can handle more intense power demands.
However, it also drains the battery faster and can lead to more heat generation.

For example, a 5000mAh 20C battery can deliver 100A (20 × 5) continuously. But if your device requires more current, you’ll need a battery with a higher C rating.

Part 8. Internal resistance

Internal resistance is a measure of how easily energy flows through the battery. Lower resistance means better performance. Most 5S LiPo batteries have an internal resistance of 1–10 milliohms per cell.

Why does this matter?

Low resistance ensures efficient energy transfer and minimal heat buildup.
High resistance can lead to power loss and overheating, reducing the battery’s lifespan.

Part 9. Plug types

The plug type determines how you connect your battery to your device. Popular options include:

XT60: Common for drones and RC vehicles.
XT90: Handles higher currents.
Deans (T-Plug): Widely used in RC applications.
JST: For smaller, lower-power devices.
EC5: For high-power applications.

Always check your device’s requirements to choose the right plug.

Part 10. Applications

The versatility of 5S LiPo batteries is impressive. Here are some common uses:

Drones and quadcopters: Lightweight and powerful.
RC cars: High speed and quick acceleration.
RC boats: Reliable power for extended use.
Electric skateboards: Compact and efficient.
Robotics: Ideal for agile and autonomous systems.
Portable power tools: High energy density makes them perfect.
Airsoft guns: Reliable for sustained operation.

Part 11. Price

You can expect to pay between $30 and $150 for a 5S LiPo battery. The price depends on factors like capacity, C rating, and brand. While it’s tempting to go for cheaper options, investing in a reputable brand often means better safety, performance, and longevity.