RC batteries & charging

Should you choose LiPo or NiMH?

NiMH means nickel-metal hydride; LiPo means lithium polymer. Choose a battery chemistry the vehicle’s speed control supports, then use a charger mode designed for that chemistry. An included NiMH package can reduce the first shopping list; a LiPo still needs its own charging process.

What do 2S, 3S and 6S mean?

S counts cells connected in series. Standard LiPo cells are 3.7 V nominal, so 2S is 7.4 V, 3S is 11.1 V and 6S is 22.2 V nominal. Standard LiPo maximum charge is 4.20 V per cell; do not use this setting for a different chemistry or LiHV pack.

How do you charge a LiPo safely?

1. Inspect the pack. Do not charge a damaged, swollen, leaking or abnormal pack.
2. Remove it from the model and let it cool. Use a non-flammable location, clear of combustible material.
3. Use a compatible LiPo balance charger. Confirm chemistry, cell count and the pack maker’s charge rate; never use NiMH mode.
4. Use the battery maker’s specified fire-resistant charging container or LiPo safety bag. A bag does not make a battery fire harmless.
5. Stay with the battery throughout charging. Do not charge unattended or overnight. Disconnect after charging.

What storage voltage should you use?

Reedy specifies about 3.8 V per cell for storage in its instructions. Use your charger’s storage function only as directed by the pack and charger makers; do not infer storage voltage from an estimated runtime or a percentage slider. Disconnect and remove packs from the vehicle and store as the maker directs, away from children, heat and combustible material.

Which connector and charging system do you need?

Traxxas iD adds battery identification to its compatible charging system. IC3 and IC5 are different connector sizes; some maker listings explicitly allow EC3/IC3 or EC5/IC5. XT60 and T-plug (often called Deans-style) use different plugs. Match polarity, voltage, current and the balance connection; do not treat an adapter as proof of compatibility.

Small IC2, PH and TRX-4M packages are separate systems. Smart G2 packs need a compatible Smart charger; read the exact pack manual. Our lineup shows each captured connector and leaves missing values visible.

How should you choose a charger?

Start with supported chemistry and cells, then the correct power connector and balance method. Check AC or DC input, any required wall supply, charge-power limits and the battery maker’s allowed charge rate. Dual outputs matter only when the charger supports your two packs and their settings.

The GORGON’s S120 USB-C package still needs a suitable USB supply. The Mini-T package also lists an 18W+ QC 2.0/3.0 supply as a separate requirement. Read these lists before buying a charger by wattage alone.

What should you do with a damaged pack?

Stop using it. Follow the battery maker’s abnormal-pack instructions and local hazardous-waste or recycling guidance; do not put a damaged LiPo back on a charger. The Reedy instructions direct used or damaged packs to a hazardous-waste facility or recycling center.