When you want to get more run-time, power, or speed out of your electric Traxxas R/C vehicle nothing matches the performance of Traxxas Power Cell iD LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries. The increased capacity gives you more dirt-roosting, pavement-scorching fun between charges and more voltage means more power for taking down speed limits. The following article contains some helpful information on LiPo batteries.

Understanding Capacity
A battery’s capacity refers to the amount of energy the pack can store. Think of capacity as your model’s “gas tank”; the greater the capacity, the larger the gas tank, and the longer your model can run per charge. For example, a 7600mAh 2-Cell LiPo has more capacity than a 5800mAh 2-Cell LiPo. In addition to giving your model a longer run time per charge, using a pack with greater capacity also increases “punch,” the feeling of power you get when you accelerate from a standstill or out of turns.

What is “mAh”?
One milliamp is a thousandth of an amp, and amps are the measure of load or “current draw” on the battery. To convert milliamps to amps, divide by 1000; for example, 7600mAh is equal to 7.6 amps. Milliamp-hours, or amp-hours, refer to the amount of current draw the battery can sustain for one hour. To continue with the example of a 7600mAh battery, it would handle a load of 7600 milliamps (or 7.6 amps) for one hour. Since your powerful Traxxas R/C vehicle will likely draw more than 7.6 amps, it will run less than an hour per charge. The important thing to remember is this: the larger the capacity number, the longer your run time.

Voltage Explained
The more voltage a battery has, the faster your car will go. Battery voltage is determined by the number of cells in the battery. LiPo cells have 3.7 volts per cell. Because of this, they need fewer cells to provide the voltage needed for high-performance. Traxxas iD Power Cell LiPos are available with 2 cells (7.4 volts) and 3 cells (11.1 volts).

2S, 3S
LiPo batteries contain 2 or 3 cells connected in series (S). A battery pack with 2 cells is a “2S” battery, and a pack with 3 cells is a “3S” battery. Therefore, a 2S battery has 7.4 volts, and a 3S battery has 11.1 volts. If your vehicle or speed control is rated for “6S” and has two battery plugs, such as the E-Revo Brushless Edition, you can plug two 3S packs into it for a total of “6S” or two 2S packs would be “4S.”

Series and Parallel
“Series” connection means the cells are connected inside the pack; the first cell’s positive tab is connected to the second cell’s negative tab. This combines their voltages. The two 3.7 volt cells deliver 7.4 volts combined. The other way to connect the cells is in parallel (P), which means the cell’s tabs are connected “positive to positive” and "negative to negative”. This combines their capacities. If you look at the specifications of your Traxxas iD Power Cell LiPo, you may see that your 2S pack is actually 2S2P, meaning it has two pairs of cells, each connected in parallel (2P), and the two pairs of cells are then connected in series (2S).

What is “iD”?
Traxxas’ exclusive iD technology takes all the guesswork out of charging you LiPo batteries. The iD system makes charging safer and more efficient. The iD technology allows the charger to sense what type of battery has been plugged in. The charger identifies what battery type and automatically optimizes the charge settings for the best charge possible. There’s no programming or guessing with numbers and menus. Just plug that battery and press “Start”; it really is that simple.

Charging and Storing LiPo Batteries
It is critical for the longevity of your batteries and your personal safety that you always use the correct charger or charger settings for your battery, and observe all the precautions outlined in your battery and charger documents. Failure to use a LiPo balance charger to charge LiPo batteries can result in explosion, fire, and personal injury! The Traxxas EZ-Peak Plus (part #2970) or EZ-Peak Plus Dual (part #2972) charger with iD Auto Battery Identification can be used with all Traxxas iD-equipped LiPo batteries. Always place your LiPo battery in a fire-retardant/fireproof container while charging. All rechargeable batteries should be charged in a fire-retardant/fireproof container and on a non-flammable surface, such as concrete.

LiPo batteries should be stored at 50% capacity. Store LiPo batteries in a fire-retardant/fireproof container. Do NOT store LiPo batteries discharged, as this will reduce battery performance and may lead to over-discharging if the packs are stored in a discharged state for longer than 7 days. The Traxxas EZ-Peak Plus chargers (part #2970, or #2972) make it easy to store LiPo battery packs properly; just select the Storage mode, and it will charge or discharge the pack to the proper storage voltage.

LiPos and Low Voltage Detection
Over-discharging a Traxxas iD LiPo battery will cause irreparable damage and may cause battery failure. To prevent over-discharging, only use Traxxas iD Power Cell LiPo batteries with an electronic speed control (ESC) that has Low Voltage Detection. All current Traxxas vehicles equipped with the XL-5, VXL-3s, VXL-3m, and MXL-6s ESCs have Low Voltage Detection. Traxxas ESCs will show a green light to indicate Low Voltage Detection is turned on; the MXL-6s ESC will beep once for each LiPo cell it detects (for example, 4 beeps if you have installed two 2-cell packs in your model). The MXL-6s ESC automatically activates Low Voltage Detection when it detects a LiPo battery connection. If you are uncertain about how to turn on and use Low Voltage Detection, consult your vehicle's manual or click here for some helpful support instructions. If you need further assistance, feel free to call 1-888-TRAXXAS. We're happy to help!

Never Use a Damaged Battery
Never use a LiPo battery that has visible damage to its outer covering. Never use a LiPo battery that feels soft, or has swollen.To discharge a damaged battery, place it in an open, safe area away from flammable materials. Observe the battery for at least 30 minutes to be certain no additional swelling or rupture occurs. You can completely discharge the battery by submerging it in a saltwater solution (1/2 cup salt per gallon of water) for 24 hours. The battery may then be disposed of in the trash. LiPo batteries are landfill-safe.