Different battery types for RC cars

Looking for the right RC car battery type but confused by all the technical terms? You're not alone. Saddle, stick, shorty - these names can feel overwhelming when you just want your RC car to run properly.

Our racing team has tested over 200 batteries across 15 years of European competition. We know exactly which battery types work best for different RC cars and driving styles. After seeing too many beginners frustrated by poor battery choices, we created this guide.

The wrong battery choice leads to poor performance, damaged electronics, or safety issues. With the right information, you'll pick the perfect battery for maximum speed, runtime, and reliability.

Quick Overview: RC Car Battery Types

Here's a quick reference for all RC car battery types covered in this guide:

Battery Chemistry Types

Main RC Car Battery Chemistry Types

RC car batteries come in five main chemistry types. Each offers different advantages for performance, safety, and cost.

NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) RC Car Batteries

NiMH batteries are the safest option for RC cars, operating at 6V-8.4V (5-7 cell configurations) with 1800-5000mAh capacity and 10-20C discharge rates. The most common configuration is 7.2V (6-cell). Best for beginner RC cars and RTR vehicles like the Tamiya TT-02 and Traxxas Slash. Advantages include affordable pricing, simple wall charger compatibility, and excellent handling durability. However, they suffer from memory effect, are heavier than lithium options, and typically provide 200-500 charge cycles. While NiMH batteries are safer and more forgiving to handle, they generally have shorter lifespans than LiPo batteries due to memory effect and chemistry limitations. Perfect for learning but limiting for high-performance applications.

Compatible with: All standard RC cars using Tamiya connectors (15A limit). Most RTR vehicles include appropriate chargers.

Learn more about differences between NiMH and LiPo batteries.

LiPo (Lithium Polymer) RC Car Batteries

LiPo batteries are the performance choice for serious RC enthusiasts, ranging from 7.4V (2S) up to 22.2V (6S) with 2000-8000mAh capacity and 25-100C+ discharge rates. EuroRC stocks the complete range from 2S to 6S configurations: 2S (7.4V) for standard performance, 3S (11.1V) for racing, 4S (14.8V) for high performance, 5S (18.5V) for specialized applications, and 6S (22.2V) for extreme performance and speed runs. The Tekno EB48 2.0 handles both 2S and 3S, while the XRAY T4 accepts 2S only. A 3500KV motor spins 25,900 RPM on 2S and 38,850 RPM on 3S. Benefits include high power, lightweight construction (30-40% lighter than NiMH), no memory effect, and typically last 300-500+ charge cycles with proper care. Requires careful handling, balance chargers, and LiPo-safe storage.

Compatible with: Racing brands (XRAY, Tekno, Team Associated, TLR, Yokomo) using Deans/T-Plug or XT60 connectors (60A+ capability). Requires intelligent balance chargers. Traxxas Note: Verify compartment dimensions - Traxxas uses non-standard sizing and proprietary iD connectors.

Our basic LiPo battery knowledge and how to use and charge LiPo batteries guides provide safety information. Understanding markings on LiPo batteries helps with selection.

LiFe & Li-ion RC Car Batteries

LiFe (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries offer the safest lithium chemistry at 6.6V-9.9V with excellent cycle life and reduced fire risk. Temperature range of -20°C to +60°C works well in various climates. Li-ion batteries provide high capacity at 7.4V-11.1V, costing less than LiPo while offering better performance than NiMH. Trade-off is lower 10-30C discharge rates. Both excel where safety and longevity matter more than maximum performance, perfect for scale builds and crawler applications like the Traxxas TRX-4.

Compatible with: Most standard RC cars using XT60 or Deans connectors. Works with intelligent chargers designed for lithium chemistries.

Check our LiFe batteries category for available options.

Alkaline RC Car Batteries

Alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable cells providing 1.5V each with limited current capability (under 1A continuous). Found in toy-grade RC cars and transmitters where convenience matters more than performance. Readily available and require no charging equipment, but ongoing cost and limited power make them unsuitable for hobby-grade RC applications. Most hobby-grade RC cars require 10-50A current delivery that alkaline batteries cannot provide safely. Consider only for basic toys or emergency transmitter power.

RC Car Battery Size Types

RC car batteries come in standardized physical sizes set by racing organizations IFMAR, ROAR, and EFRA. All major racing brands use these compatible dimensions.

Stick Pack RC Batteries

Stick pack batteries measure 139mm long, 46mm wide, and 25mm high. This size came from the original 6-cell NiMH configuration and remains the most common format today.

Stick packs work perfectly for touring cars like the XRAY T4 and Yokomo BD7, 2WD buggies such as the Team Associated B6.1, and short course trucks including the Tekno SCT410. The long, narrow shape fits battery compartments while providing optimal weight distribution.

You can find stick packs in both NiMH (1800-4700mAh) and LiPo (2000-5000mAh) chemistries. The standardized size means batteries from different manufacturers will fit your car as long as the connector matches.

Browse our hard case packs selection for durable stick pack options.

Shorty Pack RC Batteries

Shorty pack batteries are 95-100mm long but maintain the same width and height as stick packs. This compact size saves approximately 100 grams compared to full-length batteries while providing excellent tuning flexibility.

Off-road racing and competition builds benefit most from shorty packs. The weight savings improve handling characteristics and allow more precise center of gravity adjustment. The Yokomo YD-2 drift cars perform exceptionally well with 2S 5000mAh shorty LiPo batteries for optimal weight balance.

The shorter length means slightly less capacity than stick packs (typically 4000-5000mAh vs 5000-6000mAh), but the weight benefits often outweigh the runtime reduction. You can also use shorty packs instead of saddle configurations in some cars for increased flexibility.

Our shorty batteries category includes options specifically chosen for racing performance and reliability.

Saddle Pack RC Batteries

Saddle pack batteries are half the length of stick packs (approximately 70mm) and designed to be used in pairs. You can arrange them side-by-side (square or block configuration) or in-line depending on your car's layout requirements.

4WD buggies like the Team Associated B6.2 and mid-motor 2WD cars traditionally used saddle packs for better weight distribution. The split configuration helps balance the car and can improve handling characteristics in specific applications.

However, saddle packs have limited availability in today's market. Most manufacturers focus on stick and shorty formats because they're more versatile. You'll mainly find saddle packs for specific vintage or specialty applications.

If your car was designed for saddle packs, consider whether shorty packs might work instead. They often provide better performance with more available options.

RC Car Battery Selection by Application

Different RC car types require specific battery characteristics based on their power demands and usage patterns.

Racing Applications

1/10 Touring cars work best with stick pack LiPo batteries in 7.4V to 11.1V configurations. The XRAY T4 chassis requires 2S batteries only, while the Yokomo BD7 can handle 2S or 3S depending on motor choice.

1/8 Buggy racing typically uses shorty pack LiPo batteries with 25C+ discharge rates. The Tekno EB48 2.0 accepts both 2S and 3S configurations. Weight savings matter significantly in off-road racing.

Drift Cars need smooth power delivery rather than maximum performance. The Yokomo YD-2 performs best with 2S LiPo batteries providing 4000-5000mAh capacity. Higher voltages can make drift cars too aggressive.

For getting started, check our RC car beginner guide and best RC cars for beginners.

Beginner Applications

Ready-to-Run RC Cars almost always include NiMH stick packs at 7.2V. The Tamiya TT-02 and Traxxas Slash RTR models provide good performance while maintaining safety and simplicity.

Entry-Level Builds benefit from NiMH batteries because they're forgiving of charging mistakes and don't require special safety equipment.

Our RTR car start-up guide provides complete setup information for ready-to-run vehicles.

Essential Safety Guidelines

Proper battery care prevents dangerous situations and protects your investment.

LiPo batteries require balance chargers and should never be left charging unattended. Store them in LiPo-safe bags and maintain storage voltage (3.8V per cell) for long-term health. Check for damage before each use - dispose of swollen or damaged batteries immediately.

NiMH batteries are much more forgiving but benefit from occasional full discharge to prevent memory effect. Store in cool, dry locations and use appropriate chargers.

Universal safety applies to all types: use correct chargers, avoid extreme temperatures, and inspect connections regularly for damage or corrosion.

For technical guidance, see how to change battery plugs and how to solder ABC. For motor compatibility, check our ESC & motor choice guide.

For charging equipment, see our guide on how to choose a RC charger. Browse our chargers and power supply category for complete solutions.

For current recommendations, read our best LiPo batteries for RC cars article. Understanding what is ESC helps you match batteries to speed controllers properly. Learn more about RC connectors explained and browse our connectors category for adapters.

Choose the Right RC Car Battery for Your Needs

Choosing the right RC car battery type becomes straightforward when you understand your options. NiMH batteries work perfectly for beginners and RTR cars, while LiPo batteries provide the performance serious enthusiasts demand. With proper safety practices and the right battery choice, you'll get maximum performance from your RC car.

Ready to upgrade your RC car's power system? Browse our complete selection of batteries, chargers, and accessories tested by our racing team.