Which Battery Really Delivers for the Tekno RC MT48 2.0? A Real-World Breakdown

“I burned out the big gear in the first 20 minutes,” my buddy messaged in our RC group chat. He had just slapped a regular 6S pack into his brand-new Tekno MT48 2.0—and boom. Since we had just gotten ours, we were all ears. That one comment kicked off our deep-dive into battery setups for this beast: voltage, C-rate, dimensions—you name it. And after some trial and error, we finally figured out what kind of battery is truly suitable for this monster truck.

Now, about that truck—MT48 2.0 isn’t your average backyard basher. MT stands for monster truck. 48 is a 1/8 scale racing truck built on a Tekno competition-grade chassis. It has a higher jump height and greater landing impact, requiring a powerful power system to support it without overheating or burning out. Therefore, the batteries are not just a power source, but also a tuning tool.

4S Standard Lithium Polymer Battery: Stable and Safe, But Is It Sufficient?

We started off with the CNHL 6600mAh 4S 120C hardcase—This 4s lipo battery dropped right into the stock tray (139mm, perfect fit). What stood out? The throttle felt buttery smooth, super easy to modulate. We ran three packs back-to-back—no puffing, no heat drama, and the ESC stayed chill throughout.the average runtime can reach approximately 17 minutes.

In our testing, what impressed us most was its throttle curve, which is very smooth and feels controllable. It is ideal for RC drivers who are just getting accustomed to the weight and torque of the MT48 2.0. We tested three identical battery packs consecutively, and none exhibited overheating or swelling. The temperature of the electronic speed controller also remained within reasonable limits (no overheating).

Advanced Options: 8000mAh for Longer Battery Life, 8200mAh High-Voltage Version for Powerful Performance

Next, we tested the CNHL 8000mAh 4S 120C battery and the high-voltage version 8200mAh 15.2V 4S 120C battery. Both batteries are hard-case and have a length of 139mm. Their performance differs slightly.

The 8000mAh 4S 120C battery achieved an average runtime of over 20 minutes, with voltage remaining nearly constant. It is highly suitable for extended daily use. The high voltage 8200mAh 15.2V 4S 120C battery delivered surprising performance: throttle response was exceptionally responsive, and we successfully executed a vertical backflip that had previously been unattainable. Compared to 14.8V 4s lipo battery, 15.2V 4s lihv battery significantly enhances burst power without causing the electronic speed controller to overheat.

When trying 6S — things got crazy

The real excitement began. We first upgraded the MT48 battery tray to the V3 version, then reorganized the cables. This is because 6S batteries under 140mm are almost impossible to find on the market. After successfully completing the modification, we began testing CNHL 6S 5200mAh 90C and 6S 6200mAh 90C batteries.

So… how did they perform? In one word: wild. The MT48 shot up like a rocket, pulling wheelies and flipping backwards without a ramp. It felt like we’d strapped a drag motor into a monster truck, and accelerate like an RC straight-line drag race. However, after using three sets of batteries, our front differential also broke. We reviewed the footage and analyzed it, discovering that on high-traction surfaces like asphalt, the MT48 2.0 generates immense torque when using 6S batteries, exceeding the capacity of the factory-tuned differential or worn components.

Therefore, we recommend: if you have lowered the brake settings on the electronic speed controller and are driving on dirt or grass, then 6S batteries are excellent. On asphalt surfaces, we do not recommend using 6S batteries.

4S vs. 6S vs. LiHV: What You Should Actually Use

• Casual bashers: Go with the CNHL 6600mAh or 8000mAh 4S for the best fit and balance.
• Advanced users: Try the 8200mAh LiHV for punchy flips and sharper throttle without switching to 6S.
• Stunt junkies with upgraded trays: The 6S 6200mAh is your thrill ride—but respect the drivetrain.

Still undecided?

Specs only tell half the story. The real question is—what’s your driving style? If you’re just bashing in the park, a solid 4S setup works great. If you love stunts and don’t mind wrenching, LiHV or 6S might be your next move.

See our complete list of MT48 compatible batteries (including tray upgrade options): CNHL MT48 2.0 Battery Collection.

Recommended Battery Comparison Table for Tekno MT48 2.0

Frequently Asked Questions: Tekno RC MT48 2.0 Battery-Related Questions and Answers

Question 1: Can CNHL hard-case 4S batteries be directly installed on the MT48 2.0 without modification?
Yes. All CNHL Competition Series 6600mAh, 8000mAh, and 8200mAh high-voltage 4S battery packs have a length of 139mm and fit perfectly into the stock battery tray.

Question 2: Is it safe to use a 6S battery on the MT48 2.0?
It is safe only when using the upgraded V3 battery tray and operating with caution. Use soft tires and avoid asphalt surfaces whenever possible. Monitor motor and ESC temperatures, and reduce the gear ratio. The braking force of the electronic speed controller should be reduced to avoid impact loads.

Question 3: What are the advantages of the high-voltage (LiHV) 4S over the standard 4S?
The 4S Lihv battery has a slightly higher voltage (15.2V vs. 14.8V), delivers greater current output, offers stronger burst power, and provides better flexibility, making it ideal for certain stunt maneuvers, such as quick throttle response for a backflip in place. It serves as an intermediate option between 4S and 6S.

Question 4: Can I use two 3S batteries instead of one 6S battery?
Yes, many people use two 3S batteries in series to form a 6S setup. Just ensure the batteries are the same brand, model, and voltage. We recommend CNHL 3S 11.1V or 11.4V high-voltage battery packs.

Question 5: Does this truck come standard with an EC5 connector?
Yes. For RC cars requiring high current output, EC5 is highly suitable. For example, Arrma Cars are almost all IC5 (IC5 is approximately equivalent to EC5). CNHL's battery packs with EC5 connectors are plug-and-play.