LiHV vs. LiPo: Is More Voltage Really Worth It?

So you're attempting to choose a battery for your RC vehicle or drone and are torn between two choices: LiHV and LiPo. One gives you a bit more "oomph," and the other is the old standby that all the others utilize. What's actually different, and which one should you purchase?

Do not worry, this is not as complex as it sounds. We will simplify everything you need to know about the LiHV vs. LiPo battle so you can choose the best battery for your device and your pocket.

LiHV vs. LiPo: What Are These Things, Anyway?

But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's begin with the basics. The two batteries are very similar, yet they have one basic difference that makes all the difference.

Standard LiPo (Lithium Polymer)

This is the battery you'll find everywhere in the RC hobby. It's everyone's first choice. A standard LiPo cell has a "storage" voltage of 3.7 volts. The most important number to remember is its fully charged voltage: 4.20 volts per cell. You never, ever want to charge it higher than that.

High-Voltage LiPo (LiHV)

An LiHV is essentially a LiPo on steroids. It has a slightly different internal chemistry that allows it to be safely charged to a higher voltage. An LiHV cell has a storage voltage of 3.8 volts. Its fully charged voltage, however, is where the magic happens: 4.35 volts per cell. That extra little bit of voltage—0.15V per cell—is what all this arguing is about.

LiHV vs. LiPo: A Head-to-Head Look

The easiest way to see how they compare is to put them side-by-side. Here’s a quick-glance table breaking it all down.

LiHV vs. LiPo: Why You'd Want an LiHV Battery

So, why would you even bother with an LiHV? It all comes down to getting more performance out of your ride.These are the advantages of high voltage batteries.

More Punch and a Higher Top Speed

This is the main reason people get excited about LiHVs. More voltage equals more power. In a simple sense, voltage is what makes your motor spin faster. By starting at a higher voltage (4.35V instead of 4.20V), you’re giving your motor more power right from the start. This means your RC car will accelerate harder, and your drone will have more "punch." You'll also see a slightly higher top speed. For racers, that tiny edge can make all the difference.

A Little More Runtime

The other big perk is that LiHVs can store more energy in the same amount of space. Think of it like this: if you have a standard LiPo and an LiHV of the same size and weight, the LiHV holds more "fuel." This means you can either fly or drive for a bit longer, or you can run harder for the same amount of time. For drone pilots who want another minute in the air, that's a pretty sweet deal.

LiHV vs. LiPo: The Price You Pay for More Power

That added performance is wonderful, but it has some heavy strings attached. You should be aware of the disadvantages before you take the plunge.

Your Battery Might Not Last as Long

This is the largest controversy within the RC community. Many veteran hobbyists will inform you that continuously charging LiHVs to their maximum 4.35V is tough on the battery. It imposes additional strain upon the internal chemistry, which can make it degrade quicker than a regular LiPo. Essentially, you may be sacrificing long-term battery health for short-term power.

You Absolutely Need the Right Charger

This is a tremendous safety concern, so take heed. You will need to use a battery charger that has an "LiHV" setting specifically. If you have a standard LiPo charger, it will only go up to 4.20V, and you will gain none of the advantages of your costly LiHV battery. Worse, if you attempt to coax a charger to go higher, you are taking a very risky situation that could result in fire. Don't play around with this.

They Cost a Little More

As you might expect, these upgraded batteries are typically more expensive than their regular LiPo equivalents. If you compare two batteries with identical capacity and power ratings, the LiHV variant will nearly always be slightly more expensive. You need to decide whether or not that little extra kick is worth the additional money.

LiHV vs. LiPo: Which One Should You Buy?

Let's make this really simple. It all comes down to what kind of person you are and what you do with your RC gear.

You should get an LiHV battery if:

• You're a serious FPV drone racer and need every last bit of power.
• You're a "basher" who wants your monster truck to do insane backflips.
• You're trying to set a new speed record with your RC car.
• Basically, you're an experienced user who wants max performance and you're okay with the risks.

You should stick with a standard LiPo battery if:

• You're just starting out in the RC hobby.
• You just like to have fun driving or flying around without competing.
• You're on a budget and want your gear to last as long as possible.
• You value reliability and don't want to worry about special charging modes.

The Hot Rod vs. The Daily Driver

Finally, think of it this way: an LiHV battery is a hot rod of a high-performance car. It's faster and more exciting, but it requires more maintenance, costs more, and might not last as long. A standard LiPo is a good daily driver. It gets the job done beautifully every time, it's affordable, and you know it will be there for you over the long haul. For most people, the standard LiPo is the better choice, but for those who crave pure performance, the LiHV is a tempting redesign.