What Is a 3.8V 1S LiPo Battery?
A 3.8V 1S LiPo battery refers to a single-cell lithium polymer battery built with LiHV (High Voltage) chemistry. Unlike traditional 1S LiPo batteries that charge to 4.20V, a 3.8V LiHV cell safely charges up to 4.35V, providing more usable energy in the same physical size.
In practice, many RC users simply refer to these packs as 1S LiPo batteries. Today, LiHV has largely replaced standard 3.7V 1S LiPo in micro RC applications due to its improved efficiency and runtime.
3.8V LiHV vs 3.7V Standard 1S LiPo
| Feature | 3.7V 1S LiPo | 3.8V 1S LiHV |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 3.7V | 3.8V |
| Max Charge Voltage | 4.20V | 4.35V |
| Usable Runtime | Shorter | Longer |
| Weight & Size | — | Same as 1S LiPo |
| Charger Requirement | Standard LiPo | LiHV-capable charger |
Typical Applications for 1S LiPo Batteries
1S LiPo batteries are widely used in ultra-micro RC platforms where low weight and compact size are essential. Common applications include indoor FPV whoops, micro freestyle drones, UMX aircraft, and lightweight RC trainers.
Choosing a 3.8V LiHV 1S battery allows pilots to gain additional usable energy without increasing battery size, making it a practical upgrade for modern micro RC setups.
Looking for LiHV options beyond 1S? Browse the complete range of CNHL high voltage batteries in our CNHL High Voltage LiPo Batteries (LiHV) Collection , covering 1S through 8S configurations for FPV drones and RC vehicles.
