RC cars have become a great sensation, and everyone wants to own one. The fun of operating an RC car alone or with friends is becoming an experience everyone wants to have. However, you need to know a couple of things if you own an RC car, especially an electric car.
An electric RC car will last for three to seven years, depending on how well you maintain it. These vehicles will run for between 15 and 30 minutes. This depends on many factors, including battery type, voltage, capacity, motor type, and the type of terrain you are riding on.
If you are an RC enthusiast, you would know the total runtime of your RC car. If you are a newbie just purchasing your first RC car, you must know how long it will run and how long it will last.
How Long Will Electric RC Cars Run?
Usually, an electric RC car will run between 15 to 30 minutes. However, the total runtime can be reduced as a result of some factors. Identifying these factors will enable you to know how to improve the run time of your electric RC cars.
One of the main factors is how you drive your car. Driving in a stop-go fashion will reduce how long your vehicle will run. Hence, you have to operate the vehicle with smooth braking and gentle acceleration. So, you should not brake hard while operating your RC car.
The type of battery you are using also determines how long your electric RC car will run. You should use a battery with a bigger capacity so that your car can run for an extended period. Also, the battery of your electric RC car has to be fully charged before use.
Also, you must be careful of the type of charger you use to charge your battery. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery, which in turn will reduce the run time of your electric RC car. Using an old battery can also reduce how long your vehicle will run; hence, you should get another one once the battery has exceeded its lifespan.
The type of motor in your RC car also determines how long your vehicle will run. It would be best to use a brushless motor for your RC car as it uses less power and runs longer than a brushed motor.
A brushless motor has three power supply wires, while a brushed motor has two. The tires of your vehicle are also very important in the total runtime of the vehicle. Hence, your tires need to be in good condition, which means they must have a firm grip.
Running your vehicle on rough terrain can also reduce its running time as it will take more power which will drain the battery faster. However, if you are operating on smooth terrain, there will be less rolling resistance, so less power is required, and you get more running time.
How Long Does A 3000mAh LiPo Last?
The amount of time a battery will last depends on how much current that battery produces. Hence, the amount of energy a battery produces determines the number of hours the battery will last.
A 3000mAh LiPo battery will last for about 15 to 20 minutes and hold a three-amp load for an hour. The shelf life of this battery is two years if maintained properly. This battery has to be kept cool at all times so that it can last for as long as it is supposed to. Heat will shorten the lifespan of a 3000mAh LiPo battery.
This battery can last for 500 cycles; after this, it starts to deteriorate and will eventually function no more. It is also necessary that you use a LiPo charger to charge your 3000mAh LiPo battery. Using a different charger can cause serious damage to the battery and reduce how long it will last.
How Long Does A 5000mAh RC Battery Last?
A 5000mAh battery can carry a five-amp load for an hour. The capacity of the battery determines how long it will last. A 5000mAh will provide 5000mAh for one hour, 1000mAh for five hours, 100mAh for fifty hours, and 10mAh for five hundred hours.
A 5000mAh battery will last for about 20 to 25 minutes, depending on your mode of driving and the type of terrain you are operating on. This RC battery has a shelf life of between 3 to 5 years.
To enable your 5000mAh battery to last longer, you must make sure you do not overcharge the battery or use the wrong charger for it. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and sometimes cause an explosion. The way you store the battery is vital; 5000mah batteries should always be stored in a cool, dry place.
How Long Does A 6000mAh RC Battery Last?
A 6000mAh RC battery can hold a six-amp load for an hour. A 6000mAh will provide 6000mAh for one hour, 1000mAh for six hours, 100mAh for sixty hours, and 10mAh for six hundred hours. When used and preserved properly, the 6000mAh RC battery has a shelf life of five years. However, there are some actions that we take that reduce the lifespan of a 6000mAh RC battery.
The way you charge a 6000mAh RC battery plays a huge role in how long your RC car will last. The procedures you follow when charging a 6000mAh RC battery can either increase or reduce the lifespan. One main thing that reduces how long a 6000mAh RC battery lasts is overcharging.
When charging your battery, you must never leave it unmonitored; you must be monitoring the rate at which it is charging. By doing this, you will know when it is full to remove it, and it will not overcharge. Also, you must not use the 6000mAh RC battery immediately after charging.
Instead, let the battery cool before you use it. Using a hot 6000mAh RC battery in your RC car can cause overheating, which will damage the battery completely. The way you store your battery also affects how long it will last. You must always store your battery in a cool, dry place.
Do LiPo Batteries Run Longer?
LiPo batteries are said to be the best type of battery to use for your RC car. These batteries are also the longest-lasting batteries. LiPo means Lithium-Polymer, which is the same technology used for laptops and old phone batteries. These batteries have flexible characteristics and are lightweight.
Most LiPo batteries last for 300 charge cycles and can last for 2 or 3 years. Although LiPo batteries will inevitably deteriorate, there are some steps you can take to delay the deterioration and prolong the battery's lifespan.
A LiPo battery will deteriorate even when in storage. However, where you store the battery can either aid or reduce the deterioration. So, you must never store your LiPo battery in places with high temperatures; rather, it should be stored in a cool place.
When storing a LiPo battery, you should ensure it is about 40 or 50 percent capacity and never completely drained or fully charged. Storing a battery that is completely drained or fully charged will increase the chances of deterioration. Also, you must never overcharge your battery or use the wrong charger to charge it.
Final Thoughts
Every electronic, machine, equipment, tool, material, and other item has a total lifespan. Once that item gets to the peak of its lifespan, it deteriorates. However, if you can properly maintain it, it will last longer. An electric RC car is not an exception.
If you want to enjoy your RC car for a long time, you need to take proper care of it; this includes all the parts of the vehicle. Maintaining only a selected part of the RC car will not make it last longer. All parts must be maintained.
Shawn Manaher loves to play with new toys and dive into new hobbies. As a serial entrepreneur, work definitely comes first but there is always room for hobbies.