Quality RC batteries for all of your RC battery needs
Your RC model is only as good as the battery powering it. Whether you need a rugged NiMH pack for a beginner vehicle or a high-performance LiPo battery to unlock massive speed and acceleration, we have the power source you need. Our extensive range covers everything from micro crawler cells to massive 8S packs for 1/5 scale bashers.
Finding the right battery is easy with our wide selection of top brands like Gens Ace, Traxxas, NXE, Spektrum, Tattu & more. We stock batteries with all major connector types—including Deans, XT60, EC3/5, and Traxxas—ensuring you can plug in and power up without hassle.
Power Your Passion with the Right RC Battery
The battery is the fuel tank and engine of your electric RC model combined. Choosing the right one not only gets your vehicle running but can completely transform its performance. At Hobbies Direct, we stock Australia's best range of RC batteries to suit every vehicle type, from drift cars and rock crawlers to racing drones and bashing trucks.
Understanding Battery Chemistry: NiMH vs. LiPo
The two most common battery types in the hobby world are Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium Polymer (LiPo). Knowing the difference is key to getting the best experience.
- NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride): These are the standard for ready-to-run (RTR) vehicles. They are durable, safe, and easy to maintain, making them perfect for beginners and kids. They typically come in 6-cell (7.2V) or 7-cell (8.4V) flat or hump packs.
- LiPo (Lithium Polymer): The choice for performance. LiPo batteries are lighter and offer higher voltages and discharge rates, giving your RC car significantly faster acceleration and top speeds. However, they require a compatible charger and strict safety care (such as storage charging and using a LiPo safe bag).
Key Specifications Explained
When shopping for a new battery, you'll see several numbers on the label. Here is what they mean:
- Voltage (V) / Cell Count (S): This determines your top speed.
- NiMH: Usually 7.2V or 8.4V.
- LiPo: Rated by 'S' (Series) count. 2S (7.4V) is standard, 3S (11.1V) is for high speed, and 4S-8S are for extreme power. Note: Ensure your Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) can handle the voltage you choose.
- Capacity (mAh): This is your run time. A higher milliamp-hour (mAh) number means a larger "fuel tank." For example, a 5000mAh battery will run roughly twice as long as a 2500mAh battery.
- C-Rating: This measures how fast the battery can discharge energy (the "punch"). High-performance racing vehicles require a higher C-rating (e.g., 50C or 100C) to prevent voltage sag during hard acceleration.
Connectors Matter
Nothing is more frustrating than getting a new battery that doesn't plug into your car. We stock batteries with all popular connector types, including:
- Deans (T-Plug): A classic, compact high-current plug.
- XT Series (XT30, XT60, XT90): Reliable, high-performance yellow connectors popular in drones and bashers.
- EC & IC Series (EC3, EC5, IC3, IC5): Common in Horizon Hobby, Arrma, and Losi vehicles.
- Traxxas (TRX/iD): The standard for Traxxas models.
- Tamiya: White plastic connectors found on vintage and entry-level kits.
Battery Safety & Maintenance
To get the longest life out of your packs, always use a charger compatible with your battery's chemistry. For LiPo batteries, never leave them charging unattended, always charge in a fire-retardant bag, and use the "Storage" mode on your charger if you won't be using them for more than a few days.
Browse our massive collection below to find the perfect power upgrade for your RC model.
FAQs for RC Batteries
- Identify your connector from the connector list below
- Then, on the prodcut page choose the desired connector before adding it to your cart
Connector list:
Deans
Traxxas (Non iD)This connector works with newer iD connectors but disables the iD functionality
Tamiya
Mini Tamiya
XT90
XT60
XT30
EC5
EC3
EC2
JST
Futaba J
Still unsure? Contact us.
To get more run time, buy a battery with more mAh. You can think of the mAh as a fuel tank in a petrol car, upgrading from a 25L tank to a 50L tank will double your run time but you won't see any performance increase.
The run time also greatly depends on the amount of load on the motor. Just like your real car, if you're heavy on the accelerator you'll run out of fuel quicker. There's many other factors that will change the amount of load on your electronics such as:
- Wheel size, material, weight and tread pattern
- Gearing
- Driving style
- Terrain
- Drivetrain efficiency
- Aerodynamics
NiMH and LiPo are types of batteries. If you want a high-performance setup, go LiPo. If you're not too fussed about speed NiMH would be the better option as they are safer and require less 'special attention'.
Also, it makes a lot of sense to get a LiPo battery if you have a brushless powered car and to get a NiMH battery if you have a brushed powered car.
Learn more about LiPo and NiMH batteries.
To get more power, you simply buy a battery with more voltage. However, you need to ensure your vehicle and it's electronics can handle the extra power to avoid damage.
Typically you can find this information in your user's manual, if you're unsure just ask us - never guess!
It's not too uncommon that to install a battery with more voltage that you need to modify the RC car in someway, this may include installing a different motor gear, cooling fan and even change your driving style.
The charge time can be calculated by dividing the battery's mAh by the mA output of your charger.
For example, let's say we have a 7.4v 5,400mAh LiPo battery and we're charging it on the G.T Power B3 charger which has an output of 1.5A (1,500mAh) - Tip: the charger's output in A (amps) or mA (milliamps) will be per hour. The calculation will look like this: 5,400/1,500 = 3.6 hours (which is 3 hours and 36 minutes).
We list each battery's length, width and height in the specifications tab in its product page. It's your responsibility to measure your battery compartment to ensure proper fitment.
Want an easier way? No worries, use our parts finder and it will display only batteries that will pysically fit and work with your RC car