Li-Ion Power Tool cells work great for RC!

[maxxdude1234]

Metalman, I think you've got to realise that these A123 cells are not aimed at the rc market, they're aimed at big heavy powertools are other such applications. For powertools, 100C burst discharge is quite neccessary and 20C charge is also pretty handy! I don't think these cell's are designed to be the next ultra-lightweight, energy dense lithium cell -they're built to be heavy duty, and going by some of the info on that site I would say they do a pretty good job.

[nl12]

Originally Posted by maxxdude1234

Metalman, I think you've got to realise that these A123 cells are not aimed at the rc market, they're aimed at big heavy powertools are other such applications. For powertools, 100C burst discharge is quite neccessary and 20C charge is also pretty handy! I don't think these cell's are designed to be the next ultra-lightweight, energy dense lithium cell -they're built to be heavy duty, and going by some of the info on that site I would say they do a pretty good job.

They are also for hybred cars, they are designing a toyota prius battery that weighs 20 lbs compaired to the stock 100 lb NmHi battery, so they may come through in the energy density too. They are using nano technology to improve the cells, if someone starts using the same technology on lipo cells then we will definately have the best of both worlds

[MetalMan]

Originally Posted by maxxdude1234

Metalman, I think you've got to realise that these A123 cells are not aimed at the rc market, they're aimed at big heavy powertools are other such applications. For powertools, 100C burst discharge is quite neccessary and 20C charge is also pretty handy! I don't think these cell's are designed to be the next ultra-lightweight, energy dense lithium cell -they're built to be heavy duty, and going by some of the info on that site I would say they do a pretty good job.

Right, which is why we would be worried about power/energy density. Heavy duty is what they need to be, they are going into power tools that have high stall currents and that might get banged around a lot. The A123 cells definitely appear to be good, but how good for RC we will found out.

fishmasterdan, thanks for sharing how these Emoli (sp?) cells fit into battery compartments!

BrianG, it might have been me that said these cells are lower weight than NiMh, but heavier than LiPos. This comparison is with the cells outside of the case. Even with the case, they should still be lighter than NiMh for the same voltage/capacity.