High voltage LiPo battery 4.45V

What is a High-Voltage LiPo (LiHV) Battery?

A High-Voltage Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery, often abbreviated as LiHV, is similar to a standard LiPo battery but is designed to be safely charged up to 4.45 volts per cell, compared to the typical 4.2 volts for standard LiPos. Lithium-based batteries are widely used in RC applications due to their unparalleled performance compared to older battery technologies. Over the past few years, a new variation of LiPo batteries—known as Lithium Polymer High Voltage (LiHV) batteries—has emerged, offering enhanced performance characteristics.

Characteristics of High-Voltage LiPo Batteries

1. Higher Voltage: Fully charged LiHV batteries deliver a higher voltage than standard LiPos. For example, a 4-cell LiHV pack has a fully charged voltage of 17.4V, compared to 16.8V for a regular LiPo. This higher voltage allows motors to achieve higher RPMs, theoretically resulting in faster speeds and improved performance.

2. Increased Capacity: LiHV batteries store more energy per unit weight, offering approximately 10–15% more capacity than similarly sized LiPos. This translates to longer run times.

3. Reduced Voltage Sag: High-quality LiHV batteries exhibit less voltage drop under high loads, ensuring consistent performance throughout the discharge cycle.

The above curve indicates the difference in capacity among three fully-charged batteries at 4.2 V, 4.45 V, as well as 4.4 V:
Judging from it, LiHV batteries can release more capacity than normal LiPo batteries.

Can I charge normal LiPo batteries to 4.45 V?
The maximum charging voltage of normal LiPo batteries is 4.2 V per cell. 

You can see in the graph over that the high-voltage 4.45V battery noted in green has a higher rate discharge system as well as higher discharge capability.

The following are specifications of two 4.4V LiHv batteries:

High Voltage 4.45V Cell (Model : 5600mAh) 

model	11098198VV-30000mAh
Voltage system	3.0V ～3.9V ～4.45V
Battery size / mm (MAX)
Typical capacity of @0.2C / mAh	31200
Nominal capacity of @0.2C / mAh	30000
Maximum internal resistance / m	1.0
Weight / g (± 3%)	456
Energy density @0.2C / Wh * kg-1	≥265
Maximum discharge ratio	5C

test item		60℃7D		70℃24H		85℃4H
		1#	2#	1#	2#	1#	2#
thickness (mm)	Before the high temperature	10.71	10.59	10.21	10.26	10.34	10.27
	After the high temperature	11.12	11.03	10.87	10.85	10.97	10.93
1C capacity (mAh)	Capacity before high temperature	30796	30720	30860	30732	30787	30756
	Maintain the capacity after the high temperature	25787	25418	26405	26579	26110	25596
	Return to the capacity after the high temperature	29655	28881	28310	28489	28323	27788
3C capacity (mAh)	Capacity before high temperature	30737	30665	30804	30673	30712	30692
	Return to the capacity after the high temperature	29605	28861	28350	28517	28275	27644

Above chart shows 11098198VV-30,000 mAh high-temperature storage performance,As shown in the figure above, the 11098198VV-30000mAh high-temperature storage 60℃ 7D, 70℃ 24H, and 85℃ 4H capacity retention rate are all> 80%, the 1C and 3C capacity recovery rate is all> 90%, and the battery thickness expansion rate before and after storage is <7%
Cycle test conditions (room temperature):
1) 1C / 2C constant current constant voltage charging to 4.45V, cut-off current of 0.02C;
2) rest 30min;
3) 3C / 5C constant current discharge to 3.0V;
4) rest for 30min;
5) Repeat the above steps until the capacity retention rate ends below 80% of the initial capacity
Above chart shows  that The discharge cycle life of 1C charge / 3C can reach 1000 weeks; 2C charge 5C discharge cycle life can reach 700 weeks

Charging LiHV Batteries

LiHV batteries are specifically designed to handle higher charging voltages (up to 4.45V per cell). Attempting to charge standard LiPo batteries to this voltage is unsafe and can lead to structural damage, capacity loss, or even hazardous reactions like fire or explosions. To charge LiHV batteries safely:

• Use a charger that supports LiHV chemistry and set the correct cut-off voltage (4.45V per cell).
• Avoid overcharging or using chargers not designed for LiHV batteries.

Many high-end chargers have built-in safety features for different battery types. However, users without Battery Management Systems (BMS) should manually configure their chargers to avoid overcharging.

Applications of LiHV Batteries

LiHV batteries can be used in most RC applications, including drones, RC cars, and planes. They provide a modest voltage increase (approximately 3.5%) compared to regular LiPos, which can result in an 8–10% performance boost when combined with higher current output. However, this increased performance generates more heat in motors and ESCs, so ensure your setup can handle the additional thermal load.

Are LiHV Batteries Worth It?

LiHV batteries undeniably offer better performance compared to standard LiPos, especially for applications requiring higher voltage and capacity. While the voltage difference per cell might seem small, it becomes more noticeable as the number of cells in a pack increases. This makes them a great choice for enthusiasts looking to maximize performance.

However, LiHV batteries may not be suitable for every setup. Systems designed around standard LiPo batteries might lack the headroom to handle the increased power output. Before upgrading, ensure your equipment—especially motors and ESCs—can accommodate the additional stress without overheating.

Summary

LiHV batteries represent an evolution in lithium-ion battery technology, providing higher voltage, improved capacity, and better overall performance. While they are not yet as mainstream as standard LiPos, they are becoming increasingly popular in RC and drone applications. With proper care, the advantages of LiHV batteries can help you unlock the full potential of your devices.