Ever feel the frustration of a dead battery just as you’re about to race your RC car? That sudden stop can really spoil the fun! Choosing the right charger for your RC car battery feels just as tricky. There are so many chargers out there, each with different plugs, speeds, and features. How do you know which one will power up your ride safely and quickly?
Picking the wrong charger can mean slow charging times, damaged batteries, or even safety worries. It’s a real headache when you just want to get back on the track! This guide cuts through all the confusing jargon and technical specs. We will explain exactly what you need to look for in an RC car battery charger.
By the end of this post, you will know how to choose a charger that fits your specific battery type and driving style perfectly. Get ready to say goodbye to charging confusion and hello to more driving time! Let’s dive into finding the perfect power source for your speedy machine.
Top Rc Car Battery Charger Recommendations
- [150W Fast Charging]--This RC Batttery charger has AC/DC dual input, high power and high performance circuit, the maximum output power is 150W, the max discharge power is 10W. Note:Please don't use both AC and DC power cords at the same time.
- [Widely Compatibility]--Our battery charger supports LiPo/Li-ion 3.7V-22.2V (1S-6S), with voltage capabilities such as 7.4V, 11.1V, 14.8V. LiFePO4 3.2V-19.2V (1S-6S), with popular options of 9.6V, 12.8V, 16V. LiHV 3.8V-22.8V(1S-6S). NiMH/NiCd 1.2V-18V (1S-15S), with popular options of 6V, 7.2V, 9.6V, 12V. PB 2-20V (1-10 Cells) and smart battery. Warning: Please ensure the type of rechargeable battery before use, and don’t select the wrong battery type to avoid damaging the device.
- [Smart RC Charger]--This RC battery charger has low input voltage limit, automatic charge current limit, delta-peak sensitivity, capacity limit, processing time limit, temperature threshold. And the Data storage and loading is 20 memory data, also allow firmware to update.
- [Terminal Voltage Control]--This RC fast charger allows user to set the charge/discharge end voltage of the battery. For an example: lipo battery end voltage is 4.2V /cell when charing, while on this charger, the end voltage is adjustable, rangs from 3.85V to 4.3V. Warning: this feature for expert only.
- [Package]--What you can get: one smart battery charger, one AC power cable, one DC Cable, one Balance Extension Cable, one Explosion Proof Bag, and one octopus multi-charging harness with TAMIYA, TAMIYA mini, JST, T Plug, EC3, TRX, Deans connectors. If you have any problem, please feel free to contact us via Amazon.
- High-quality and safety: The B6 charger is made of high-quality chips and materials to provide you with high-quality products and function performance, This charger also has short-circuit protection, overcharged protection, overcurrent protection and overheat protection. It can prevent the overcharging which may lead to an explosion due to the uer's fault.
- Multifunctional Charger: Suitable for parallel charging of Li-Po / Li-ion / Li-Fe / NiMH / NiCd / batteries. Only need to select the correct battery type when charging, It is very convenient and easy to use.
- LCD Display: The charger has a LCD display, you can view all charging status and settings on the charger LCD screen when you browse the mode and select,which is convenient and intuitive, and also very beautiful.
- Fast Charger: The charger has a built-in polymer lithium battery balancer, it has fast charging and storage charging function, data storage and loading function and cycle charging and discharging function . Metal shell heat dissipation, stable performance.
- Supportin: Support new generation A 123 system (Li-Fe) battery. The Li-ion/ battery count is 1-6 cells, and the NiCd/NiMH battery count is 1-15 cells.
- USB Battery Charger
- USB Charge cable built-in over charged protection board, it will stop charge after full charged, some red light are not off after full charged, It most take 3-4 hours can full charged 1S 500mAh , It take double time (6-7 hours )to charge 1S 1000mAh battery. Charge connector plug: SM-2P black 2 pin, only suitable for 3.7V 400mAh 500mAh 800mAh Li-ion or Lipo rechargeable small battery, don't advise use in big capacity battery,such as 1500mAh battery, it may take over 10-15 hours to full charge.
- 3.7V USB Charge cable suitable for Small Size RC Cars RC Boat, RC Trucks ,charger cable suitable for some kind Amphibious some kind 1:18 1/16 scale RC Vehicle Sharkool 4WD Stunt RC Car Cars 500mAh Li-ion Battery,,which voltage and plug are same.
- 3.7V 1S USB Charge cable suitable for Some kind DE42 DE44 DE45 DE68 DE69 RC Trucks , Charger cable suitable for some kind of 1:20 Scale RC Trucks, Charger cable suitable for Seckton Small Remote Control RC Car 3.7V Battery
- 3.7V USB Charge cable suitable for some kind small size Drift RC Car some kind of Wave Small RC Boat Battery,,which voltage and plug are same, 3.7V charger cable suitable for LY-017 TOLLCY TR10 TR11 Small RC Boats.
- 3.7V USB charge adpater cable suitable for some kind 1/18 scale RC Car and 3.7V charger cable suitable for some 1:16 Remote Control Car. Charger cable suitable for some kind small szie RC Trucks or RC Crawlers battery,,which voltage and plug are same.
- VARIETY BATTERY CHARGING: Our RC BATTERY CHARGER can support a variety of battery types: LiPo, LiFe, Li-ion, NiMH, NiCD, Pb batteries, smart batteries. (Tips: It can't charge LiHV battery.). When the battery is full charged, the battery charger will automatically stop charging. The chargers's shell is made of fire-proof material.
- MULTI-MODES: The battery's specification: 80W 6A Input--AC(100-240V), 50/60 HZ, DC(11V-18V), it has charge mode, discharge mode and balance mode, with the charge mode and discharge mode, you can adjust the voltage and current, with the balance mode, it will automatically adjust the voltage and current, you don't need to adjust the voltage or current. When you charge the battery, please don't use the AC power cable and DC cord at the same time.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONS: Except charge mode, balance mode, and discharge mode, this rc battery charger also has other functions: terminal voltage control; storage mode; data storage and memory loading; meter; digital DC power.
- WIDE VOLTAGE COMPATIBILITY: Our battery charger can charge LiPo: 1-6 cells, LiFe: 1-6 cells, Li-ion: 1-6 cells, NiMH: 1-15cells, NiCD: 1-15 cells, Pb(lead Acid): 2-20V, Smart Battery: I,II,III, which meet your needs of battery charging.
- PACKAGE: one rc battery charger, one power cable, one DC cable, one set XT60 adapter cables, one XT60 to EC5 cable, one XT60 to banana cable, and one manual.
- 【G-Tech Smart Lipo Charger - Manual setting is no longer required】Gens ace Imars D300 Dual Channel Charger built-in Smart Chip, it will automatic identify G-Tech smart battery information, automatic charging, automatic stop when fully charged.
- 【High Power Charging】The power rate is 300W (2 channels), the maximum charging current is 16A, the charging current is adjustable, and the use and operation are simple; 7 operating modes of the products include charge, discharge, balance, storage, ExtDischarge, SyncCharging, digital power supply.
- 【Max Safety】GensAce Lipo Dual Charge Discharger Charger with Advanced safety features and UL94-V0 Flame Retardant Grade. During the charging process of the product, the current task total voltage, charging/discharging current, working time and other information can be displayed in real-time through the display window.
- 【Parameter】Input Voltage: AC100-240V DC7-30V; Output Voltage: DC 1~30V; Max. Discharging Power: 15W*2(Main port 6W*2, Balance port 9W*2); Maximum Charging Power: 300W*2 DC 350W*2; Charge Current: 0.1-16A*2; Discharge Current: 0.1~3A*2; Cell Balancing: 1~6S; Display Type: 2.4 inch IPS LCD Display; Supported Battery Chemistries: LiPo/Li-ion/LIHV/LiFe 1~6S; NiMH/Cd 1~16S
- 【Package】Gens ace iMars D300 Dual Charger, AC Input Cable / XT60-T adapter*2 / XT60-EC5 adapter*2 / XT60-EC3 adapter*2 / use manual
- Gens ace Imars S100 G-Tech Series 100W Lipo Battery Charger(Black)
- Smart Dual-Channel Charging - Our advanced C6X2 dual lipo battery charger features two independent channels, allowing you to charge two different lipo batteries simultaneously—safely and efficiently. A variety of modes can meet all your needs, such as Balance charge, normal charge, fast charge, Storage charge, Discharge, Cycling, and Battery Meter.
- Universal Battery Compatibility - C6X2 RC car charger widely used in various batteries, Lipo:3.7V-22.2V(1S-6S),LiFe:3.2V-19.2V(1S-6S),Li-ion:3.7V-22.2V(1S-6S),LiHv:3.8V-22.8V(1S-6S), NiMH: 1.2V-18V(1S-15S), NiCd: 1.2V-18V(1-15S), PB: 2-20V(1-10S), Features a clear LCD screen for real-time monitoring of battery status and operation.
- High-Power Parameters - AC input max power 150W(CH1+CH2=150W)(Dividable, e.g. CH1=50W, CH2=100W ),100-240V; DC input max power 240W(CH1+CH2=240W), 11-18V; charge current: 0.1-10A*2; discharge power: 10W; discharge current: 0.1-2A*2.
- Intelligent Safety Protections - Integrated safeguards include over-voltage, over-temperature, over-current, short-circuit, and over-charge protection, plus voltage sensitivity and temperature control. Each channel stores 20 memory settings for convenience and safety.
- Important Notes - Do not charge two different batteries on one channel. Always select the correct battery type. Do not use AC and DC inputs simultaneously. The charger automatically detects battery cell count during Auto charging and discharging.
Choosing the Right RC Car Battery Charger: A Buyer’s Guide
Owning an RC car is fun, but keeping those batteries charged is key to endless playtime. Picking the right charger can seem tricky, but this guide breaks down what you need to know. A good charger keeps your batteries safe and ready to go.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an RC car battery charger, several features make a big difference in performance and safety.
1. Battery Compatibility
RC cars use different battery types. You must check if the charger works with your battery. Most common types are:
- NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride): Older, common batteries.
- LiPo (Lithium Polymer): Powerful, lightweight batteries used in high-performance cars. These require careful charging.
- Li-ion (Lithium-Ion): Similar to LiPo but often used in different applications.
Look for a “multi-chemistry” charger if you have different battery types. This saves you from buying multiple chargers.
2. Charging Speed and Current (Amperage)
The charging speed is measured by the current, or amperage (A). A higher amperage charges faster, but you must match it to your battery’s capacity (mAh).
Rule of Thumb: Charge at 1C rate for best battery life. If your battery is 3000mAh, charge it at 3.0A. Some fast chargers go higher, but this can shorten the battery’s life if done too often.
3. Safety Features
Safety is crucial, especially with LiPo batteries. Good chargers include built-in protection:
- Overcharge Protection: Stops charging when the battery reaches full capacity.
- Short Circuit Protection: Prevents damage if wires touch incorrectly.
- Temperature Monitoring: Shuts down if the battery gets too hot.
4. Balance Charging (For LiPo/Li-ion)
If your battery has multiple cells (like a 2S or 3S pack), you need a balance charger. This feature ensures every cell charges to the exact same voltage. Unbalanced cells reduce performance and can damage the pack.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The quality of the charger’s construction affects how long it lasts and how safely it operates.
Charger Body
Look for chargers with durable plastic casings or metal housing. Metal cases often help dissipate heat better, which is important during long charging sessions.
Cables and Connectors
Thick, high-quality charging wires reduce resistance and ensure efficient power transfer. Check the connectors (like Deans, XT60, or Tamiya) to ensure they match your battery connectors securely.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one charger better than another? It often comes down to the internal technology and user interface.
Quality Boosters:
- Microprocessor Control: Modern chargers use advanced microprocessors to manage the charging curve precisely. This optimizes battery health.
- Display Screen: A clear LCD screen lets you monitor voltage, current, and time easily.
- Cooling Fans: Effective internal fans keep the electronics cool, preventing overheating and ensuring consistent performance.
Quality Reducers:
- “Trickle-Only” Chargers: Very cheap chargers often only “trickle” charge (slowly drip power). These take a long time and are not ideal for modern, high-capacity batteries.
- Poor Heat Dissipation: If the charger gets very hot quickly, it means the internal components are struggling, which reduces the lifespan of the charger itself.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the charger dictates the best style for you.
Field Use vs. Home Use
If you charge at home, a large, powerful AC/DC charger (plugs into a wall outlet) offers the most features. If you race or drive far from home, a DC-only charger (plugs into a car battery or portable power station) is necessary.
Ease of Use
A good user interface makes setting up charges simple. For beginners, chargers with pre-set programs for common battery types are excellent. Experienced users might prefer manual control over every setting.
RC Car Battery Charger FAQ
Q: Can I use a LiPo charger on a NiMH battery?
A: Only if the charger is a “multi-chemistry” charger that specifically supports both types. Charging a LiPo battery on a NiMH setting will damage your LiPo battery.
Q: How long does it usually take to charge an RC car battery?
A: It depends on the battery size (mAh) and the charger speed (Amps). A standard 5000mAh battery on a 5A charger takes about one hour (plus balancing time).
Q: What does “balance charging” actually do?
A: Balance charging checks the voltage of each individual cell within a multi-cell battery pack. It makes sure all cells reach the same safe voltage level. This keeps your battery pack healthy.
Q: Is it safe to leave an RC battery plugged into the charger overnight?
A: Never leave LiPo or Li-ion batteries charging unattended, especially overnight. While modern chargers have shut-offs, LiPo batteries can sometimes fail unexpectedly. Always supervise LiPo charging.
Q: What is the safest way to store a LiPo battery?
A: Store LiPo batteries at a “storage voltage” (usually around 3.8V per cell), not fully charged or fully depleted. Keep them in a fire-resistant bag or box away from flammable materials.
Q: Why is my charger blinking or showing an error code?
A: Error codes usually signal a problem, such as a bad connection, a short circuit, or the battery temperature being too high or low. Double-check all your connections first.
Q: Do I need a separate power supply for a DC charger?
A: Yes. If you buy a DC-only charger, you need an external 12V power source, like a car battery or a dedicated AC-to-DC power supply, to plug it into a wall outlet.
Q: What does the “C” rating mean in charging?
A: The “C” rating is a multiplier for the charging current. 1C means charge at the battery’s full capacity in one hour. 2C means charge twice as fast, but this is harder on the battery.
Q: Should I buy a cheap $15 charger?
A: For very basic, small NiMH batteries, maybe. But for modern LiPo batteries, a cheap charger often lacks essential safety features and accurate balancing, which puts your expensive batteries and property at risk.
Q: How do I know if the charger is charging too slowly?
A: If your battery seems to take significantly longer than the manufacturer’s estimate, the charger might be too weak (low amperage) for the size of your battery, or the battery itself might be old and losing capacity.