How should I store and care for LiPo batteries?

The battery is the component that ages fastest and becomes the most dangerous in the event of damage. A few habits can significantly extend its service life.

Storage charge instead of full charge

A lithium-polymer battery ages most slowly at a medium charge level – typically around 50 to 60 percent. Storing it fully charged causes permanent capacity loss, while deep discharge can render it unusable. Modern Intelligent Batteries automatically discharge themselves to this level after a few days; however, do not rely on this blindly—check the charge level before longer periods of non-use.

Temperature

Store in a cool, dry place, ideally at around 10 to 20 degrees. Do not leave it in a car, in direct sunlight or next to a heater. The battery should be at operating temperature before flight—a cold battery delivers less power and quickly reaches critical levels under load.

Charging

Only charge with the original charger and only under supervision, on a non-flammable surface and away from anything that could catch fire. Do not charge a visibly swollen, damaged or severely impact-affected battery—it must be disposed of properly. Allow it to cool down after a demanding flight before charging.

Transport

Protect the contacts against short circuits and transport batteries individually in bags or with the terminals covered with tape. Separate rules apply to air travel—see Drones on aircraft.

Keep an eye on its condition

The cycle count and internal resistance reveal more about the battery's health than its age. If the internal resistance increases significantly or individual cells fall behind the others, the battery should be taken out of service—long before it fails in flight. We check both values during every maintenance service.

Also bear in mind that batteries are wear parts. If you budget for them accordingly, you will not be surprised when a replacement is due after two seasons.