When deciding on a battery for your UAV, UAS, RC, or robotics application, choosing between LiPo (lithium polymer pouch cells) and LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) can be difficult. What chemistry should you choose?

Pros of Lithium Polymer(pouch cells):

• LiPo’s hold the highest voltage under load of all lithium batteries, so they perform well in high amp draw applications

• LiPo batteries come in many different form factors, so they can be built to fit lots of applications

• Maintains lower temperatures under high discharge

Cons of Lithium Polymer(pouch cells):

• LiPo’s are more prone to thermal runaway when punctured or damaged

• LiPo batteries provide around half the life cycles of a  LiFePO4

• Can be discharged down to 3v per cell

Pros of LiFePO4 (LFP-Max)

• LiFePO4 are safer than LiPo because they are less prone to thermal runaway
• They come in lots of form factors and can be built to fit lots of different applications
• They can be charged down to 2.5v per cell

Cons of LiFePO4(LFP-Max)

• They are lower voltage per cell at 3.3v so put out less power than a LiPo of the same size.
• They don’t perform as well at lower temperatures as LiPo.

We hope this gives you a better idea of LiPo batteries vs. LiFePO4 and what is better for your application. In summary, if you are looking for the highest voltage under load(punch or top speed), then choose a LiPo. If safety is a big concern and you don’t need the voltage underload for your application, choose LiFePO4. If you have any specific questions or want more information on which is better for your application, contact our battery tech team by clicking here; we would love to help.