Most Traxxas vehicles are already equipped with Nimh or LiPo batteries, but some car kits, such as the X-Maxx, the XO-1, and others, need to be supplemented with compatible Traxxas batteries. Here is a short guide to help you choose your battery and charger.
The capacity and voltage of Traxxas batteries
The main characteristics to consider when choosing a battery are the voltage (determined by the number of cells in the pack) and the capacity (the amount of energy stored in the battery). The voltage determines the speed and power of the battery, while the capacity determines how long it will run. Capacity is measured in milliampere-hours, or "mAh." This number refers to the amount of current in milliamps that the battery can supply for one hour. The higher the mAh capacity, the longer your battery will run.
Caution: Batteries are not universal: a battery may not be the right size for your model or may have a higher voltage than your power system is designed to handle. Follow the manufacturer's advice or choose the batteries we recommend.
A Traxxas Nimh or Lipo battery?
Traxxas offers a wide range of battery sizes, voltages, and capacities, but when it comes to battery chemistry, they all fall into two categories: LiPo (Lithium Polymer) and NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride).
NiMHbatteries
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| NiMH batteries are composed of 1.2-volt cylindrical cells, similar to the AA batteries we are all used to using. This type of battery can be completely discharged without damaging the battery, and it does not need to be recharged before being stored. NiMH batteries Traxxas are available with 6 cells (7.2 volts), 7 cells (8.4 volts), or 8 cells (9.6 volts). |
Lipo batteries
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| LiPo batteries are composed of flat 3.7-volt cells. LiPo batteries Traxxas are available with 2 cells (7.4 volts), 3 cells (11.1v), and 4 cells (14.8v). LiPo batteries have a higher energy density than NiMH batteries, which means they have more voltage and capacity than a NiMH battery of the same volume. A model equipped with a LiPo battery will go faster and run longer with a LiPo battery than with a NiMH battery. |
Warning: NEVER charge a LiPo battery with a NiMH charger (or NiMH charging mode on a multifunction NiMH/LiPo charger). LiPo batteries can be damaged by excessive discharge, which is why the ESC of all Traxxas models is equipped with built-in low voltage detection. LiPo batteries should be stored partially charged (store mode).
Traxxas connectors
ID {
{f783ce475240e44c84c6edaa0430b5bb}} offers patented ID connectors that integrate wireless communication technology and integrated balancing wires. This technology greatly simplifies the recharging of Traxxas batteries. car The Traxxas ID charger automatically identifies the battery type and selects the appropriate charging mode. This means that you simply connect your battery to the charger and it works like magic, offering automatic, safe, and smooth charging.
iD technology works in two ways. First, the charger searches for a connection with the battery on the positive and negative terminals as well as on the balancing terminals. If it detects the main terminals but not the balancing terminals, it defaults to NiMH mode ( because NiMH batteries do not have balancing wires). If it identifies a connection on the balancing terminal, it will count the number of cells to identify whether the Lipo battery is a 2S, 3S, or 4S.
Traxxas has also inserted an RFID chip into each battery connector, which can contain information such as battery chemistry (NiMH or LiPo), number of cells, capacity, appropriate charge rate, number of charges, battery part number, etc. This information is communicated to the charger, which can set the charging parameters using the data provided by the chip.
Caution: All Traxxas cars must be powered by Traxxas ID Lipos, which are only compatible with Chargers Traxxas ID. Traxxas has not licensed other brands to manufacture adapters. If you search for adapters online, you will certainly find counterfeits, but be aware that the quality of the connection is not guaranteed.
How to take care of your LiPo
batteries Cell balancing
A LiPo battery is said to be balanced when each cell is charged to the same voltage. Balancing your cells will extend the operating time of your battery with each use, as well as its overall lifespan. The low voltage detection feature on all ESCs Traxxas is designed to warn you when the battery voltage drops below 3.2 volts per cell; however, it only reads the total voltage of the pack and not the voltage of each cell.
For example, if you connect a 3-cell LiPo to your ESC, it will warn you if the battery voltage drops below 9.6 volts (3.2 x 3 = 9.6). But if your battery is not balanced, those 9.6 volts could actually represent voltages of 3.3v, 3.3v, and 3.0v for the individual cells. The 3.0V cell has been over-discharged, reducing the battery pack's lifespan. Balancing the charge of your LiPos ensures that all cells are charged to the same level, so that the overall voltage is evenly distributed between each cell.
Maintaining your batteries
Inspect your LiPos after each use to make sure they have not been damaged. Store your batteries in a cool, dry place. If you have used LiPo batteries in your vehicle until the low voltage detection activates, your batteries cannot be left in this discharged state. If you plan to reuse the LiPo batteries that day, recharge them normally; otherwise, use the "Store" mode on your charger Traxxas to prepare them for storage. To keep your batteries performing well and lasting a long time, we recommend putting your batteries in "Store" mode once a month.
Safety around LiPo
Millions of devices containing lithium batteries are used daily in devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and flashlights. LiPo batteries are safe and stable as long as caution and common sense are exercised. However, LiPo batteries can be dangerous if misused or mishandled. Specifically, a short circuit or puncture of a LiPo battery can cause a fire. Overcharging, excessive discharging, or improper charging of a LiPo battery can damage or destroy it. Always use a charger specifically designed for LiPo batteries.
Caution: In rare cases, a hidden defect or damage in a LiPo battery or a malfunction with a charger can cause the battery to short circuit or overcharge and create a fire. For this reason, we recommend always charger LiPo batteries in a fireproof container, away from flammable materials and surfaces.
Multifunction charger buying guide Traxxas
The Ez-Peak Plus charger
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You can purchase the Traxxas Ez-Peak Plus charger here
:- Ez-Peak Live
- Ez-Peak Plus + 1x Lipo 11.1V 5000mAh (compatible with 4-Tec VXL, Bandit VXL, Maxx, Rustler 4x4, Ruslter VXL, Slash VXL, Stampede 4x4, Stampede VXL, TRX-4, TRX-6)
- Ez-Peak Plus + 1x Lipo 7.4V 5800mAh (compatible with 4-Tec, 4-Tec VXL, Bandit VXL, Bandit, Bigfoot, Ford F-150, Ford Fiesta, Ford GT, Ford Mustang GT, Rustler 4x4, Rustler VXL 4x4, Ruslter VXL Rustler, Slash 2WD, Slash 4x4, Slash 4x4 VXL, Slash VXL, Slash, Stampede 4x4, Stampede 4x4 VXL, Stampede VXL, Stampede, TRX-4, TRX-6)
The Ez-Peak
Dualcharger
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You can purchase the Traxxas Ez-Peak Plus Dual charger here:
- Ez-Peak Plus Dual
- Ez-Peak Plus Dual + 2x Lipo 11.1V 5000mAh (compatible with 4-Tec VXL, DCB M41, E-Revo VXL, Maxx, Slash 4x4, Slash 4x4 VXL, Spartan, TRX-4, TRX-6, Unlimited Desert Racer, X-Maxx, XO-1)
- Ez-Peak Plus Dual + 2x Lipo 7.4V 7600mAh (compatible Traxxas E-Revo/Brushless, Traxxas Slash, Traxxas Slash 2WD, Traxxas Slash 4x4, Traxxas E-Maxx/Brushless, Traxxas XO-1, Traxxas Spartan, Traxxas XMaxx)
The Ez-Peak
Livecharger
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You can purchase the Traxxas Ez-Peak Live charger here
:- Ez-Peak Live
- Ez-Peak Live + 1x Lipo 14.8V 5000mAh (compatible with X-Maxx VXL-8S, Maxx)
- Ez-Peak Live + 2x Lipo 14.8V 6700mAh (compatible with X-Maxx VXL-8S)
The Ez-Peak Live
Dualcharger
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You can purchase the Ez-Peak Live Dual Traxxas charger here:
