I have a small drone and the only batteries I can find that fit it are LiHV batteries. Can I use LiHV batteries like normal LiPo batteries? Can I just simply charge a LiHV battery to 4.2v and fly with it?
1 Answer
Yes, you can. The primary difference between LiHV and LiPo batteries is the ability to change them to ~4.35 V/cell instead of 4.20 V/cell with a nominal cell voltage of 3.8 V instead of 3.7 V.
Just like how there's nothing stopping you from only charging your LiPos to 4.1 V/cell instead of their rated full charge @ 4.20 V/cell, there's nothing wrong with charging LiHVs to a "full" charge below their rating.
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1$\begingroup$ Interestingly enough, it seems that LiHV packs will degrade faster than ordinary lipos even if you charge them only to 4.20V. $\endgroup$ Apr 29, 2020 at 23:15
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$\begingroup$ Yes, they use a different chemistry than LiPo cells. $\endgroup$– ifconfig ♦Apr 29, 2020 at 23:27
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2$\begingroup$ Also, remember that if you don't charge them to 4.35V (full charge), then the rated capacity will be significantly lower as well. $\endgroup$– Schome1Apr 30, 2020 at 13:33