Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are gaining reputation in FPV for his or her spectacular vitality density, providing considerably longer flight occasions in comparison with conventional LiPo packs. On this evaluation, I’ll take a look at a few of Auline’s newest Li-ion choices—the V45 6S 3000mAh and S70 6S 4500mAh—and evaluate them to their earlier technology in addition to different well-known packs, together with Lumenier’s 6S 3000mAh and my private favourite, the Molicel P28A.
Study extra about Li-ion batteries and the way they evaluate to LiPo on this detailed information:
The place to Purchase
Auline affords two collection of Li-ion packs:
V45: Makes use of 18650 cells – extra compact and light-weight, with a most discharge present of 45A S70: Makes use of 21700 cells – bigger and heavier, however with a considerably larger discharge present of 70A
Left: V45 6S; Proper: S70 6S
On this evaluation, I’ll concentrate on the 6S variants of each variations, as 6S is presently the preferred configuration in fashionable FPV drones.
Get the Auline V45 6S 3000mAh Li-ion from:
Purchase the Auline S70 6S 4500mAh Li-ion from:
Why Select Li-ion over LiPo?
Li-ion batteries provide the next energy-to-weight ratio than typical LiPo packs, which interprets to longer flight occasions for a similar weight. Nevertheless, they arrive with a trade-off—decrease C-rating, which means they’ll’t ship as a lot present. That’s why Li-ion packs aren’t appropriate for high-power purposes like freestyle or racing.
However for long-range FPV, the place effectivity and endurance matter greater than uncooked energy, Li-ion batteries are an ideal match. All these drones usually draw low present, making Li-ion the perfect alternative.
Specs
V45:
Cell Sort: 18650 Li-ion Cell Configuration: 6S1P Nominal Voltage: 22.2V (3.6V per cell) Max Voltage (Absolutely Charged): 25.2V (4.2V per cell) Rated Capability: 3000mAh Max Steady Discharge Present: 45A Advisable Cost Present: 3A (1C) Battery Plug: XT60 Dimensions: 73 × 56 × 38mm Weight: 314g (~50g per cell)
S70:
Cell Sort: 21700 Li-ion Cell Configuration: 6S1P Nominal Voltage: 22.2V (3.6V per cell) Max Voltage (Absolutely Charged): 25.2V (4.2V per cell) Rated Capability: 4500mAh Max Steady Discharge Present: 70A Battery Plug: XT60 Dimensions: 78 × 65 × 44mm Weight: 428.7g (~68g per cell)
Auline S70 6S 4500mAh Pack
The battery arrived well-packaged in bubble wrap inside a sturdy cardboard field, guaranteeing wonderful safety throughout transport.
Building stays much like the earlier model: easy and minimal to cut back weight. Every pack options smooth foam tape on prime and backside, and a dual-layer PVC heatshrink wrap. The swap from black to white heatshrink is a welcome change—white tends to remain chillier underneath direct daylight, which is useful when flying in scorching climate.
Every battery is clearly labeled with detailed specs, together with configuration, capability, max discharge present, nominal voltage, and complete watt-hours. It comes with a regular 6S stability lead and an XT60 discharge connector.
Auline hasn’t disclosed the precise cell mannequin used within the S70, however they declare these are premium 4500mAh 21700 cells with a 70A most present. This can be a substantial enchancment over the earlier model, which was rated at 4000mAh and 45A.
To assist the upper present ranking, the discharge leads have been upgraded from 16AWG to thicker 14AWG wires, and the size has been prolonged barely to about 7.5cm. The battery can also be heavier—428g versus the earlier 398g. This can be as a result of each the improved cells and the thicker wiring.
It’s necessary to notice that these batteries don’t embrace onboard BMS (battery administration methods). Whereas BMS safety is helpful in different purposes, it’s not appropriate for FPV drones, as a sudden energy cutoff mid-flight (which a BMS would set off to guard the cells) might end in a crash.
Right here’s a dimension comparability with a typical 6S 1100mAh LiPo battery for reference—these Li-ion packs are barely bigger however provide over 4 occasions the capability!
Capability
To confirm the true capability, I carried out a managed discharge take a look at from 4.2V to 2.7V per cell at 0.5C. This low discharge charge ensures minimal warmth buildup and delivers a extra correct studying of usable capability.
Measured capability: 4442mAh.
Discharge Efficiency
When it comes to C-rating, the brand new Auline S70 carried out considerably higher than the earlier model. All through many of the discharge curve, it maintained round 0.8V much less voltage sag, which means your drone can pull extra energy throughout flight, it ought to really feel extra responsive, agile and highly effective.
Towards the ultimate third of the discharge cycle, the efficiency hole widened even additional. The S70 lasted longer earlier than reaching 2.9V, indicating not simply higher energy supply but additionally elevated complete flight time.
Auline V45 6S 3000mAh Pack
The V45 pack options primarily the identical development and construct high quality because the 4500mAh S70, however it’s noticeably smaller and lighter as a result of the usage of 18650 cells as a substitute of the bigger 21700 cells. That’s additionally why its most steady discharge present is decrease—rated at 45A.
The V45 weighs about the identical because the Lumenier 6S 3000mAh Li-ion pack we beforehand reviewed, however it seems barely extra compact due to Auline’s extra space-efficient packaging.
Right here’s a dimension comparability to a typical 6S 1100mAh LiPo battery for perspective—it’s bulkier, in fact, however affords over 2.5 occasions the capability in return.
Capability
For the Auline V45 6S 3000mAh, I carried out the identical managed discharge take a look at as with the S70, from 4.2V to 2.7V per cell at 0.5C. The measured capability got here in at 2991mAh, which is actually spot-on with the rated worth—very spectacular consistency.
Discharge Efficiency
The efficiency hole between the Auline V45 and the older Lumenier pack is substantial—it’s like evening and day. Voltage sag is considerably diminished, and energy supply stays extra steady all through the discharge cycle.
In reality, the Auline V45 even outperformed the Molicel P28A in my testing—broadly thought-about the most effective 18650 cells for high-performance FPV use. That’s an impressive consequence and makes the V45 stand out as the most effective 18650-based Li-ion packs presently obtainable.
Ultimate Ideas
From capability to discharge efficiency, Auline’s newest V45 and S70 Li-ion batteries are top-tier. In comparison with earlier Auline fashions and opponents like Lumenier, they ship substantial enhancements in each C-rating and capability. Should you’re in search of a ready-to-use Li-ion battery to maximise flight time with out sacrificing reliability, these are simply among the many finest you will get at present.
That stated, they aren’t low cost. You’ll be able to construct your individual Li-ion battery packs and probably lower your expenses. Right here’s a DIY tutorial if you wish to strive that route:
My go-to 18650 cells have been the Molicel P28A and P30B cells. They’re well-known for his or her excessive discharge efficiency and have served me reliably for long-range flying. You will discover my full comparability and testing outcomes right here:
Nonetheless, constructing your individual pack takes time, and there’s at all times some danger concerned when soldering on to cells. For a lot of pilots—particularly these quick on time or in search of peace of thoughts—shopping for an off-the-shelf pack just like the V45 or S70 is a extra sensible alternative.
You may get the Auline V45 6S 3000mAh Li-ion from:
Purchase the Auline S70 6S 4500mAh Li-ion from:
Which One to Select?
V45 is right for smaller builds resembling cinewhoops, 4-inch long-range, and light-weight 5-inch drones the place energy and payload capability are restricted.
S70, alternatively, affords extra punch and capability—good for extra highly effective 5-inch, 6-inch, and 7-inch long-range quads that demand larger present draw and longer endurance.
