Charge time calculator
Charge time is roughly Ah to replace / charger amps, plus about 10 to 15 percent for balancing. A 5000mAh pack that is 80 percent used takes about 54 minutes at 5 A (1C), and about 4.5 hours on a 1 A USB charger.
LiPo Battery Charger RC Car Balance Charger
- 6S
Faster, safer charging. Picked from current listings.
$39.99 listed price, changes often
Check price on Amazon- Charge rate
- 1.00C
- Effective current
- 5.0 A
- 1C current for this pack
- 5.0 A
- Charger current limit at this voltage
- 9.5 A
The formula
Ah to replace = mAh / 1000 x percent used hours = Ah to replace / charge amps x 1.12 (LiPo) or 1.2 (NiMH) charge rate = amps / Ah
Charge LiPo at 1C (amps equal to Ah) unless the pack label explicitly allows more. Charger wattage also limits current: amps = watts / pack voltage.
Faster, safer charging
Picked from current listings across the price range, so there is a budget, a middle and a premium option in each category.
How long does it take to charge an RC car battery?
About an hour at 1C from a normal run, much longer on the USB chargers that ship with many ready-to-run cars.
| Pack | Charger | From 80% used |
|---|---|---|
| 2S 5000mAh LiPo | 5 A (1C) | about 54 min |
| 2S 5000mAh LiPo | 2 A | about 2 h 14 min |
| 2S 5000mAh LiPo | 1 A USB | about 4 h 29 min |
| 3S 5000mAh LiPo | 5 A | about 54 min |
| 7.2 V 3000mAh NiMH | 2 A | about 1 h 26 min |
Why is my charger slower than its amp rating?
Wattage. A charger rated 80 W and 6 A can only push 6 A into a pack up to about 13 V. On a 4S pack at 16.8 V it tops out near 4.8 A, and on 6S near 3.2 A. The calculator checks this automatically. If you run 4S or 6S packs, look at watts per channel before amps.
Is fast charging bad for LiPo batteries?
Charging at 1C is the conservative default and what most pack labels specify. Some packs allow 2C or more, and charging within the label rating is fine. Above it, the pack heats up and ages faster. For safety rules, see how to charge RC car LiPo batteries.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a 5000mAh LiPo take to charge?
About 50 to 60 minutes at 5 A from a typical run, because 5 A is 1C for a 5000mAh pack and you usually replace about 80 percent of capacity. Balancing adds a few minutes at the end. On a 2 A charger it is about two hours and fifteen minutes; on a 1 A USB charger it is well over four hours.
What amp should I charge my RC battery at?
At 1C, meaning charge current in amps equal to capacity in amp hours: 5 A for a 5000mAh pack, 2.2 A for a 2200mAh pack. Only go higher if the pack label lists a higher charge rate. Charging slower than 1C is always fine; it simply takes longer. NiMH packs are also commonly charged near 1C with peak detection.
Can I charge a LiPo with a NiMH charger?
No. LiPo cells need a constant current, constant voltage charge that stops at exactly 4.2 V per cell, plus balancing. A NiMH charger uses peak detection that will overcharge a LiPo, which can cause a fire. Many hobby chargers support both chemistries with a selectable mode; always pick LiPo mode for LiPo packs.
Why does my charger take so long at the end?
That is the constant voltage phase plus balancing. Once the pack reaches full voltage, the charger holds the voltage and lets the current taper, and it evens out the cells through the balance lead. This last 10 to 15 percent of the process is slow by design and is what keeps the cells matched.
Is a dual charger worth it for an RC car?
If you run two packs, yes. A dual charger charges both at once instead of back to back, which halves the wait between sessions. Check the watts per channel, because some dual chargers split total power between the channels and slow down when both are in use, especially on 4S and 6S.
RCCarCalc is researched guidance, not professional advice. Figures come from published manufacturer specifications, listings and verified owner reports, not hands-on testing. Speeds are theoretical or as listed; real results depend on gearing, battery, tires and terrain. See how we research.