Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are gaining recognition in FPV for his or her spectacular vitality density, providing considerably longer flight occasions in comparison with conventional LiPo packs. On this overview, 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 era in addition to different well-known packs, together with Lumenier’s 6S 3000mAh and my private favourite, the Molicel P28A.
Be taught extra about Li-ion batteries and the way they evaluate to LiPo on this detailed information: https://oscarliang.com/li-ion-battery-long-range/#Variations-Between-LiPo-and-Li-ion-Batteries
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 overview, I’ll deal with the 6S variants of each variations, as 6S is presently the most well-liked 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 supply a better energy-to-weight ratio than typical LiPo packs, which interprets to longer flight occasions for a similar weight. Nonetheless, they arrive with a trade-off—decrease C-rating, that means they’ll’t ship as a lot present. That’s why Li-ion packs aren’t appropriate for high-power functions 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. Some of these drones sometimes draw low present, making Li-ion the perfect selection.
Specs
V45:
- Cell Kind: 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 Kind: 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 glorious safety throughout transport.
Building stays just like the earlier model: easy and minimal to scale back weight. Every pack options delicate foam tape on high and backside, and a dual-layer PVC heatshrink wrap. The swap from black to white heatshrink is a welcome change—white tends to remain colder underneath direct daylight, which is useful when flying in sizzling 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 steadiness 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. It is a substantial enchancment over the earlier model, which was rated at 4000mAh and 45A.
To help the upper present score, 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 be heavier—428g versus the earlier 398g. This can be because of each the improved cells and the thicker wiring.
It’s necessary to notice that these batteries don’t embody onboard BMS (battery administration programs). Whereas BMS safety is helpful in different functions, 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 supply 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 fee 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 a lot of the discharge curve, it maintained round 0.8V much less voltage sag, that 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 in addition 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, but it surely’s noticeably smaller and lighter because of using 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, but it surely seems barely extra compact because of 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 night time and day. Voltage sag is considerably diminished, and energy supply stays extra steady all through the discharge cycle.
In actual fact, the Auline V45 even outperformed the Molicel P28A in my testing—broadly thought-about among the finest 18650 cells for high-performance FPV use. That’s an impressive outcome and makes the V45 stand out as among the finest 18650-based Li-ion packs presently accessible.
Closing 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. For those who’re on the lookout for a ready-to-use Li-ion battery to maximise flight time with out sacrificing reliability, these are simply among the many finest you may get in the present day.
That mentioned, they aren’t low-cost. You’ll be able to construct your individual Li-ion battery packs and doubtlessly lower your expenses. Right here’s a DIY tutorial if you wish to strive that route: https://oscarliang.com/li-ion-battery-long-range/
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. Yow will discover my full comparability and testing outcomes right here: https://oscarliang.com/best-18650-li-ion-battery/
Nonetheless, constructing your individual pack takes time, and there’s all the time some threat concerned when soldering on to cells. For a lot of pilots—particularly these brief on time or on the lookout for peace of thoughts—shopping for an off-the-shelf pack just like the V45 or S70 is a extra sensible selection.
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 good for smaller builds similar to 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.