Lithium Polymer (LiPo / LCO)
Battery Chemistries · 9 specs
Direct Answer
Lithium Polymer (LiPo), commonly based on Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2 / LCO), packages electrode stacks inside flexible multi-layer aluminum-laminate pouch cells rather than rigid metal cans. Operating at 3.7V–3.85V nominal (with High-Voltage LiHv variants reaching 4.35V–4.45V cutoff), LiPo offers unmatched peak discharge rates (up to 50C–100C continuous) for drones, RC modeling, and ultra-thin mobile hardware.
Source: IEC 61960 / UL 1642 · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Nominal Cell Voltage | 3.70 – 3.85 V |
| Gravimetric Energy Density | 200 – 250 Wh/kg |
| Volumetric Energy Density | 500 – 650 Wh/L |
| Cycle Life (to 80% Capacity) | 300 – 600 Cycles |
| Thermal Runaway Threshold | ~150 °C |
| Operating Temperature Range | -10 to +60 °C |
| Self-Discharge Rate | 3 – 5% / Month |
| Primary Anode Material | Graphite |
| Primary Cathode Material | Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2 / LCO) |
High C-Rate Discharge & Pouch Cell Mechanics
LiPo batteries are distinguished by their extremely low internal resistance (IR), enabling massive surge currents required for quadcopter motors and high-draw pulse electronics. However, the soft aluminum pouch provides no mechanical defense against punctures, and overcharging or deep discharge below 3.0V leads to internal gas generation (pouch swelling) and lower thermal runaway resistance.