A Guide to Lithium-Polymer (LiPo) Drone Batteries

Why use lithium polymer to make the battery for drones? What are the characteristics of lithium polymer batteries? For which application scenarios is it applicable? What should be noted?

Drone Battery

ENOV High-Energy drone batteries power industrial and commercial drones. Delivering 220–320 Wh/kg energy density, they enable long flight times (30+ mins) and support fast charging (2C). Perfect for aerial photography, surveillance, and delivery drones.

Lithium-polymer (LiPo) cells are the dominant power source in modern UAVs. Even high-end products, such as Enovbattery’s lithium-cobalt-oxide packs, are classified as LiPo chemistry. A single LiPo cell has a nominal voltage of 3.7 V and a fully-charged terminal voltage of 4.2 V. Their superior gravimetric and volumetric energy densities, high discharge capability, low self-discharge, lightweight architecture, and extended flight endurance make LiPo batteries the preferred choice across the full UAV spectrum—from compact consumer quadcopters to large professional-grade platforms.

1. Choose a reliable manufacturer

LiPo cells employ a solid or gelled polymer electrolyte and lightweight packaging, yielding higher gravimetric and volumetric energy densities than conventional Li-ion systems. The result is longer flight times and greater payload capacity.

1. Key Technical Attributes

1.1 High Energy Density

Energy-Density Comparison

Type	Battery Type	Energy Density
Specific Energy Density (mass)	Lithium-ion Battery	150-250 Wh/kg
Specific Energy Density (mass)	Lithium-Polymer Battery	180-300 Wh/kg (Enovbattery’s high-end model can reach 320 Wh/kg)
Energy Density (volume)	Lithium-ion Battery	250-400 Wh/L
Energy Density (volume)	Lithium-Polymer Battery	400-600 Wh/L

1.2 High Discharge Rate

Discharge rate is expressed as the C-rate—the “speed” at which energy is delivered. LiPo batteries provide both high instantaneous and high continuous C-rates, enabling rapid take-off, sustained high-thrust maneuvers, and other applications demanding instantaneous high-power delivery.

1.3 Low Self-Discharge

When idle, a battery slowly loses charge. LiPo chemistry exhibits a markedly lower self-discharge rate, retaining usable capacity after prolonged storage—an essential trait for seasonally operated equipment.

1.4 Lightweight Design

Polymer electrolytes can be produced as ultra-thin films (<100 µm). Multilayer electrode stacking minimizes volume, and because the electrolyte also functions as a separator, additional separator mass is eliminated. Pouch cells with lightweight aluminum-laminate enclosures replace heavier metal cans, further reducing mass. Every gram saved in the battery translates directly into increased payload or endurance.

1.5 Flexible Form Factor

The polymer electrolyte allows cells to be engineered in virtually any capacity, geometry, and mass, offering design flexibility for diverse airframe configurations.

1.6 Extended Flight Time

The combination of high energy density, lightweight construction, and compact packaging collectively extends mission duration.

2. Application Domains

3. Safety and Handling Precautions

LiPo cells are sensitive to over-charge, over-discharge, mechanical abuse, and temperature extremes. Avoid over-charge, deep discharge, impact, or puncture to prevent swelling, thermal runaway, ignition, or explosion. Operate and store cells within the manufacturer-specified temperature envelope and follow all recommended safety protocols.