Lithium Polymer Drone Batteries vs. Lithium Ion Drone Batteries

——A Comprehensive Comparison of Performance, Applications, and Selection

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.

The two major “lithium-based” branches of drone power batteries – Lithium Polymer (LiPo) and Lithium Ion (Li-ion) – cover almost all commercial and industrial aircraft models. Both use lithium ions as charge carriers, with a nominal voltage of 3.7 V per cell, but they differ significantly in chemical systems, structural design, and performance orientation. This article provides an “end-to-end” comparison of the two types of batteries to help designers, purchasing managers, and pilots quickly make selection decisions.

I. Key Indicator Comparison Table

Dimension	Lithium Polymer (LiPo)	Lithium Ion (Li-ion)
Typical chemical system	Solid or gel polymer electrolyte	Liquid electrolyte
Mass energy density	180–300 Wh/kg (up to 320 Wh/kg for high-end products)	150–250 Wh/kg
Volumetric energy density	400–600 Wh/L	250–400 Wh/L
Continuous discharge rate	15–50 C (even higher instantaneously)	3–10 C
Cycle life	3–10 C	3–10 C
Self-discharge rate	2–3 %/month	1–2 %/month
Packaging form	Customizable shapes	Relatively fixed shapes
Shell strength	Soft pack, weak puncture resistance	Cylindrical/aluminum shell with high strength
Low-temperature performance	Performance drops sharply below 0 °C (Enovbattery specializes in low-temperature cells, which can be used normally at -20 °C)	Requires preheating or heating of the battery pack
Weight (for the same capacity)	Lightest	Approximately 10–20 % heavier than LiPo
Typical cost	High	Medium to low

For a deeper understanding of either type of battery, you can read the following two articles:

A Guide to Lithium-Polymer (LiPo) Drone Batteries

Guide to Lithium–Ion Drone Batteries

II. Performance Breakdown

1. Energy Density

LiPo, with its gel electrolyte and ultra-thin lamination process, leads by 20–40 % in both mass and volume indicators; for racing or aerial photography multi-rotors, this directly translates to longer hovering time and greater maneuvering margin. Although Li-ion is slightly inferior, it is already sufficient to replace older generations of batteries such as nickel-metal hydride and lead-acid.

2. Discharge Capacity

LiPo’s “water-pouring speed” can reach dozens of C, capable of supporting violent lifting, instantaneous high-current servos or pan-tilt motors. Li-ion has obvious internal resistance and temperature rise at high rates, making it more suitable for scenarios with relatively stable power requirements such as fixed-wing long-endurance, logistics cruising.

3. Cycle Life and Total Life Cycle Cost

The number of cycles of Li-ion (especially LFP) is 3–6 times that of LiPo, and when converted to cost per kilometer or per flight, it is actually lower; however, the initial purchase price is higher. For plant protection and inspection fleets with high daily flight frequencies, Li-ion has obvious comprehensive cost advantages.

4. Safety and Abuse Boundaries

LiPo soft packs are vulnerable to external puncture, and the probability of bulging and fire is high during overcharging or overheating. Li-ion cylindrical/aluminum shell structures are more impact-resistant, and ternary systems are mostly equipped with BMS multiple protections; however, low temperature and over-discharge can also trigger copper dendrite short circuits. Both types of batteries must strictly follow the principles of “no overcharging, no over-discharging, no puncturing”.

5. Customizability of Shapes

LiPo can be made into ultra-thin curved surfaces to fit the fuselage, greatly improving space utilization; Li-ion cylindrical cells are limited by diameter and height, resulting in slightly lower design flexibility.

III. Quick Matching of Application Scenarios

① Racing/crossing drones, high-maneuver aerial photography, tethered lighting – high C-rate and light weight are priorities → choose LiPo

② Long-endurance fixed-wing mapping, border inspection, logistics branches – long life and low power consumption are priorities → choose Li-ion (ternary or LFP)

③ Agricultural plant protection, emergency rescue – high-frequency cycles and cost sensitivity → choose Li-ion LFP

④ Mini self-timer drones, foldable travel photography – extreme thinness and special-shaped batteries → choose LiPo soft packs

In a word:

“For extreme lightness and high burst, choose LiPo; for long life and cost savings, choose Li-ion.”

According to mission requirements, usage frequency, and budget, finding a balance in the triangle of energy, power, and life can ensure that the drone flies both long and stably.