Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are gaining reputation in FPV for his or her spectacular power density, providing considerably longer flight instances in comparison with conventional LiPo packs. On this evaluation, I’ll take a look at a few of Auline’s newest Li-ion choices—the V45 6S 3000mAh and S70 6S 4500mAh—and examine 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.
Study extra about Li-ion batteries and the way they examine 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 presents two sequence 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 evaluation, I’ll give attention to the 6S variants of each variations, as 6S is at present the preferred 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 provide the next energy-to-weight ratio than typical LiPo packs, which interprets to longer flight instances for a similar weight. Nevertheless, 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 purposes 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. All these drones usually draw low present, making Li-ion the best selection.
Specs
V45:
- Cell Kind: 18650 Li-ion
- Cell Configuration: 6S1P
- Nominal Voltage: 22.2V (3.6V per cell)
- Max Voltage (Totally Charged): 25.2V (4.2V per cell)
- Rated Capability: 3000mAh
- Max Steady Discharge Present: 45A
- Really useful 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 (Totally 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 much like the earlier model: easy and minimal to cut back weight. Every pack options gentle foam tape on high and backside, and a dual-layer PVC heatshrink wrap. The change from black to white heatshrink is a welcome change—white tends to remain colder below direct daylight, which is useful when flying in scorching climate.
Every battery is clearly labeled with detailed specs, together with configuration, capability, max discharge present, nominal voltage, and whole watt-hours. It comes with a typical 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. This can be a substantial enchancment over the earlier model, which was rated at 4000mAh and 45A.
To assist 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 resulting from each the improved cells and the thicker wiring.
It’s necessary to notice that these batteries don’t embrace onboard BMS (battery administration techniques). Whereas BMS safety is helpful in different purposes, 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 lead to a crash.
Right here’s a measurement comparability with a typical 6S 1100mAh LiPo battery for reference—these Li-ion packs are barely bigger however provide over 4 instances 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 charge 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 whole flight time.
Auline V45 6S 3000mAh Pack
The V45 pack options primarily the identical development and construct high quality because the 4500mAh S70, however it’s noticeably smaller and lighter resulting from the usage of 18650 cells as an alternative 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, however it seems barely extra compact due to Auline’s extra space-efficient packaging.
Right here’s a measurement comparability to a typical 6S 1100mAh LiPo battery for perspective—it’s bulkier, after all, however presents over 2.5 instances 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 basically 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 evening and day. Voltage sag is considerably diminished, and energy supply stays extra steady all through the discharge cycle.
In truth, the Auline V45 even outperformed the Molicel P28A in my testing—extensively thought of probably the greatest 18650 cells for high-performance FPV use. That’s an impressive end result and makes the V45 stand out as probably the greatest 18650-based Li-ion packs at present 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. If you happen to’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 greatest you will get right this moment.
That mentioned, they aren’t low cost. You’ll be able to construct your personal Li-ion battery packs and doubtlessly lower your expenses. Right here’s a DIY tutorial if you wish to attempt 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 personal pack takes time, and there’s at all times some threat concerned when soldering on to cells. For a lot of pilots—particularly these quick 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 right for smaller builds corresponding to cinewhoops, 4-inch long-range, and light-weight 5-inch drones the place energy and payload capability are restricted.
S70, alternatively, presents extra punch and capability—excellent for extra highly effective 5-inch, 6-inch, and 7-inch long-range quads that demand larger present draw and longer endurance.
