LIHV Specifications: Technical Reference & Standards
Published: June 15, 2026
Last Updated: June 15, 2026
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Introduction
Understanding LIHV specifications is essential for selecting the right battery for your application, ensuring compatibility with your equipment, and maintaining safe operation. This technical reference guide provides comprehensive specification information for LIHV batteries, from voltage and capacity to discharge rates and certifications.
LIHV Specifications Standard LIHV Voltage Ratings
|
Configuration
|
Nominal Voltage
|
Maximum Charge
|
Minimum Safe
|
Voltage Range
|
|
1S LIHV
|
3.85V
|
4.45V
|
3.0V
|
1.45V
|
|
2S LIHV
|
7.7V
|
8.9V
|
6.0V
|
2.9V
|
|
3S LIHV
|
11.55V
|
13.35V
|
9.0V
|
4.35V
|
|
4S LIHV
|
15.4V
|
17.8V
|
12.0V
|
5.8V
|
|
5S LIHV
|
19.25V
|
22.25V
|
15.0V
|
7.25V
|
|
6S LIHV
|
23.1V
|
26.7V
|
18.0V
|
8.7V
|
Voltage Comparison: LIHV vs LiPo
|
Configuration
|
LiPo Nominal
|
LIHV Nominal
|
Difference
|
% Increase
|
|
1S
|
3.7V
|
3.85V
|
+0.15V
|
+4.05%
|
|
2S
|
7.4V
|
7.7V
|
+0.3V
|
+4.05%
|
|
4S
|
14.8V
|
15.4V
|
+0.6V
|
+4.05%
|
|
6S
|
22.2V
|
23.1V
|
+0.9V
|
+4.05%
|
Capacity Specifications
Common Capacity Ratings
LIHV batteries are available in a wide range of capacities to suit different applications:
Micro Drones & Racing:
•300mAh – Ultra-lightweight racing
•450mAh – Lightweight FPV racing
•550mAh – Standard FPV racing
•650mAh – Extended racing
Standard Drones & RC:
•1000mAh – Compact drones
•1500mAh – Standard drones
•2000mAh – Extended flight
•2500mAh – Long endurance
Heavy-Lift & Industrial:
•3000mAh – Industrial operations
•4000mAh – Heavy payloads
•5000mAh – Extended operations
•6000mAh+ – Maximum capacity
Capacity Measurement
mAh (Milliamp-hours): Indicates how much current the battery can deliver over one hour.
•Example: 5000mAh battery can deliver 5000mA (5A) for 1 hour
•Or 1000mA (1A) for 5 hours
•Or 10000mA (10A) for 30 minutes
Wh (Watt-hours): Total energy stored in the battery.
•Formula: Wh = mAh × Voltage ÷ 1000
•Example: 5000mAh × 15.4V ÷ 1000 = 77Wh
Energy Density
LIHV batteries typically achieve 160-200 Wh/kg energy density, compared to 150-180 Wh/kg for standard LiPo batteries.
Energy Density Calculation:
•Energy Density (Wh/kg) = Total Energy (Wh) ÷ Weight (kg)
•Example: 76Wh ÷ 0.27kg = 281 Wh/kg
Discharge Rate Specifications
C-Rating Explained
The C-rating indicates the maximum safe discharge rate of a battery.
C-Rating Formula:
•Maximum Current (A) = Capacity (mAh) × C-Rating ÷ 1000
•Example: 5000mAh × 100C ÷ 1000 = 500A maximum discharge
Common C-Ratings
|
C-Rating
|
Application
|
Typical Use
|
|
50C
|
Casual flying
|
Beginner drones, casual operations
|
|
75C
|
Standard performance
|
Commercial drones, general use
|
|
100C
|
High performance
|
Racing drones, aggressive flying
|
|
120C
|
Extreme performance
|
Competitive racing, maximum power
|
|
150C+
|
Ultra-high performance
|
Professional racing, specialized applications
|
Continuous vs. Burst Discharge
Continuous Discharge Rate: Maximum current the battery can safely deliver continuously.
•Typically 60-80% of burst rating
•Example: 100C burst, 60-80C continuous
Burst Discharge Rate: Maximum current for short periods (typically 10-30 seconds).
•Higher than continuous rating
•Used for acceleration and aggressive maneuvers
Discharge Rate Impact
|
Discharge Rate
|
Heat Generation
|
Battery Stress
|
Performance
|
Lifespan Impact
|
|
50% of max
|
Minimal
|
Minimal
|
Baseline
|
+10-15% longer
|
|
75% of max
|
Low
|
Low
|
Good
|
Baseline
|
|
100% of max
|
Moderate
|
Moderate
|
Excellent
|
-5-10% shorter
|
|
>100% of max
|
High
|
High
|
Maximum
|
-15-25% shorter
|
Physical Dimensions & Weight
Standard Form Factors
|
Capacity
|
Typical Dimensions (mm)
|
Typical Weight (g)
|
Energy Density
|
|
550mAh 2S
|
40 × 30 × 20
|
29-31
|
18+ Wh/kg
|
|
1000mAh 3S
|
65 × 35 × 25
|
68-72
|
19+ Wh/kg
|
|
2000mAh 4S
|
110 × 35 × 30
|
145-155
|
20+ Wh/kg
|
|
5000mAh 4S
|
150 × 50 × 35
|
270-290
|
20+ Wh/kg
|
|
10000mAh 6S
|
180 × 60 × 40
|
580-620
|
21+ Wh/kg
|
Weight Comparison: LIHV vs LiPo
LIHV batteries are typically 3-5% lighter than equivalent LiPo batteries due to higher energy density:
|
Capacity
|
LiPo Weight
|
LIHV Weight
|
Difference
|
% Reduction
|
|
550mAh 2S
|
30.2g
|
29.3g
|
-0.9g
|
-3%
|
|
5000mAh 4S
|
285g
|
270g
|
-15g
|
-5.3%
|
|
10000mAh 6S
|
620g
|
590g
|
-30g
|
-4.8%
|
Temperature Specifications
Operating Temperature Range
|
Temperature Range
|
Status
|
Recommendations
|
|
Below -20°C
|
Not recommended
|
Do not use; risk of damage
|
|
-20°C to -10°C
|
Limited operation
|
Reduced performance; use with caution
|
|
-10°C to 0°C
|
Acceptable
|
Reduced performance; monitor carefully
|
|
0°C to 15°C
|
Good
|
Acceptable performance; slight reduction
|
|
15°C to 35°C
|
Optimal
|
Maximum performance; ideal range
|
|
35°C to 45°C
|
Acceptable
|
Acceptable performance; monitor temperature
|
|
45°C to 60°C
|
Limited operation
|
Reduced performance; stop if exceeds 60°C
|
|
Above 60°C
|
Dangerous
|
Stop operation immediately; risk of damage
|
Storage Temperature
Optimal Storage: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Storage Voltage: 3.85V per cell (approximately 50% charge)
Temperature Effects on Performance
|
Temperature
|
Capacity
|
Voltage
|
Power Output
|
Lifespan Impact
|
|
5°C
|
-10%
|
-5%
|
-15%
|
Minimal
|
|
15°C
|
-5%
|
-2%
|
-8%
|
Minimal
|
|
25°C
|
100%
|
100%
|
100%
|
Baseline
|
|
35°C
|
-3%
|
-2%
|
-5%
|
Slight reduction
|
|
45°C
|
-8%
|
-5%
|
-12%
|
Moderate reduction
|
Cycle Life & Degradation
Cycle Life Specifications
Typical LIHV Battery Cycle Life:
•Usable cycles: 250-400 cycles (to 80% capacity)
•Cycle life varies by:
•Charge/discharge rate
•Operating temperature
•Depth of discharge
•Storage procedures
Capacity Degradation Over Time
|
Cycle Count
|
Capacity Retention
|
Condition
|
|
0 cycles
|
100%
|
New battery
|
|
50 cycles
|
98-99%
|
Excellent
|
|
100 cycles
|
94.6%
|
Good
|
|
150 cycles
|
91-93%
|
Acceptable
|
|
200 cycles
|
87-90%
|
Fair
|
|
250 cycles
|
83-86%
|
Acceptable for casual use
|
|
300 cycles
|
78-82%
|
Consider replacement
|
|
400+ cycles
|
<75%
|
End of life
|
Factors Affecting Cycle Life
|
Factor
|
Impact
|
Optimization
|
|
Charge Rate
|
High rate = shorter life
|
Use 0.5-1C rate
|
|
Discharge Rate
|
High rate = shorter life
|
Use <80% of max rating
|
|
Temperature
|
Hot = shorter life
|
Maintain 15-35°C
|
|
Depth of Discharge
|
Deep discharge = shorter life
|
Avoid discharging below 3.0V
|
|
Storage
|
Poor storage = shorter life
|
Store at 3.85V per cell
|
Safety & Certification Standards
International Certifications
UN38.3 (United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria)
•Governs transport of lithium batteries
•Ensures batteries meet safety requirements
•Required for international shipping
•Tests include thermal, external short circuit, impact
IEC 61960 (International Electrotechnical Commission)
•Standard for secondary lithium batteries
•Specifies safety and performance requirements
•Ensures consistent quality
•Covers electrical, thermal, mechanical safety
CE Marking (European Union)
•Indicates compliance with EU regulations
•Required for sale in European Union
•Covers health, safety, environmental protection
•Manufacturer responsibility for compliance
UL 1642 (Underwriters Laboratories)
•Standard for lithium batteries in consumer products
•Comprehensive safety testing
•Covers electrical, thermal, mechanical safety
•Required for many consumer applications
Safety Specifications
|
Specification
|
LIHV Requirement
|
Test Method
|
|
Thermal Stability
|
Withstand 55°C without rupture
|
Thermal chamber testing
|
|
Electrical Safety
|
No short circuit damage
|
External short circuit test
|
|
Mechanical Safety
|
Withstand impact without rupture
|
Drop and impact testing
|
|
Overcharge Protection
|
Safe at 4.35V per cell
|
Overcharge testing
|
|
Over-discharge Protection
|
Safe at 2.5V per cell
|
Over-discharge testing
|
Connector Types & Compatibility
Common Connector Types
|
Connector
|
Typical Applications
|
Current Rating
|
Advantages
|
|
JST-XH
|
Micro drones
|
10A
|
Compact, lightweight
|
|
XT30
|
Small drones
|
30A
|
Compact, reliable
|
|
XT60
|
Standard drones
|
60A
|
Most common, reliable
|
|
XT90
|
Heavy-lift, high power
|
90A
|
High current, reliable
|
|
EC3/EC5
|
Racing drones
|
60A/120A
|
Compact, secure
|
Connector Compatibility
LIHV batteries use the same connectors as standard LiPo batteries, ensuring physical compatibility. However, verify connector types match your equipment before purchase.
Performance Specifications Summary
Quick Reference Table
|
Specification
|
LIHV Standard
|
Typical Range
|
Notes
|
|
Nominal Voltage (1S)
|
3.8V
|
3.7-3.9V
|
Higher than LiPo
|
|
Max Charge Voltage (1S)
|
4.35V
|
4.3-4.4V
|
Requires LIHV charger
|
|
Min Safe Voltage (1S)
|
3.0V
|
2.8-3.0V
|
Avoid over-discharge
|
|
Energy Density
|
160-200 Wh/kg
|
150-220 Wh/kg
|
Varies by design
|
|
Cycle Life
|
250-400 cycles
|
200-500 cycles
|
Depends on usage
|
|
Operating Temp
|
-10°C to 60°C
|
-20°C to 70°C
|
Varies by design
|
|
Self-Discharge
|
2-3% per month
|
1-4% per month
|
Minimal
|
|
Voltage Sag
|
0.3-0.7V @ 100A
|
0.2-1.0V
|
Lower than LiPo
|
Conclusion
Understanding LIHV battery specifications is essential for proper selection, safe operation, and maximum performance. Use this reference guide when:
•Selecting batteries for new equipment
•Verifying battery compatibility
•Troubleshooting performance issues
•Planning maintenance and replacement schedules
Need More Information?
Related Guides:
•Complete Guide to LIHV Battery Technology – Comprehensive overview
•LIHV Battery Charging Guide – Charging procedures
•LIHV Battery Applications – Use case guidance
Contact WES Battery:
•Email: info@wesbattery.com
•Phone: +1-800-WES-BATT
