Someone on a forum mentioned that they regularly charge their 1100mAh LiPo drone batteries at a 20C rate and discharge them at up to 130C. They even said my views on charging and discharging are outdated.
To me, it seems like the charge rate printed on the battery is the only truly safe guideline, and going 4x above that seems reckless. Am I out of touch with advancements in drone battery technology, or did I just encounter someone taking unnecessary risks? As far as I know, the true discharge C rating of non-graphene packs maxes out around 25C, and charge rates typically peak at 5C.
Charging at 20C is extremely aggressive. Most LiPo manufacturers recommend staying within the specified charge rate for safety and longevity. Exceeding that can lead to overheating, swelling, and even fires. For most 1100mAh packs, a 1C to 2C charge rate is more than adequate. I’d consider 20C excessive unless you’re experimenting and have the necessary safety precautions.
I think they’re exaggerating or outright lying. Charging at 20C would generate so much heat that you’d likely damage the battery within a few cycles. Most packs I’ve seen are rated for 1C or 2C charging, with some high-end graphene packs maybe going up to 5C safely. If they’re actually doing this, they’re running a huge risk.
Discharging at 130C is also questionable. Even high-performance packs rarely hit their advertised C ratings in real-world conditions. Those numbers are often marketing fluff. Actual discharge rates tend to be much lower, even for top-tier batteries. I’d be skeptical of their claims.
You’re right to be cautious. The charge and discharge rates printed on the pack are there for a reason. Pushing beyond those limits might work in the short term but will drastically shorten the battery’s life. Also, charging at 20C is unnecessary unless you’re in a race environment and absolutely need quick turnarounds. Even then, most people don’t go that high.
If they’re really charging at 20C and discharging at 130C, they’re either using very specialized equipment and packs or they’re not being truthful. Most drone enthusiasts stick to safer practices to avoid accidents. Your approach is reasonable, and I’d recommend sticking to it unless you have a very specific use case and know what you’re doing.