RC Electronics: Batteries, Chargers, Motors and ESCs
LiPo batteries, chargers, brushless motors and ESCs: how they work and how to choose them.
An electric RC car depends on a handful of parts that work together: the battery, which stores the energy; the charger, which replenishes it; the motor, which turns it into motion; and the ESC (electronic speed controller), which regulates how much power reaches the motor based on what you ask for with the transmitter. Understanding how they fit together helps you choose better, get more run time from each battery and avoid breakdowns.
Batteries and charging
LiPo batteries are the most common in today’s RC thanks to their weight-to-capacity ratio, but they need a suitable charger and a few precautions. Start with our guide to RC LiPo batteries, then move on to how to charge an RC car battery and how to choose a LiPo charger.
Motors and ESCs
The type of motor sets the car’s character. Compare brushless vs brushed RC motors and find out what an ESC is and how to program it.
Transmitter and receiver
The transmitter is your connection to the model. If you’re replacing yours or buying your first, read how to choose an RC transmitter.
Guides on this topic
- RC LiPo Batteries: How to Choose, Charge and Care for ThemWhat the cell count (S), mAh and C rating on a LiPo battery mean, how to choose one for your RC car, plane or boat, and how to charge it, store it and tell when it's damaged.
- How Long Does an RC Car Battery Last?Find out how long you can enjoy your RC car before you need to recharge the battery, so the fun doesn't stop early.
- How Long Does It Take to Charge an RC Car Battery?Find out how long it takes to charge your RC car's battery and get back in action in no time.
- How to Charge an RC Car BatteryLearn how to charge your RC car battery so you can get the most out of every run and never run out of power in the middle of the fun.
- How to Charge an RC Car Battery Without a ChargerLearn how to charge your RC car battery without its charger, and what you should never do. Don't let a missing charger stop the fun!
- Choose the Best LiPo Charger for Your Battery!Find the perfect LiPo charger for your battery and stop running out of power at the most exciting moments.
- What Is an ESC: How It Works, How to Choose One and How to Install ItThe ESC controls how much power reaches your RC car's motor. What it does, which specs to look at, what size you need and how to mount and connect it.
- How to Program the ESC in an RC CarLearn to program your RC car's ESC like a pro and own the track with these simple steps.
- How to Fix the ESC in Your RC CarLearn how to fix the ESC in your RC car and get back on the track in no time. Don't let a technical glitch ruin your fun!
- Brushless vs Brushed Electric RC Motors: Which Is Better?Learn the difference between brushless and brushed electric motors in RC cars. Don't miss this complete guide!
- 8 Tips for Choosing Your RC TransmitterFind the best transmitters for RC cars in this post, and run your races like a real pro!
Related guides
RC cars
RC LiPo Batteries: How to Choose, Charge and Care for Them
What the cell count (S), mAh and C rating on a LiPo battery mean, how to choose one for your RC car, plane or boat, and how to charge it, store it and tell when it's damaged.
4 min read