Best Battery for 1/16 E-Revo VXL

Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Jaxon Mike

The 1/16 E-Revo VXL from Traxxas is one of the most popular small-scale RC trucks on the market. Its fast brushless motor can reach over 50 mph out of the box, providing an exciting drive experience. However, that kind of speed and acceleration demands a lot of power from the battery. Choosing the right battery is critical to getting the best performance out of your E-Revo.

The battery provides all the power to the truck’s electronics and motor. An under-powered battery will result in lackluster acceleration and runtimes. On the other hand, a battery with too low capacity or discharge rating risks damaging the electronics through voltage sag or overload. The goal is to find a battery that offers the right blend of high capacity, discharge rate, and reasonable weight.

In this article, we will examine the key factors to consider when choosing a replacement or spare battery for the 1/16 E-Revo VXL. We will also provide some specific battery recommendations to help you pick the perfect battery for your needs.

Top Battery Options

Battery	Capacity	Voltage	Discharge Rating	Chemistry	Weight	Dimensions	Connector	Price
Traxxas Power Cell	1800mAh	7.2V (NiMH)	25C	NiMH	152g	94 x 34 x 18mm	Traxxas	$35
Gens Ace LiPo	4000-5000mAh	7.4V	50C	LiPo	180-220g	94 x 34 x 25mm	XT60	$50-60
Venom LiPo	5000mAh	7.4V	20C	LiPo	224g	139 x 47 x 25mm	Universal plug	$60
Lectron Pro LiPo	6000mAh	7.4V	100C	LiPo	250g	94 x 34 x 34mm	XT60	$130
PowerHobby LiPo	5000-6000mAh	7.4V	50C	LiPo	210-240g	94 x 34 x 25mm	XT60	$40-50
ProTek LiPo	5200mAh	7.4V	35C	LiPo	235g	94 x 47 x 25mm	XT60	$70
ZLRC LiPo	2400mAh	7.4V	60C	LiPo	120g	94 x 34 x 15mm	XT60	$30

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Battery

There are several important specifications and features to evaluate when selecting a new battery for your mini E-Revo truck.

Capacity

The capacity of the battery determines how long it will last on a single charge. It is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). The higher the mAh, the longer the runtime. However, higher capacity usually comes with increased battery size and weight.

The stock Traxxas battery is 1800mAh, but you can find replacement batteries ranging from 1600mAh up to over 4000mAh. Think about your typical use – if you only run for 5-10 minutes at a time, a lower capacity battery will suffice. But for longer run times or all-day bashing, look for a battery with 2500mAh or higher.

Voltage

The voltage corresponds directly to the speed and acceleration of the truck. The E-Revo VXL system is designed for 7.4V nominal or 2S LiPo batteries. You can run lower voltages like 6V NiMH batteries, but the performance will be reduced.

Stick with 7.4V LiPo or 6V NiMH batteries to maintain the stock experience. The electronics can handle up to 8.4V / 3S LiPo, but this will increase stresses and temperatures. Only use 8.4V occasionally – not for everyday use.

Discharge Rating

The discharge rating represents how much current a battery can continuously supply. It is expressed in “C” – a 5C rating means the battery can discharge 5 times its capacity safely.

Look for batteries with discharge ratings of 25C or higher. This ensures the battery can keep up with the high current draw of the brushless motor and electronics during acceleration, jumps, and climbs without sagging.

Battery Chemistry

For RC applications, the main battery chemistry options are nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium polymer (LiPo). Each has pros and cons.

NiMH batteries can last 500-1000 charge cycles. They are more resilient to damage from crashes or over-discharging. However, they offer lower capacity for their size and less voltage per cell.

LiPo batteries provide higher energy density. They are lighter weight and can supply more current. However, LiPo batteries are more volatile and require extra care in charging, storage and handling.

For maximum performance, LiPo is the preferred chemistry for the E-Revo. But NiMH can work well if you prioritize reliability and safety over all-out speed.

Physical Size & Weight

While runtime and power matter most, you also have to consider the physical battery dimensions to ensure a good fit in your truck. The battery compartment in the E-Revo is quite small.

Look at battery dimensions (in mm) when shopping – it needs to be narrow enough to fit side-by-side in the tray. Also consider the weight – heavier packs will affect handling and put more strain on components.

Top Battery Options

Given the factors above, here are some of the best battery choices to consider for your Traxxas E-Revo 1/16 VXL:

Traxxas Power Cell NiMH Battery

The Traxxas 1800mAh 7-cell NiMH battery provides a great balance of run time and power in stock form. It’s affordable and precisely engineered to fit the E-Revo battery compartment. The rugged NiMH cells hold up well to crashes and punishment. If you want a reliable drop-in battery replacement, the Traxxas Power Cell is a great option.

Pros:

• Official OEM Traxxas product
• Affordable price
• Rugged and crash-resistant
• Precise fitment for E-Revo

Cons:

• Lower capacity than LiPo
• Heavier than LiPo options

Gens Ace LiPo Batteries

For LiPo batteries, Gens Ace makes some well-reviewed, high-quality choices purpose-built for the E-Revo. Their 4000mAh or 5000mAh 2S hard case packs provide a lot more runtime compared to the stock battery, while still fitting in the tight battery compartment. With a high 50C discharge rating, these batteries have plenty of power on tap for the VXL system too.

Pros:

• High capacity (4000-5000mAh)
• Great discharge rating (50C)
• Built specifically for E-Revo
• Provides long runtimes

Cons:

• More expensive than NiMH
• Requires more care than NiMH

Venom LiPo Batteries

The Venom 5000mAh 2S 20C LiPo is another excellent high-capacity battery choice with the advantage of an adjustable plug system. This allows you to customize the connector to what fits your E-Revo, whether Traxxas, EC3, XT60 and more. It’s also rated for 20C constant discharge so can keep up with the VXL electronics.

Pros:

• High 5000mAh capacity
• Adjustable plug system
• Good 20C discharge rating

Cons:

• Brick-like hard case shape

Lectron Pro LiPo Batteries

For maximum runtime, the Lectron Pro 6000mAh 100C LiPo is a great choice. Though expensive, it provides over 3 times more capacity than the stock battery for extended running. The super high 100C discharge rating gives plenty of headroom for the VXL system’s current demands. It’s also designed to perfectly fit in the battery compartment.

Pros:

• Massive 6000mAh capacity
• Very high 100C discharge rating
• Perfect fitment for E-Revo

Cons:

• Expensive
• Overkill performance for some

PowerHobby 2S LiPo Batteries

PowerHobby makes several 5000-6000mAh LiPo options purpose built for 1/16 E-Revo trucks. Their hard case 2S packs come with XT60 connectors to plug right into the VXL system. With around 50C discharge, these affordable batteries offer great performance for the price.

Pros:

• Good 5000-6000mAh capacity
• Low price
• 50C rating sufficient for VXL

Cons:

• Less known brand reputation

ProTek R/C LiPo Batteries

The ProTek R/C 5200mAh 35C LiPo packs offer a good middle ground of runtime, power, and cost-effectiveness. While not the highest C-rating, the 35C discharge capability is still sufficient for good performance from the VXL system without hitting current limits.

Pros:

• 5200mAh provides great runtime
• Reasonable 35C discharge rating
• Quality construction

Cons:

• Priced slightly higher than similar specs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will a 5000mAh LiPo battery last in my E-Revo?

Approximately 20-30 minutes of average driving time, depending on conditions and driving style. High speed runs will decrease runtimes.

Can I use a 3S LiPo in the 1/16 E-Revo VXL?

Yes, you can use a 8.4V 3S LiPo, but this will increase the motor RPM beyond the factory limits. Use 3S occasionally, not as your daily battery.

Is it ok to charge LiPo batteries overnight?

No, never charge LiPos unattended or overnight. Always monitor the charging process closely and terminate charging when completed.

My E-Revo is slower, is it time for a new battery?

Possibly. Evaluate the battery’s capacity and discharge ratings. If markedly lower than new, battery performance has degraded over time.

Should I store LiPo batteries fully charged or partially discharged?

For storage, partially discharge LiPos to around 3.85V per cell for optimal health and longevity. Avoid fully charging before storage.

Let me know if you would like me to modify or expand the conclusion and FAQs in any way. And please provide feedback on the full article draft so far!

Conclusion

Choosing the right battery is crucial to getting the best performance and runtimes from your Traxxas 1/16 E-Revo VXL. The ideal battery provides an optimal blend of high capacity, discharge rating, voltage, and reasonable weight that fits the truck.

For most users, we recommend a 4000-5000mAh 2S LiPo with at least a 25C discharge rating from a reputable brand. This gives you longer run times versus stock, plenty of power on tap, and a proven reliable option. Popular picks are the Gens Ace 5000mAh 50C or ProTek 5200mAh 35C LiPo packs.

On a budget, the OEM Traxxas 1800mAh NiMH battery is a cost-effective drop-in replacement alternative. For maximum runtime, upgraded 6000mAh+ LiPo packs are great, though avoid cheap low-quality batteries. Take the time to properly charge, storage, and care for your LiPo batteries. This will ensure top performance and long battery life.

With the right battery installed, your E-Revo VXL will continue delivering incredible speed and runtimes for all your RC adventures!