Solid state batteries in RC?
 

Earlier today I saw this solid state battery bank and it got me thinking of when we may see solid state batteries show up in RC? I got into RC shortly before LiPo became a thing and it seemed like RC was one of the early adopters of lithium batteries compared to how nowadays they are everywhere so it got me thinking if we may see solid state batteries show up in RC some time soon allowing for even higher performance batteries than we have now. I don't know when we may see them but I'm intrigued by the idea and wonder if they may result in the next evolution in battery sizing from the big stick packs, to now shorty packs and maybe with the advantages of solid state tech maybe we will see the super shorty form factor make a return and allow for changes in chassis packaging and lower car weights.

Was just interested in getting a conversation going about this and seeing what other people may think.

https://www.google.com/search?q=soli...hrome&ie=UTF-8

Yeah, that's what a Google search says, but this is a technology that is being developed quickly by many different teams, universities, companies, and governments. There are breakthroughs in this tech frequently.

https://seas.harvard.edu/news/2024/0...ousands-cycles

I would be surprised if RC would be an early adopter for this tech. I see the potential for better, smaller, safer batteries being good for everyone. I just think RC applications will take a while to manifest.

although not solid state I am interested in the new cell molicell are releasing.

I want to make a long inline 2 cell 2s pack but a side by side would make a shorty with only 140/150 grams and a bit narrower than a traditional shorty an 16mm shorter. @ 4800-5000mah. if you had a chassis with cell slots like the good old days could be 3mm lower too.

https://eu.nkon.nl/molicel-inr21700-...00mah-50a.html

I had the idea of trying to use those style round cell batteries that are commonly available but the listed max discharge always seems really low compared to the 100C+ on rc batteries. I know C rating isn't the best rating system but that one you linked states 50A discharge which would only be 10C. I think the flat pouch style cells just outperform round cells in that regard like the new powerstack and forge batteries being released by dewalt and milwuakee.

I also had the thought of trying to set up a pack of super capacitors to run a car since they'd be ultra low resistance and possibly lighter weight but I'm not sure how large they'd need to be to actually last for a whole race distance

If the rc industry wanted safety over performance we would still have Kokam as a battery option…….IMO

For some reason RC cars are always late to the party with new tech. Airplanes had brushless and lipo a while before cars. Nowadays drones have some pretty impressive tech that I'm not sure we'll see anytime soon on cars.

Or we'd just use LiFe cells instead.

I’d be very wary of believe those ratings on rc soft cell packs. They are massively optimistic. Not industry proven or certified etc. the 60 amp molicell is for continuous discharge so I think they may have more punch than good soft cells, I’d believe this rating to much more realistic than Over hyped rc stuff. The fastest full size cars all seem to be using cyclical cells.