Overview
The Spektrum SPM 5000mAh 4S 14.8V SMART G2 50C IC5 LiPo battery represents the latest generation in intelligent battery technology for RC enthusiasts across the UK. Whether you're piloting high-performance RC cars, trucks, or other scale models, this sophisticated lithium polymer battery delivers the power and reliability demanded by serious RC hobbyists. The Smart G2 technology means your battery communicates directly with your Spektrum charger, making the entire charging and maintenance process simpler, safer, and more efficient than ever before.
Spektrum has engineered these G2 batteries to be exceptionally user-friendly whilst maintaining professional-grade performance. The integrated microchip in every battery stores crucial data about its health, charging history, and usage patterns, allowing you to make informed decisions about battery care and longevity. For UK RC enthusiasts looking for a ready to use LiPo that requires minimal fuss and maximum performance, the Smart G2 represents outstanding value and peace of mind.
With a powerful 50C continuous discharge rating, this 5000mAh capacity battery is ideal for high-demand applications requiring sustained performance. The hardcase construction protects your investment during transport and storage, whilst the innovative IC5 connector eliminates the need for separate balance leads—just one connection to your Smart charger is all you need to begin charging safely and efficiently.
Key Features
- 50C Continuous Discharge Rating — This impressive discharge capability delivers high performance and ensures the battery maintains consistent power output over extended use, making it suitable for competitive racing, aggressive bashing, and demanding flight applications where sustained high current draw is essential.
- Smart G2 Technology with IC5 Connector — The innovative single-connection design means all balancing information travels through the data wire of the IC5 connector, eliminating the need for a separate balance lead entirely. This simplification makes charging faster, safer, and more convenient than traditional multi-lead systems.
- 5000mAh Capacity at 14.8V (4S) — With four cells delivering 3.7V each, this configuration provides substantial energy storage in a relatively compact form factor, offering excellent runtime for most RC applications without excessive weight penalty.
- Integrated Memory Microchip — Each battery stores unique parameters including brand, type, capacity, C rating, cell voltage, temperature data, and complete charging cycle history. The battery also maintains an error log tracking over-heat, over-discharge, and over-charge incidents, helping you understand exactly how your battery has been used and treated.
- Auto Storage Discharge Function — Factory-programmed to automatically discharge to a safe storage voltage of 3.90V after 72 hours of inactivity, this feature dramatically extends battery lifespan and ensures you never return to a dangerously over-charged battery. The auto discharge rate reaches up to 1.5A, which is three times faster than previous generation G1 Smart batteries.
- Hardcase Protection — Unlike soft-case alternatives, the hardcase design safeguards your battery against physical damage during transport, storage, and rough landings, protecting the internal cells from punctures and impact-related failures.
- Thicker Internal Metal Side Plates — These reinforced internal structures improve heat dissipation during high-discharge-rate applications and provide additional protection for battery cells against mechanical damage during impacts or crashes.
- Automatic Charging Parameter Recognition — When connected to a compatible Spektrum Smart charger, the battery's unique charging parameters upload automatically from its memory microchip. You never need to manually set charging rates, cell count, or capacity—the charger configures itself intelligently.
- Customisable Charge Rate Memory — The battery remembers the last charge rate you set, so subsequent charging sessions automatically apply your preferred settings without requiring manual reconfiguration each time.
- IC5 and EC5 Connector Compatibility — The IC5 connector is backward compatible with EC5 style connectors, allowing you to use this Smart G2 battery with older systems whilst still enjoying all the advantages of Spektrum's newest technology.
- 5C Maximum Charge Rate — Supporting up to 5A charge current (equivalent to 1C rate for this 5000mAh capacity), this battery charges quickly and efficiently, minimising downtime between RC sessions.
- High-Quality Wire Gauge — The 10 AWG wire sizing ensures minimal voltage drop during high-discharge-rate applications, maintaining consistent power delivery to your RC model throughout the charge cycle.
Technical Performance
The Spektrum Smart G2 50C battery represents a significant engineering achievement in lithium polymer battery design for RC applications. With a nominal voltage of 14.8V across four cells and a capacity of 5000mAh, this battery delivers 74 watt hours of energy, suitable for powering substantial RC models requiring sustained high-performance output. The 50C continuous discharge rating means this battery can safely deliver 250 amps continuously (50 times its 5000mAh capacity), making it appropriate for brushless motor systems demanding serious current draw during acceleration, climbing, or high-speed running. The maximum burst discharge capability also reaches 50C, providing explosive power delivery when needed whilst maintaining cell stability and safety margins. Construction utilises proven LiPo (lithium polymer) chemistry with proven thermal management through the metal side plates, which actively improve heat dissipation during intensive use. The hardcase enclosure, measuring 138mm in length, 46mm in width, and 35mm in height, protects internal cells whilst keeping overall weight to 520 grams—a well-balanced proportion that doesn't excessively add mass to most RC models. The 10 AWG wire gauge ensures minimal resistance and voltage drop even during the highest discharge rates, maintaining stable power characteristics throughout the battery's discharge curve. The integrated protection circuitry includes over-charge and over-discharge safeguards, working in conjunction with your Spektrum Smart charger to ensure safe operation under all normal conditions.
What's in the Box
- Spektrum SPM 5000mAh 4S 14.8V SMART G2 50C hardcase LiPo battery with IC5 connector
- Integrated Smart G2 memory microchip with all charging parameters and battery health data pre-programmed
What You Need to Complete
- Spektrum Smart Charger (required—Smart G2 batteries can only be charged with compatible Smart chargers, not traditional multi-chemistry chargers)
- RC model compatible with 14.8V LiPo batteries and IC5 or EC5 connectors
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a special charger to use this Spektrum Smart G2 battery? — Yes, absolutely. Smart G2 batteries can only be charged using a compatible Spektrum Smart charger. The intelligent communication between the battery's microchip and the Smart charger is essential for safe, optimised charging. Traditional multi-chemistry chargers cannot access the battery's data and will not charge Smart G2 batteries properly. If you don't already own a Spektrum Smart charger, you'll need to purchase one separately to use this battery.
- What makes Smart G2 technology different from standard LiPo batteries? — Smart G2 batteries integrate an advanced microchip that stores and communicates your battery's unique parameters, charging history, and health status. When plugged into a Spektrum Smart charger, all charging settings configure automatically—you don't manually enter cell count, capacity, or charge rate. Additionally, the battery automatically discharges to a safe storage voltage after 72 hours of inactivity, dramatically extending lifespan and eliminating the need for manual storage discharge.
- Why do I need a balance lead if this battery has Smart technology? — You don't! That's one of the major advantages of Smart G2 technology. Balancing information travels through the single IC5 connector's data wire, eliminating the need for a separate balance lead entirely. This simplifies your charging setup, reduces connector clutter, and makes the entire process more user-friendly.
- Is this battery suitable for beginners in RC? — Smart G2 batteries are actually excellent for beginners because they remove much of the manual complexity from battery care. The automatic charging parameter recognition, auto storage discharge, and integrated safety features mean beginners don't need to understand complex charging protocols or worry about accidentally over-charging or storing batteries at unsafe voltages. However, you must have a Spektrum Smart charger, which adds to the initial investment.
- What is the difference between the 50C version and lower C-rated alternatives? — The C-rating indicates maximum discharge capability. A 50C battery can safely deliver 50 times its capacity in amps continuously—in this case, 250 amps. Lower C-rated batteries (such as 30C versions) can only deliver proportionally less current. If your RC model has a brushless motor drawing high current during acceleration or high-speed running, a 50C rating ensures the battery can safely deliver the required power without thermal stress or performance limitation.
- How long does this battery last on a single charge? — Runtime depends entirely on your RC model's motor, ESC programming, driving style, and load characteristics. A 5000mAh battery provides substantial capacity, but actual flight or run time could range from 15 to 45+ minutes depending on these variables. Heavier models, higher throttle settings, and climbing activities will consume the battery faster than smooth, level running at moderate speeds.
- Can I use this battery with non-Spektrum RC models? — Yes, provided your model features an IC5 or EC5 connector and is rated for 14.8V LiPo batteries. The Smart G2 battery's smart functionality requires a Spektrum Smart charger, but the battery itself works with any compatible RC model. However, you'll lose access to the intelligent charging features unless you use a Spektrum Smart charger.
- What does the 50C rating actually mean in practical terms? — The C-rating describes how many times the battery's capacity can be discharged per hour. A 50C rating on a 5000mAh battery means it can safely deliver 250 amps continuously without thermal stress. In practice, this supports powerful brushless motors requiring sustained high current draw, such as competition-grade racing setups or large-scale aerial platforms.
- How does the auto-storage discharge feature work? — After 72 hours without use, the battery automatically begins discharging to a safe storage voltage of 3.90V per cell. This prevents the battery from remaining in a fully charged state, which degrades lithium cells over time. The auto-discharge rate reaches 1.5A, completing the process relatively quickly. You can customise this setting through your Spektrum Smart charger if you prefer different storage parameters.
- What information does the integrated microchip store? — The Smart G2 microchip records battery brand, chemistry type, capacity rating, cell count, C rating, individual cell voltages, battery temperature during charging and discharge, total number of charge cycles, total number of discharge cycles, internal resistance, and a comprehensive error log tracking any over-charge, over-discharge, or over-temperature events. This data helps you understand exactly how the battery has been used and whether it remains suitable for demanding applications.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the SPM 5000mAh 4S 14.8V SMART G2 50C IC5 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.