Overview
The Spektrum SPM 5000mAh 6S 22.2V SMART G2 50C LiPo Battery with IC5 connector represents the latest generation in intelligent battery technology for RC enthusiasts across the UK. Whether you're piloting high-performance RC aircraft or driving competitive RC cars, this premium LiPo battery delivers the power and reliability you need for extended flight times and maximum performance. Spektrum's Smart G2 technology has revolutionised how RC pilots and drivers manage their batteries, eliminating the complexity and guesswork traditionally associated with LiPo battery charging and maintenance.
This 22.2V 6-cell LiPo battery is engineered for pilots and drivers who demand excellence from their equipment. The 5000mAh capacity provides substantial energy storage for extended operations, whilst the impressive 50C continuous discharge rating ensures that even the most demanding applications receive consistent, reliable power delivery. The Smart G2 50C rating means you can trust this battery to perform at the highest level, whether you're competing in races, executing aggressive aerobatic manoeuvres, or pushing your RC car to its limits on the track.
What truly sets this battery apart from conventional LiPo packs is the integrated Smart technology that transforms battery management from a tedious chore into an almost automatic process. Connected to any Spektrum Smart charger available in the UK market, this battery communicates its own charging parameters, health status, and performance data directly to your charger. This means no complicated manual setup, no confusion about charge rates, and no risk of damaging your investment through improper handling.
Key Features
- Smart G2 Intelligent Technology — The integrated microchip in this battery stores and transmits critical information including battery capacity, cell count, C rating, charge cycles, temperature data, and a comprehensive error log tracking over-heat, over-discharge, and over-charge incidents. This data helps you make informed decisions about battery health and suitability for your application.
- 50C Continuous Discharge Rating — Delivering exceptional power output for high-performance RC applications, the 50C rating provides the sustained current delivery needed for competitive flying or driving without voltage sag. This rating ensures longevity and consistent performance across the entire flight or drive session.
- IC5 Connector with Single-Wire Balance Charging — The innovative IC5 connector design eliminates the need for a separate balance lead entirely. All balance charging information travels through a single data wire integrated into the connector, simplifying setup and reducing connection complexity. The IC5 connector also maintains backwards compatibility with EC5 style connectors, ensuring compatibility with existing equipment.
- Automatic Smart Storage Discharge — Factory-programmed to automatically discharge to a safe storage voltage of 3.90V after 72 hours of inactivity, this battery practically maintains itself. The storage discharge rate is three times faster than previous-generation Smart G1 batteries, meaning your battery reaches safe storage condition more quickly. You can customise these auto-discharge settings based on your personal preferences through your Smart charger.
- Thicker Internal Metal Side Plates — These reinforced internal structures provide superior heat dissipation during high-drain operations and offer enhanced mechanical protection against cell puncture during rough landings or impact-prone situations, extending the working life of the battery.
- 22.2V Nominal Voltage (6S LiPo) — The 6-cell configuration delivers 22.2V nominal voltage, making this battery ideal for a wide range of RC aircraft and high-performance RC vehicles that require substantial power.
- 5000mAh Capacity — The substantial 5000mAh capacity ensures extended runtime for both aerial and ground-based applications, reducing the need for frequent battery swaps during your RC sessions.
- Soft Case Construction — The soft-case design balances protection with weight efficiency, providing durability whilst keeping overall battery weight reasonable for RC applications where every gram matters.
- Maximum Burst Discharge Rate of 50C — Beyond the continuous 50C rating, this battery can handle peak discharge rates of 50C, delivering explosive power when needed for aggressive manoeuvres or rapid acceleration.
- 5C Maximum Charge Rate — The battery supports charging at up to 5C rate, enabling full recharge in approximately 12 minutes when using compatible Spektrum Smart chargers, minimising downtime between sessions.
- Smart Charger Required — This battery is specifically designed to work with Spektrum Smart chargers, which read and implement the battery's pre-programmed parameters automatically. This requirement ensures optimal charging profiles and safety protocols are always followed.
- Data-Rich Battery Logging — Every Smart G2 battery maintains detailed records of charge cycles, discharge cycles, temperature history, and internal resistance measurements, allowing you to track battery health and predict maintenance needs.
Technical Performance
The Spektrum Smart G2 50C LiPo battery represents the pinnacle of intelligent battery design for RC enthusiasts in the UK. At 111 watt-hours of energy capacity, this 22.2V 5000mAh pack delivers substantial power in a reasonably compact package measuring 144mm in length, 42mm in width, and 56mm in height. The battery weighs 770 grams (27.16 ounces), making it suitable for a wide range of RC applications where weight distribution and balance are important considerations. The 10 AWG wire gauge provides excellent current delivery capability whilst maintaining flexibility for installation in various RC platforms. With a continuous discharge rating of 50C, the battery can safely deliver 250 amps of continuous current (5000mAh × 50C), making it suitable for high-performance brushless motor systems and demanding aerobatic applications. The 50C burst rating means peak discharge can reach the same 250-amp level, perfect for aggressive manoeuvres that demand maximum power output. The 5C maximum charge rate allows for convenient rapid charging: at 4A standard charge current (1C rate), a full charge takes approximately 75 minutes, but at higher charge rates supported by compatible Smart chargers, this time can be significantly reduced. The automatic storage discharge function activates after 72 hours of inactivity, bringing the battery to the optimal 3.90V per cell storage voltage, which research shows extends overall battery lifespan and maintains performance characteristics better than storing fully charged packs. This engineering excellence ensures that whether you're storing your battery for winter months or between casual flying sessions, it remains in peak condition when you're ready to fly again.
What's in the Box
- SPM 5000mAh 6S 22.2V SMART G2 50C LiPo Battery with IC5 connector
What You Need to Complete
- Spektrum Smart Charger (required — this battery is specifically designed to work only with Spektrum Smart chargers)
- RC vehicle or aircraft with IC5-compatible connection (or EC5-compatible using the backwards-compatible connector)
- Power source for your Smart charger (AC mains power or compatible DC power supply)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a special charger for this Spektrum Smart G2 battery? — Yes, this battery requires a Spektrum Smart charger to function properly. The battery communicates directly with Smart chargers through the integrated microchip in the IC5 connector, automatically uploading its charging parameters and health information. This is not compatible with standard balance chargers or older charger models. The Smart charger requirement ensures your battery receives the optimal charging profile and that all safety features work correctly.
- Can I use this battery with my existing RC car or aircraft? — The IC5 connector is backwards compatible with EC5-style connectors, so if your RC vehicle has an EC5 connection, you can use this battery directly. However, you must have a Spektrum Smart charger to charge it. If your vehicle uses a different connector type (such as XT60, Deans, or other standards), you will need an appropriate adapter connector, though this is not ideal for long-term use due to potential connection resistance.
- What does the 50C rating mean and why is it important? — The C rating (discharge rating) is a measurement of how much current a battery can safely deliver. A 50C rating on a 5000mAh battery means it can safely deliver 250 amps of continuous current (5000mAh × 50C ÷ 1000 = 250A). This high rating makes the battery suitable for high-performance brushless motor systems, competitive racing applications, and demanding aerobatic flying. Lower-rated batteries would create voltage sag under such loads, reducing performance and potentially damaging the battery.
- How long will this battery keep me flying or driving? — Runtime depends on the power consumption of your specific RC vehicle or aircraft. The 5000mAh capacity and 22.2V voltage give you 111 watt-hours of total energy. A typical high-performance RC aircraft drawing 20 amps average current would provide approximately 15 minutes of flight time. RC cars with brushless motors might achieve 20-30 minutes of driving, depending on throttle use and terrain. These are estimates; actual runtime varies significantly based on your specific equipment and driving or flying style.
- Is this battery suitable for beginners? — This is a premium, high-performance battery designed for experienced pilots and drivers who understand LiPo battery safety and proper charging procedures. Beginners should consider whether they already own a Spektrum Smart charger and have experience with high-capacity LiPo batteries. The Smart G2 technology does simplify some aspects of battery management, but LiPo batteries in general require respect for safety protocols. If you're new to RC, consult with experienced enthusiasts or visit your local RC Model Shop in Walsall for guidance.
- How does the automatic storage discharge work? — After 72 hours of inactivity (measured from the last time the battery was used), the integrated Smart G2 microchip triggers an automatic slow discharge to bring the battery down to 3.90V per cell storage voltage. This process can draw up to 1.5A and is approximately three times faster than previous-generation Smart batteries. This prevents the battery from sitting at full charge for extended periods, which degrades LiPo cell chemistry and reduces overall battery lifespan. You can change this automatic discharge setting through your Spektrum Smart charger based on your preferences.
- What makes this G2 version better than older Smart G1 batteries? — Smart G2 batteries feature several improvements over the original Smart G1 design. The storage discharge rate is three times faster (up to 1.5A versus slower rates on G1), meaning your battery reaches safe storage voltage more quickly. The IC5 connector design provides a more solid connection with higher heat resistance and easier installation. G2 batteries include thicker internal metal side plates for improved heat dissipation and better protection against cell puncture. The data logging is more comprehensive, and the overall charging and balance technology is more refined and reliable.
- Can I charge this battery at home? — Yes, you can charge any Spektrum Smart G2 battery at home using a Spektrum Smart charger connected to standard AC mains power or an appropriate DC power supply. The charger handles all the technical details automatically once you plug in the battery. However, always follow proper LiPo battery safety protocols: charge in a safe location away from flammable materials, never leave a charging battery unattended, and use a LiPo charging bag or safe charging container as an additional safety measure.
- What is the warranty on this battery? — Warranty information should be confirmed with RC Model Shop, but Spektrum Smart batteries typically include a manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Damage caused by incorrect charging, over-discharging, physical damage, or improper storage is typically not covered. Keep your receipt and registration documents safe.
- How can I tell if my battery is healthy? — Connect your battery to your Spektrum Smart charger and review the logged data. The charger will display charge cycle count, temperature history, and any recorded error events such as over-temperature, over-discharge, or over-charge incidents. A healthy battery should show low error counts and stable performance across charge cycles. If you see excessive errors or rapidly rising internal resistance readings, the battery may be approaching the end of its useful life.
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 6S 22.2V SMART G2 50C IC5 battery 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.