What is the advantage of Lithium Polymer over Lithium Ion or Ni-Cads?
The biggest advantage is weight. Each Li-Po cell is 3.7 volts and encased in a lightweight polymer. In comparison, a Ni-Cad cell is 1.2 volts and encased in metal. (A lithium ion is 3.3 – 3.6 volts and encased in metal). In order to run the same voltage as a Li-Po cell, you would need approx 3 Ni-Cads or over one lithium ion cell. Because of the metal cases, this translates into more weight. Another advantage over Ni-Cads is the ability to partially discharge your Li-Po without retaining memory. Ni-Cads must be cycled in order to retain their capacity.
