Brushless vs Brushed Motors

Brushless vs Brushed RC motors - Explained.

When it comes to RC (radio-controlled) cars, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right motor for your vehicle. The two main options are brushless and brushed motors, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we'll explore the differences between brushless and brushed RC car motors so you can make an informed decision when building or upgrading your RC car.

Brushed motors are the more traditional of the two options, and they have been around for decades. They are simple in design and relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which makes them a popular choice for entry-level RC cars. In a brushed motor, the rotor (the moving part of the motor) is connected to the armature (the winding of the motor), which is powered by the battery. The commutator (a rotating switch that controls the power to the armature) and the brushes (small carbon blocks that transfer power to the commutator) complete the circuit and allow the motor to rotate.

Brushless motors, on the other hand, are a more recent development and are becoming increasingly popular in the RC car world. Instead of a commutator and brushes, brushless motors use electronic controllers to control the power to the motor. This results in a number of advantages over brushed motors, including higher efficiency, longer lifespan, and more power. Brushless motors can also be made smaller and lighter, which makes them an excellent choice for high-performance RC cars.

One of the main advantages of brushless motors is their efficiency. Because there are no brushes to wear out or create friction, brushless motors are able to convert more of the battery's energy into power for the motor. This results in longer run times and higher top speeds. Brushless motors also tend to last longer than brushed motors because they have fewer moving parts that can wear out.

Another advantage of brushless motors is their power. Because they are able to convert more of the battery's energy into power for the motor, brushless motors can produce more power than brushed motors of the same size. This makes them an excellent choice for high-performance RC cars.

However, brushless motors are typically more expensive than brushed motors, and their electronic controllers can be more complex to set up and use. They also require a specific type of battery, often called a Lipo (Lithium Polymer) battery.

In conclusion, both brushed and brushless motors have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for your RC car will depend on your budget and the type of performance you're looking for. Brushed motors are a great choice for entry-level RC cars and those on a budget, while brushless motors are the best choice for high-performance RC cars and those who want longer run times and higher top speeds.

Why not give us a call here at Techtonic Hobbies and chat through your options with us?

Until next time... RC On!!