SkyRC e3S 20W 2S and 3S lithium balance charger

The e3S Adds Storage Mode. Its Fixed Current Is the Catch

Quick Answer

The SkyRC e3S is the better buy for most suitable 2S and 3S packs because it adds LiHV and LiFe charging, LiPo/LiHV storage mode and nearly twice the e3’s rated power. The catch is its non-adjustable current: 2.20A on 2S and 1.60A on 3S, which can be too high for smaller batteries.

What the e3S Actually Changes

The original SkyRC e3 V2, now marked discontinued by SkyRC, is deliberately basic: 2S or 3S LiPo only, 11W circuit power and up to 1.2A charge current. It starts after detecting the pack and uses one LED per cell. There is no chemistry selector, adjustable current or storage function.

The new SkyRC e3S 20W balance charger expands that narrow job. It supports 2S and 3S LiPo, LiHV and LiFe packs, has 300mA maximum balancing current, and adds a storage mode for LiPo and LiHV. At 92 × 58 × 36mm and approximately 104g, it is only slightly larger than the e3’s listed 88 × 57 × 35mm and 103g.

SkyRC e3S 20W charger showing its mode controls and 2S and 3S balance ports
The e3S adds selectable chemistry and working modes, but still charges through the balance lead only.

That makes the e3S our default of the two, not a universal recommendation. Neither charger handles 1S or 4S–6S packs, neither provides an adjustable current, and both accept one battery at a time. SkyRC explicitly warns that connecting the e3S’s 2S and 3S ports together may damage it.

The Fixed-Current Trap

The headline 20W rating hides the decision that matters. The e3S charges 2S packs at 2.20A and 3S packs at 1.60A, both fixed with a ±10% tolerance. A battery whose maker permits a 1C charge would therefore need at least 2200mAh on 2S or 1600mAh on 3S to stay at or below 1C. That is an example, not permission to ignore the pack label: always follow the battery manufacturer’s stated limit.

This is why we would not pair the e3S blindly with a small micro-drone pack. The older e3’s lower 1.2A maximum may suit some smaller LiPo packs better, but it is still not adjustable. For mixed capacities or 1S/4S/6S fleets, skip both and choose an adjustable charger from our charger collection.

SkyRC e3 V2 LiPo balance charger with three cell-status LEDs
The older e3 is slower and LiPo-only, but its simpler 1.2A maximum remains relevant when pack current matters more than features.

Storage Mode Is Useful, Not Fast

Storage mode is the strongest reason to choose the e3S. It can charge or discharge LiPo and LiHV packs towards storage state, with yellow LEDs distinguishing the process from normal charging. LiFe is supported for charging but not storage mode.

The discharge side is rated at only 2W, so bringing a full pack down will be slow. Treat it as a maintenance feature rather than a rapid discharger. For the wider fire-safe routine—inspection, supervision, non-flammable placement and what to do with damaged packs—use our LiPo charging safety guide.

What We’d Actually Buy

For a bench dedicated to compatible 2S or 3S packs large enough for its fixed current, we would buy the e3S. It handles three lithium chemistries, adds storage mode and keeps mains charging simple. We would consider remaining e3 V2 stock only when LiPo-only operation and the lower charge current better match the exact pack; otherwise an adjustable charger is the safer long-term purchase.

FAQ

Q: Can the SkyRC e3S charge two batteries together?

A: No. Connect one 2S or one 3S battery. SkyRC warns that using both balance ports simultaneously may damage the charger.

Q: Does the e3S charge through an XT30 or XT60 lead?

A: No. It charges supported packs through their balance connector, so the plug, chemistry, cell count and permitted current must all match.

Q: Does e3S storage mode support LiFe?

A: No. SkyRC lists storage mode for LiPo and LiHV only, although LiFe is supported for normal charging.

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