voiture RC brushless

Brushless RC Car: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Power

📅 Updated and expanded on November 11, 2025

Take your RC car to the next level: When discussing performance in the world of electric RC, one word keeps coming up: Brushless . But what does it really mean? This comprehensive guide is here to explain everything. We'll demystify this technology, show you its overwhelming advantages over older brushed motors, and most importantly, teach you how to understand the three key criteria ( KV, Size, Sensor ) to choose the right motor or car. Get ready to unleash the power!

You've chosen your first car and now you're dreaming of more speed, more power? Or perhaps you're about to buy a model and wondering if the "brushless" option is really worth it? The answer is a resounding yes. Brushless isn't just an evolution; it's a revolution that has transformed electric RC modeling.

But how do you navigate between the different KV ratings, "sensored" or "sensorless" motors, and the different sizes? Follow this guide, and the world of brushless motors will hold no more secrets for you.

Off-road RC car with a transparent brushless motor

Why is Brushless Superior? The 5 Decisive Advantages

A conventional electric motor (also known as a brushed motor) operates with carbon brushes that constantly rub against the commutator, creating constant mechanical wear and significant energy loss. A brushless motor, on the other hand, has no internal mechanical contact. This complete absence of friction changes everything.

The 5 Advantages of Brushless Motors

  • ⚡ Superior Power and Speed: Thanks to an energy efficiency of 85-95% (compared to 75-80% for brushed motors), battery power is converted into pure speed. The result: explosive acceleration and top speeds up to twice that of a motor of equivalent size.
  • 🔧 Exceptional Lifespan and Reliability: With no brushes to wear out, a brushless motor can operate for over 100 hours without maintenance (compared to 20-30 hours for a brushed motor). It is virtually wear-free and requires minimal maintenance: occasional cleaning of the bearings and checking of the electrical connections.
  • 🔋 Substantially Improved Range: Thanks to their superior efficiency, brushless motors extend your battery life by 25 to 40% compared to an equivalent brushed system. This isn't a minor detail; it's a major advantage that transforms the riding experience.
  • 🌡️ Optimal Heat Dissipation: The frictionless design and improved electronic management allow for significantly more efficient heat dissipation. The result: consistent performance even during intense sessions and enhanced protection against overheating.
  • 🔇 Quieter Operation: The absence of mechanical friction makes brushless motors significantly quieter than brushed motors, for a more enjoyable driving experience.

Investment and Profitability: The True Cost of Brushless Technology

💰 Is brushless motors really worth the investment?

Initial cost: A brushless system (motor + ESC) is indeed 2 to 3 times more expensive to purchase than an equivalent brushed system:

  • Brushed system: €30-60
  • Brushless system: €80-180

Long-term cost: However, the exceptional durability of brushless motors quickly reverses this equation. Over a year of regular use, you will save:

  • Replacing the wiper blades: €15-30 saved (2-3 replacements avoided)
  • Reduced power consumption: 25-40% more range = fewer batteries needed
  • Reliability: Virtually no risk of mechanical failure

💡 Verdict: Over 12-18 months of regular use, the brushless becomes more cost-effective than the brushed while offering incomparable performance.

The 3 Technical Criteria to Master for Making the Right Choice

To choose a brushless motor or car, you need to understand three key indicators that will determine the performance of your machine.

1. The KV: The Speed ​​Indicator

KV (RPM per Volt) is the most important characteristic of a brushless motor. It indicates the number of revolutions per minute (RPM) the motor makes for each volt of voltage supplied by the battery. The higher the KV, the faster the motor spins and the higher the top speed. Conversely, a lower KV favors torque (acceleration and pulling force) and low-speed control.

Graph illustrating the impact of KV values ​​on the performance of a brushless motor

Selection Guide by KV

  • Low KV (1700-2200): Ideal for crawling, scaling, or beginners seeking maximum control. Offers high torque and excellent low-speed control, perfect for overcoming obstacles or climbing.
  • Medium KV (2200-3500): The most versatile choice for off-road (bashing) and monster trucks. An excellent balance between torque and top speed, suitable for all terrains.
  • High KV (3500-5000+): Reserved for pure speed on smooth tracks, racing buggies or very lightweight machines. Requires excellent driving skills and suitable terrain.

2. Engine Size: Power Indicator

The size of a brushless motor is usually indicated by a 4-digit number (example: 3652 or 3674). This code reveals two essential dimensions:

  • The first two numbers (36): stator diameter in millimeters
  • The last two digits (52): rotor length in millimeters

Golden rule: At equal KV, a longer motor will always have more torque and be more powerful because it contains more magnets and windings.

Technical illustration comparing a long brushless motor and a short brushless motor

Common Sizes and Applications

  • "Short" motors (e.g., 3650, 3652): Very responsive and lightweight, perfect for 1/10 buggies and racing vehicles requiring explosive acceleration.
  • "Medium" engines (e.g., 3660, 3665): Versatile, they are suitable for most off-road applications and offer a good power/weight compromise.
  • "Long" engines (e.g., 3670, 3674): More torque and raw power, ideal for Monster Trucks, Truggy and heavy vehicles that need strength to move their big wheels and overcome imposing obstacles.

3. "Sensored" or "Sensorless": The Accuracy Indicator

This technical distinction determines the motor control mode and directly influences accuracy at low speeds.

Sensored motor (with sensor): Has an additional sensor cable (usually 3 wires) that continuously communicates the exact position of the rotor to the controller (ESC). This information allows for ultra-precise control.

Sensorless motor: Operates without this additional cable. The ESC detects the rotor position indirectly via electrical feedback (back-EMF).

Comparison of an RC car with and without a brushless motor sensor cable
Criteria Sensored Sensorless
Low-speed control ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ultra-fluid) ⭐⭐⭐ (slight jolts)
Startup Gentle and progressive Possible "cogging"
Mid/high speed efficiency ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Robustness Fragile cable Very robust
Price Higher More affordable
Ideal application Circuit racing, crawling Bashing, leisure, speed runs

💡 Our advice: For beginners or recreational swimming (bashing), a sensorless model is the best choice. It's simpler, more robust, and less expensive. A sensored model is only necessary for track racing or extreme freestyle swimming where every millimeter of control counts.

Bonus: Many modern ESCs are "combo-ready," meaning they are compatible with both types of motors (sensored and sensorless). This flexibility allows you to easily upgrade your system in the future.

Our Recommendation: Which Brushless Car to Start With?

For a first brushless purchase, there's no need to aim for the most powerful motor on the market. A good RTR (Ready-to-Run) model with a medium-to-high KV sensorless motor is the perfect combination to discover the power of brushless motors without breaking the bank and with maximum reliability.

💡 The Perfect Example to Start With: WLtoys 124017 V2

The WLtoys 124017 V2 represents an excellent entry point into the world of brushless motors:

  • Motor: 2845 4300KV Brushless (high performance)
  • Speed: Up to 70-75 km/h under optimal conditions
  • Transmission: 4WD for maximum traction
  • Robustness: Reinforced chassis designed for bashing
  • Price: Approximately €140-160 all inclusive (RTR)

This is the ideal machine to immediately experience the brushless difference: explosive power, impressive speed, and proven reliability. Perfect for off-road use, gardening, or dirt roads.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brushless Motors

If I switch to brushless, do I need to change anything else?
Yes, absolutely. A brushless motor must be paired with a brushless ESC (controller) because the control system is completely different. Furthermore, to fully utilize its power, a LiPo battery is essential (NiMH batteries don't deliver enough current). The good news: most brushless RTR models already include all the necessary components. To learn everything about batteries, read our guide on LiPo batteries .
Is a brushless motor waterproof?
The water resistance of a brushless system depends on the specific model and its certification. Sensorless motors are generally more splash-resistant than brushed motors (due to the absence of exposed electrical contacts), but what truly determines the ability to operate in wet conditions is the certification of the ESC and receiver (IPX4 minimum recommended, IPX7 for immersion). Always check the manufacturer's specifications before operating in wet conditions, and always rinse with fresh water after exposure to salt water.
What maintenance is required for a brushless motor?
Maintenance for a brushless motor is minimal but not nonexistent. Every 20-30 hours of intensive use or after use in extreme conditions (mud, sand, water), we recommend: (1) Cleaning the exterior of the motor with a brush or compressed air to remove dust and debris, (2) Checking the electrical connections and tightening them if necessary, (3) Checking the condition of the bearings and lubricating them if you detect abnormal resistance. It's infinitely simpler than a brushed motor!
How can I increase the speed even more?
Once you've converted your ESC to brushless, you have several options to gain even more speed: (1) Modify the gear ratio by changing the pinion gear or spur gear (a larger pinion gear = more speed but less torque), (2) Upgrade to a LiPo battery with more cells if your ESC allows it (going from 2S to 3S increases speed by ~50%), (3) Optimize aerodynamics with a streamlined body and remove unnecessary accessories. Discover all the techniques in our complete guide on increasing speed .
Can I install a brushless motor on my brushed car?
In most cases, yes, but it requires a complete upgrade of the electronics. You will need to replace: (1) The brushed motor with a brushless one compatible with your scale (check the diameter and length), (2) The brushed ESC with a brushless ESC capable of handling the power, (3) Potentially switch to a LiPo battery if you are still using NiMH batteries. Total budget: €80-180 depending on the quality. Important: check that your chassis can handle the additional power (gears, transmission). For many entry-level models, it is often more cost-effective to buy a brushless RTR car directly.
What is the difference between a sensored and a sensorless ESC?
A "combo-ready" or "sensored-capable" ESC can work with both types of motors (sensored and sensorless), giving you complete flexibility. These ESCs have a connector for the sensor cable but function perfectly well without it. If you plan to progress towards racing or crawling, investing in a combo ESC is an excellent strategy to keep your options open without having to buy a complete new electronics system.

Ready to feel the power of Brushless?

Explore our collection of off-road remote-controlled cars already equipped with brushless technology, offering the best performance/price ratio on the market!

Discover the Brushless Models

🏁 Lost in your Choice?

Our complete guide helps you find the perfect RC car according to your budget and skill level. No more doubts, make the right choice the first time.

Consult the Buying Guide
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