A spray drone runs on a large swappable lithium-ion battery that lasts only about 7 minutes at full load, so you need several packs and a fast charger or generator to keep it flying. DJI's Agras T50 battery holds 30 Ah (1,567 Wh) and fast-charges in 9 to 12 minutes on DJI's D12000iE generator or C10000 charger. A practical setup is at least three batteries in rotation: one flying, one charging and one cooling.
How long a spray drone battery lasts
DJI's hover figures, measured at sea level in calm air:
| Drone | Battery | Empty | Full spray load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agras T25 | DB800, 15.5 Ah, 809 Wh | 14.5 min | 7 min |
| Agras T50 | DB1560, 30 Ah, 1,567 Wh | 16.5 min | 7 min |
| Agras T100 | DB2160 or DB2212, 41 Ah | n/a | 6.1 min at 149.9 kg (AU manual) |
DJI notes that real endurance is lower than these lab numbers. At full load a tank and a battery often run out at about the same time, so you can refill and swap in one stop.
Charging options
Generator. In the field, most operators charge from a DJI inverter generator:
- D6000i (T25): 4,500 W DC charging, 20 L fuel tank.
- D12000iE (T50): 9,000 W DC charging, 30 L tank, about 500 ml of fuel per kWh by DJI's figure. It also has an AC outlet.
- D14000iE (T100): 11,500 W DC charging, 30 L tank.
DJI says generators are sold only in some countries, so ask us what's available in the US.
Grid charger. The C10000 (T50) and C12000 (T100) chargers run on utility power. Check the input: DJI rates the C10000 at 9,000 W on 220 to 240 V, but only 3,000 W on 100 to 120 V, so a standard US outlet charges much slower. The C12000 reaches 12,000 W only on three-phase power.
Fast charging needs the right conditions
DJI's fast-charge times assume the right charger connection, sea-level conditions and battery cells within a set temperature range (15 to 70 °C for the T50). A pack that's too hot charges slower. The air-cooled heat sink DJI uses with its generators helps keep that cycle moving.
How many batteries do you need?
Work it out from your cycle time. If a flight plus refill takes about 10 minutes and a charge takes about 10 to 12 minutes, two packs barely keep up; three gives you slack for heat, a slow refill or a long ferry. Big days or hot weather often justify four. A second generator or charger is the other bottleneck to plan for.
Battery life and price
DJI warrants Agras batteries for 1,500 charge cycles or 12 months, whichever comes first. We quote batteries with the drone and charger or generator as one package, so the power side matches your acreage. Keep them clean and dry, and never charge one that is swollen or damaged. DJI's battery manual also covers what to do if a battery falls in water.
Watch the rules
Running a spray drone commercially takes Part 107, Part 137, an FAA exemption for 55 lb and up, and a state applicator license. See spray drone license, how many acres per hour and how spray drones work.
Contact us for a T25, T50 or T100 quote with batteries and power sized to your acreage.
Related guides
- How many acres per hour can a spray drone cover?
- How agricultural spray drones work
- Spray drone trailer setup: mixing, water and generators
- DJI Matrice 400 batteries: how many TB100s do you need?
- How much does a spray drone cost? DJI Agras prices
- How to get a spray drone license (Part 137 and state applicator license)
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