BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 5 Dash Cam Battery Pack - Test & Review PP

[Chuck McCoy]

Test unit provided by @BlackboxMyCar thank you very much Broseph.
Blah, blah, blah, skip to the bottom for Specifications & Unboxing Video.

This is the 5th Dash Cam Battery Pack I’ve tested.
Oct 2022 BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 (EGEN Korea) BBMC PC8 TEST & REVIEW
Dec 2022 BlackVue B-130X (EGEN Korea) BLACKVUE B-130X TEST & REVIEW
Sep 2023 Thinkware BAB-95 (EGEN Korea) not tested
Sep 2024 70mai BL96NNX (70mai China) 70mai BL96NNX TEST & REVIEW
Nov 2025 VIOFO BP100 (Viofo China) VIOFO BP100 TEST & REVIEW
Mar 2026 BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 5 (EnergyWell China)
Jun 2026 Vantrue Power D1 (Vantrue China)

I’ve been following the “global” release of @Energywell Dash Cam Battery Packs since November 2024, and they’re finally available for sale in USA through www.blackboxmycar.com
BBMC PC5 interests me because it does 3 things no other dash cam battery pack currently does;

1.) SMALL SIZE (half size of BBMC PC8, should fit anywhere)

2.) Type-C INPUT CHARGING:
For the first time ever, customers can charge their dash cam battery pack with a laptop / smartphone charger they already own, instead of having to buy yet another "expensive single-use device” like an AC/DC Power Inverter;
https://www.blackboxmycar.com/products/blackboxmycar-power-inverter
The number one question I see from first time dash cam battery pack customers is;
“How do I charge the battery pack if I don’t drive long enough, or often enough?”
EXAMPLE #1: “My commute is only 5 Minutes long”
EXAMPLE #2: “I work from home, I only drive my car once a week”

3.) AUXILIARY CHARGING INPUT:
In addition to traditional hardwire configuration, BBMC PC5 has a second auxiliary HIGH AMPERAGE CHARGING INPUT.
This opens the door for Solar & Power Station Charging.
Location & weather permitting, this means the dash cam battery pack can remain fully charged at 100% during the day, and only begin to discharge when the sun goes down.
This should extend parking mode operation run time.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Official Release Date: December 15, 2025
Official Release Date Amazon US: TBA
MSRP: $200 USD (3/27/26) https://www.blackboxmycar.com/products/blackboxmycar-powercell-5-dash-cam-battery-pack
User Manual: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...Car_-_PowerCell_5_-_Manual_1.pdf?v=1758557058
Capacity: 51.2Wh
Battery Chemistry: LiFePO4
Cell Configuration: 4 Cell
FCC ID: TBA
12V & 24V Support: 12V Only, (does not support 24V heavy duty commercial vehicles)
Charge Time: (33 Minutes) 8 Amp HIGH
Charge Time: (65 Minutes) 4 Amp LOW
Charge Time: (69 Minutes) 45 Watt USB Type-C
Dimensions: 160mm x 87mm x 38mm (6.25” x 3.5” x 1.5”)
Weight: 0.75 kg (1.65 lbs.)
Warranty Period: 1 Year
USA Warranty Shipping Address: US Domestic Address (not China)
Operating Temperature: -10°C - 60°C (14ºF - 140ºF)
Operating Temperature Charging: 0°C - 45°C (32°F - 113°F)
CLA Charge Cable: 12V/10A Male Barrel Connector 5.5mm x 2.1mm
Hardwire Charge Cable: Molex 8-Pin Double Row
USB-A (2) OUTPUT (15W Max) 5V/3A
USB-C (1) INPUT / OUTPUT (45W Max) 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/2.25A
LCD Screen Display: 1.65"
Shutdown Timer: 1-24 Hours
Speaker: Yes (audible beep notifications)
Bluetooth: N/A
Smartphone App: N/A
Firmware Updates: Not Supported
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer: @Energywell

Unboxing & First Look Video;

Next post should be Q&A
-Chuck

 

[Chuck McCoy]

PC5 - Q&A

Q: Does PC5 work with all brands of dash cams?
A: PC5 is fully universal, and works with any dash cam.

Q: Why buy PC5 (51.2Wh) for $240, when I can get a Power Bank (100Wh) for $20?
A:
More Safe = LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate)
Less Safe = Li-ion (lithium-ion) & Li-Po (lithium polymer)

Q: Why buy PC5 (51.2Wh) for $240, when I can get a LiFePO4 Power Sation (245Wh) for $180, (5x more capacity & $60 less)?
A: Convenience, (3-wire ACC / ignition trigger for parking mode)

Q: Where is PC5 shipped from?
A: USA customer orders are shipped from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Q: Warranty / Return Shipping: Do I have to ship it back to Canada / Korea / China?
A: USA customer warranty / return shipping address is a US domestic address, (Dover, Delaware).

Q: How do I fully charge PC5 if I don’t drive long, or often enough?
EXAMPLE #1: “My commute is only 5 Minutes long”
EXAMPLE #2: “I work from home, I only drive my car once a week”
A: PC5 can be fully charged with any power brick / laptop charger.
PC5 is PD 3.0 compliant, (45W MAX) 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/2.25A.

Q: What will happen if I charge PC5 with my 140W MacBook charger?
A: It will safely charge at 45W, (20V/2.25A).

Q: What is USB-C PD 3.0?
A: USB-C PD 3.0 Power Delivery is a fast charging protocol released around 2015 supporting up to 100W charging, (20V/5A).
Power negotiation between the device and the charger happens automatically in milliseconds, following strict safety rules defined by the USB Power Delivery standard;
1.) The charger advertises the power levels it can provide
2.) The device evaluates which options are safe and supported
3.) The device requests the specific power level it requires
4.) The charger confirms the request before increasing output
5.) Power delivery begins only after both sides agree on the limits

USB-C Power Delivery is designed to deliver fast charging when a battery is low, then slow output to protect long-term battery health.
As the battery fills, charging speed is reduced to minimize heat, and limit wear on internal components.
The charging curve typically looks like this;
1.) 0–50% Fast charging at the highest safe wattage
2.) 50–80% Moderated charging as the battery nears capacity
3.) 80–100% Slow, tightly controlled charging to protect battery chemistry

Common voltage, and amperage combinations used by PD chargers;
5V/3A 15W Accessories
9V/3A 27W Smartphones
12V/3A 36W Tablets, compact devices
15V/3A 45W Larger tablets, light laptops
20V/5A 100W Laptops and high-power devices

Q: Why is PC5 limited to only 45W MAX charging, (20V/2.25A)?
Why can’t PC5 take full advantage of PD 3.0 and charge at full power, 100W, (20V/5A)?
A: TBA

PD 3.0 source info: https://www.lockncharge.com/blog/industry-news/pd-charging-101

 

[Chuck McCoy]

How to configure HIGH / LOW charge speed configuration?
HIGH = 8 Amp (33 Minutes)
LOW = 4 Amp (65 Minutes)

 

[GPak]

An interesting, compact battery with a number of genuinely good features.
I am curious to know what grade of LFP cells they are using (automotive-grade? or something else?), since a charging current of 8A for a 4Ah battery corresponds to a charge rate of 2C - which is quite high for ordinary LFP cells.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Reply function not working.

@GPak said:
I am curious to know what grade of LFP cells they are using (automotive-grade? or something else?), since a charging current of 8A for a 4Ah battery corresponds to a charge rate of 2C - which is quite high for ordinary LFP cells.

Chuck said:
Yo GPak, I thought you’d never ask. lol
A little birdy told me all LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) cells in all Dash Cam Battery Packs are coming from the same handful of factories in China, (even Korean made units).

The BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 (2021), and BlackVue B-130X (2022) both made by EGEN Korea use (20) 18650 cells.
2024 the first Dash Cam Battery Pack made in China available for sale in USA, (70mai BL96NNX) used (8) 26650 cells.
2025 Viofo BP100 also uses 8 Cell configuration.

Here’s a photo of a cell I removed from one of my 70mai Dash Cam Battery Packs, (it was DOA, would not charge).
Instead of waiting 3-Days to ship it back to Hong Kong for diagnosis, they asked me to take some measurements, and photos of the guts.
Sure enough, there was a little black burn spot on the circuit board next to the input charging connector.
The cells were OK so I took it apart, and use the cells in my 26650 rechargeable flashlight. lol

Maybe I will try to take apart the PC5 to see what (4) cells are used without damaging it.
-Chuck

 

[GPak]

LFP battery cells can be produced at the same factories, but with different technical specifications.
Standard LFP batteries are able to handle charge rates of up to 1C (allowing them to reach full capacity in approximately one hour); however, when charged at a rate of 2C, they degrade significantly faster.
LFP batteries capable of withstanding a 2C charge rate (which allows them to reach full capacity in approximately 30 minutes) typically represent specialized designs in which the physical and chemical structures of the electrodes and electrolyte have been optimized to enhance conductivity and reduce internal resistance.
These are likely more expensive.
The ideal source of information would be the battery cell's datasheet; otherwise, BlackboxMyCar might be able to clarify this.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Reply function not working.

GPak said;
LFP battery cells can be produced at the same factories, but with different technical specifications.

Chuck said;
The same recurring specification I keep seeing with all these different Dash Cam Battery Packs is;
1.) Good for 2,000 full charge / full discharge cycles.
2.) 12 Month Warranty
3.) Viofo BP100 Warranty is 18 Months standard, 24 Months with registration, (website still needs to be updated).

VIOFO Warranty Policy — Coverage, Terms & Claim Process

Latest Update on January 1, 2025 From the date of purchase on, all cameras are covered by 18 months warranty, all accessories are covered by 12 months warranty. You could contact the store where place your order firstly, if they cannot help you out, then please contact us for further support...

www.viofo.com

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Official BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 5 Introduction Video;

 

[Hack_man]

Great unboxing video by @Chuck McCoy and his pointer stick.
A few comments:

1. I was surprised there was no demerit point stating the PC5 uses only a two wire input cable which requires a high current accessory fuse rather than a 3 wire input. High Current switched Accessory fuses are harder to find on new cars. I thought the trend on external dashcam batteries was for three wire input, like on the Viofo BP100.
2. Will the lower capacity (51.2 Wh) relative to the PC8's capacity of 96Wh result in half the expected lifetime of the battery pack since they are both good for the same 2000 charge/discharge cycles?
3. It's disappointing there is no phone app. I really like to remotely monitor the state of the battery. The LCD screen is nice but not easy to read in the car. I know they want to stay price competitive but a remote app is more useful than the display imo.
4. I find it interesting Viofo is making constant firmware updates to their BP100 battery pack using the remote phone app but Backboxmycar does not need to make those updates nor does it have the ability.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Reply function not working.

@Hack_man said;
1. I was surprised there was no demerit point stating the PC5 uses only a two wire input cable which requires a high current accessory fuse rather than a 3 wire input. High Current switched Accessory fuses are harder to find on new cars. I thought the trend on external dashcam batteries was for three wire input, like on the Viofo BP100.
Chuck said;
You are correct.
I purposely failed to mention 2-Wire Input Charge Configuration for two reasons;

1.) I don’t think it’s going to be an issue on PC5 because the “half-size” capacity of 51.2Wh can be fully charged using the LOW setting, (4 Amps) with CLA power cable, (claimed 65 Minutes).
But, I’m also hearing newer cars are not coming equipped with 12V CLA Power Ports anymore, and are being replaced with USB Type-C Power Ports.
Well the PC5 can be fully charged with USB Type-C 45W PD, (approximately 69 Minutes).
This means “complicated hardwire installation” might be replaced with a Plug & Play Type-C connection.

2.) I didn’t want to get “too technical” with a simple unboxing video.
My main focus was to highlight 3 unique things PC5 does, that no other dash cam battery pack can do;
a.) SMALL SIZE (half size of BBMC PC8)
b.) Type-C INPUT CHARGING:
c.) AUXILIARY CHARGING INPUT:

3-Wire Input Charge Configuration will be #1 on my Improvement Wishlist, after I’ve gotten fully intimate with this device, and she’s given up all her secrets.

Hack_man said;
2. Will the lower capacity (51.2 Wh) relative to the PC8's capacity of 96Wh result in half the expected lifetime of the battery pack since they are both good for the same 2000 charge/discharge cycles?
Chuck said;
I don’t know.

Hack_man said;
3. It's disappointing there is no phone app. I really like to remotely monitor the state of the battery. The LCD screen is nice but not easy to read in the car. I know they want to stay price competitive but a remote app is more useful than the display imo.
Chuck said;
You are correct.
I think one of the most important pieces of info the APP can report is POWER CONSUMPTION.
Customers always asking;
“hOw LoNg WilL tHiS bAtTeRy LaSt WiTh My DaSh CaM?”
If we can see the power consumption, (Wattage) we can easily calculate parking mode operation run time.

Hack_man said;
4. I find it interesting Viofo is making constant firmware updates to their BP100 battery pack using the remote phone app but Backboxmycar does not need to make those updates nor does it have the ability.
Chuck said;
The PC8 has the ability for firmware updates.
However, it requires shipping your unit back to BBMC.
Viofo have mastered the art of rush to market “finished hardware with unfinished firmware”. lol

 

[Chuck McCoy]

@GPak
I tried to take a peek, but this was all I could find.

HLD 26650 4S1P
12.8V 4000mAh 51.2Wh
2025-05-30

The only thing I’m not familiar is HLD.
26650 = Cell Size
4S1P = Cell Configuration
HLD = ???

 

[GPak]

Thank

@GPak
I tried to take a peek, but this was all I could find.

HLD 26650 4S1P
12.8V 4000mAh 51.2Wh
2025-05-30

The only thing I’m not familiar is HLD.
26650 = Cell Size
4S1P = Cell Configuration
HLD = ???

This is good enough info! Thank You, @Chuck McCoy
This confirms my assumption regarding the high-quality of the battery!
=
The HLD designation typically indicates a High Load/High Density classification.
Generally, these are very high-quality LFP cells characterized by minimal internal resistance and other structural improvements, making them suitable for use in Electric vehicles.
These cells are capable of charging and discharging at rates higher than standard, which explains 2C charge rating! (about 30 min for a full charge)
The other advantages may include (but are not limited to): - Longer life cycles, wider operating temperature range, low self-discharge, deeper DoD (Depth of Discharge) without compromising cycle life, etc.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

BlackboxMyCar just lowered the price of PowerCell 5 from $240 down to $200.
Not sure if that's "permanent" pricing, or a sale.
Either way, dash cam battery pack competition is heating up, that means customers win.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Low Temperature Charge Protection - Type-C Input 45W

Q: What is LTCP (Low Temperature Charge Protection), and why is it important?
A: LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries must never be charged below freezing 32℉ (0℃), otherwise irreparable damage will occur.
All Dash Cam Battery Pack’s BMS, (battery management system) have several built-in protections, one of them is LTCP.

Q: What if PC5’s temperature is below freezing, and I start my engine, will my dash cam power up, and begin recording?
A: All Dash Cam Battery Packs have Pass-Through Charging, this means when charging power is applied it will "immediately" provide power to the dash cam to boot up, and begin recording.
However, the BMS will prevent charging until it has “warmed up” to Charging Operating Temperature.

14ºF - 140ºF (-10°C - 60°C): Operating Temperature DISCHARGING
32°F - 113°F (0°C - 45°C): Operating Temperature CHARGING

Test Preparation:
1.) Fully Discharged PC5
2.) Placed PC5 in chest freezer for 3 hours at -6°F (-21°C)
3.) After 3 hours PC5 temperature approximately 22℉ (-6℃)

Next LTCP test will be Hardwire, and CLA Input Charging, (14.2V / 8A HIGH = 113 Watts).

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Low Temperature Charge Protection - Hardwire & CLA 8 Amp HIGH

Q: What is LTCP (Low Temperature Charge Protection), and why is it important?
A: LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries must never be charged below freezing 32℉ (0℃), otherwise irreparable damage will occur.
All Dash Cam Battery Pack’s BMS, (battery management system) have several built-in protections, one of them is LTCP.

Q: What if PC5’s temperature is below freezing, and I start my engine, will my dash cam power up, and begin recording?
A: All Dash Cam Battery Packs have Pass-Through Charging, this means when charging power is applied it will "immediately" provide power to the dash cam to boot up, and begin recording.
However, the BMS will prevent charging until it has “warmed up” to Charging Operating Temperature.

14ºF - 140ºF (-10°C - 60°C): Operating Temperature DISCHARGING
32°F - 113°F (0°C - 45°C): Operating Temperature CHARGING

Test Preparation:
1.) Fully Discharged PC5
2.) Placed PC5 in chest freezer for 3 hours at -6°F (-21°C)
3.) After 3 hours PC5 temperature approximately 26℉ (-3℃)

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Q: PC5 specifications say charge time is;
33 Minutes (100% charge, 8A)
65 Minutes (100% charge, 4A)
Are those figures with dashcam connected & recording, or no load?
What is charge time using PC5’s Type-C 45W Input?

A: Usually “most” Dash Cam Battery Packs offer two methods of charging;
HIGH Amperage: Hardwire
LOW Amperage: CLA (cigar lighter adapter)
PC5 has five methods of charging, (times based on actual testing);

33 Minutes (No Load) HIGH 8A Hardwire
33 Minutes (No Load) HIGH 8A CLA
65 Minutes (No Load) LOW 4A Hardwire
65 Minutes (No Load) LOW 4A CLA
69 Minutes (No Load) Type-C 45W

50 Minutes (6.8W Load) HIGH 8A Hardwire
50 Minutes (6.8W Load) HIGH 8A CLA
91 Minutes (6.8W Load) LOW 4A Hardwire
91 Minutes (6.8W Load) LOW 4A CLA
90 Minutes (6.8W Load) Type-C 45W

Q: How much is 6.8 Watts?
How many Watts is my dash cam?
A: 6.8 Watts is approximate power consumption of VIOFO A329S 3-CH.
3 Watts is approximate power consumption of VIOFO A119M Pro 1-CH.

Q: Did you connect an actual dashcam to PC5 to obtaining these measurements?
A: I use a 3157 automotive light bulb as a representative load for all my dash cam battery pack testing.
I started out taking measurements with a dashcam in parking mode, but quickly learned this introduced multiple variables producing inconsistent results.
A light bulb offers less variables, and repeatable results, (had a bunch of bulbs handy).

Q: How do you monitor these charge / discharge cycles?
Do you sit there and watch?
A: I use a security camera to “watch” the light bulb & power supply, and then scroll through the footage to get the test results.