ESC Handle LiFePO4 Batteries?

Hey I have noticed that a lot of brushless motor ESCs state that they can handle LiPo and NiMH batteries, but do not mention LiFePO4 batteries. For example http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7189&Product_Name=Turnigy_Brushless_ESC_18A_w/_Reverse_programm.

Does this mean that they can not handle LiFePO4 batteries? If they actually can then how many cells can they handle? Would it be the same amount of cells that it can handle for LiPos? If anyone can answer any of these questions it would help me out a lot.

Thanks!

Many ESC will handle LiFePo4 but you need high C rate cells such as what Cell_Man offers...

Where a single 5AH 12S (50v hot) can manage a load of 100A (assuming 20C) for the entire discharge cycle (about 7 min at that rate) most LiFePo4 "packs" at least here are 2.5C and 10-20AH so 25-50A maximum before the internal BMS will hit.

The nominal voltage of LiFePo4 is 3.3v and the full charged voltage is 3.6v per cell, Lipo is 3.7 nominal and 4.2 off the charger...

Provided your LiFePo4 will handle the current your ESC and motor will require it will be fine.

Hope it helps!
-Mike

Yes, ESCs will handle lifepo4. The question is, will your lifepo4 handle the ESC? If not, then you need to get something to current limit the battery.