Power Backup in Dashcams

Power Backup Technology in Dashcams: Supercapacitors vs Batteries

Dashcams use a small internal power reserve to safely finish saving a recording if external power is suddenly lost. This backup power is typically provided by either a supercapacitor or a lithium-polymer battery. A supercapacitor stores a small amount of energy that allows the dashcam to shut down properly and save the final video file when the vehicle is turned off or power is interrupted. Supercapacitors are highly resistant to heat and have a very long operating lifespan, which makes them the preferred choice in most modern dashcams, particularly for vehicles exposed to hot interior temperatures. Lithium-polymer batteries can perform the same shutdown function and may power the camera briefly without external power, but they are more sensitive to heat and tend to degrade faster over time. For this reason, most higher-end dashcams favour supercapacitor technology for improved reliability and durability.