Vape batteries power electric car: one man turns e-cig waste into roadworthy vehicle
A discarded vape battery could power an electric car. That’s the astonishing feat achieved by Chris Doel, a content creator who’s challenged our assumptions about e-waste. His experiment seeks to prove that lithium-ion batteries from disposable vapes retain enough charge for a second life.
From trash to triumph: doel’s innovative battery project
Doel meticulously collected around 500 disposable vapes, dismantling each one to extract the lithium-ion batteries. The process, which took weeks, involved manually disassembling the devices and carefully removing the batteries. Not all batteries were viable; those below 3 volts were discarded, ensuring only functional cells were integrated into the final power pack.
The core of the project was combining these individual batteries into a single power unit. Doel utilized 3D-printed modules to organize and connect the cells in parallel to boost capacity and in series to increase voltage. The result? A 50-volt battery pack with approximately 2.5 kWh of energy storage, complete with a battery management system (BMS) to prevent overcharging and safety features like fuses.
The testbed for this novel battery was a G-Wiz, a small British electric car originally powered by lead-acid batteries and a 48-volt system. The G-Wiz proved an ideal fit for the repurposed vape batteries. While not matching the performance of modern EVs, the experiment demonstrably proved the system’s functionality. The car can now move, albeit with limited speed, powered by a source of waste.
Usb-c charging: a portable powerhouse
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Doel’s project is its charging capability. He integrated electronics allowing the battery pack to be recharged via a standard USB-C port. This means the G-Wiz can be powered by a high-power USB-C charger, similar to those used for laptops. While slower than conventional EV charging, it effectively transforms the battery pack into a large, portable power source.
The project isn't about replacing car batteries; it’s a stark demonstration of the vast energy potential lost in single-use devices. Disposable vapes, a significant source of electronic waste, contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that often have ample energy remaining. Doel's work offers a tangible solution to repurpose this waste, transforming a problem into a resource.
The implications extend beyond small electric cars. The sheer volume of discarded vape batteries highlights a systemic issue of e-waste. The project underscores that even seemingly useless components hold untapped energy. This isn’t just about repurposing batteries; it's about redefining waste.
Doel's experiment isn’t a blueprint for mass production, but it’s a powerful statement: the energy we discard isn’t truly gone.
The project’s success lies not just in its engineering, but in its direct confrontation with consumer culture—a culture built on disposability. And that’s a reality we can no longer afford.